Mercedes Benz A140 Semi-Automatic clutch?

Gorgeous_George

Hi

What is the Mercedes Benz A140 Semi-Automatic clutch?

I'm looking for a car for an elderly chap. He needs an automatic because he is heavy on the clutch . How does the semi-automatic clutch work? Is it like my old Honda C90?



GG

daveyjp

Gears are changed either automatically manually by pushing the gearstick backwards or forwards, or sometimes using paddles on the steering wheel.

I have a similar system on my Audi.

Main advice is not to use the accelerator to hold the car on hills. It will burn the clutch out and it's not a cheap item to change.

vikingaero

Basically a motor replaces the clutch pedal. It's not a brilliant system and it's best to test drive one. Factor in the cost of the clutch and replacing the motor if it is a used car as they can fail at low mileages. If possible I would err towards a proper automatic.

If it is a used A Class I would seriously think about buying something else!

harveybobbles

The audi system is utter dire! CVT is useless! WE don't bother buying Audi's with this gearbox unless its the Quattro cos that has a conventional 'box!

The MB one will be the same, just a gimmick not made to last. Bit like the Saab Sensonic and the Clio Zoom...

nullogik

The thing about these semi-automatic clutches is that they are often more complicated than conventional clutches, and because they are still rare (ie. not many cars around that have these systems compared to traditional auto and manual) chances are that parts will be more costly. You'll need to take it to a dealer to get it fixed as independant lock ups are unlikely to have enough experience or the equipment to fix these problems.

Go for a traditional auto box.

kitchpoo

Nooo.....don't do it with a Merc A class!!

Our auto gear box went and it cost a mint to repair because of the location of the gearbox and the amount of man hours that went into getting to the gearbox let alone fixing it.

vikingaero

kitchpoo wrote: »

Nooo.....don't do it with a Merc A class!!

Our auto gear box went and it cost a mint to repair because of the location of the gearbox and the amount of man hours that went into getting to the gearbox let alone fixing it.

Please tell me that you didn't let the Merc dealer repair it?!:eek:

daveyjp

"The audi system is utter dire! CVT is useless!"

Agree CVT is useless, but CVT is completely different from auto clutch systems. Audi DSG is the best auto clutch system there is.

iluvmylexus

the a class semi automatic is probably the worst transmission ever put into a car, i dont know anybody that has had one that hasnt gone wrong. it costs a fortune to fix as the computer software is complicated and expensive
dont touch it with your worst enemies bargepole.
go for either a manual or a fully automatic model

harveybobbles

Did you get fixed up then with a decent car? There are lots of Corolla and Civic auto's out there...! Oldies tend to like the Jappy stuff too!