Ok... simple question so I know what to expect when I test drive the 355 F1. Some context.... I just drove an absolutely gorgeous in every way 94 348. Perfect black paint, perfect everything, ~10K miles. I guess I did not expect two things and should have done more research, hence this post here as the two items bumped the 348 from my list to be replaced (maybe) by an F1 355. The two things were/are: a) power steering - this was just something I expected to being there - it was a 94. b) shifting - you had to have a ton of arm to shift. I expected shifting to be super sweet and smooth. Working through the gears you'd have thought you were lifting weights. I mention this to the gent and he says after a few days driving it that would melt away as you got used to the car. This may be true, but the mrs would have a fit trying to drive it. He also mentioned it was practically a new car, which I kind of agree with, and that the umph required to shift would subside over time. Hmmm. Ok. Time to do some more research and see how the 355 may fit the bill better. Currently I have two AMGs which are automatics and have the shifter which goes left to right to shift up or down. This means for the most part the transmission manages itself unless I want 'actively' manage it during playtime. If you launch from first gear and have the tranny in first, it will hold the gear until I decide it is time for second. You get the idea. Is what I have described above with the AMG transmission how an F1 transmission works? Is it an automatic which manages itself during daily driver time (shifting up smoothly by itself) AND allow for active management (I determine when to shift) for playtime? OR does it require active management the whole time meaning it is always waiting for input/action like a straight stick? I did try to search and found lots of interesting F1 info, however this specific topic I have not found. I am sure there are a few chuckles out there, but hey, if you don't know, ask. Thanks all.
he transmission is exactly the same as the manual version. The F1 system has a hydraulic pump and some acutator valves. The F1 computer actuates the valves to manipulate the clutch and to move the selector rods in the transmission on command from the fippy paddles. The computer performs the commands, the hydraulics do all the work.
It has several modes of operation, one being fully automatic where it will shift itself. I've never used it though so can't comment how well it works. It also has a sport mode and low friction modes. All modes except automatic require you to pull the up or down levers to shift when you want. One thing I really like about it is that it will shift for you if you get to the red line and "forget" to upshift, this has saved me a few times at the track.
Thanks. This is what I wanted to hear. Can you tell me if this is true for all years of the F1? I know it was introduced in 97, did it have these various modes from the beginning or should I be looking at a 99 for this feature? Also, one other question. Are the paddles attached the turning portion of the steering wheel - or are they attached to the steering column and thus do not move. Thanks.
From reading your first post, it sounds to me like you are looking for something that operates like the F430, with the refined F1 transmission in that car, and heavily power assisted steering. I think the 355 will possibly be a bit raw for your preferences as well. Even though the 355 does have power steering, I am going to guess that it has no where near as much power assist as you are use to with the AMG's (the only AMG i have as a reference is an SL55 AMG). I do not know that i would attempt to compare a newer model AMG transmission to a 90's era F1 transmission. If I remember correctly, these were some of the first cars to have the F1 transmission, so you will be going from a refined system in the AMG, to a raw first run design in the 355. I will say that i do not own a Fcar. I may very well be completely wrong with my above impression of the F355. However, would like to hear your impressions of the 355 when you find one to test drive.
The 355F1 is an electro-hydraulically activated "manual transmission" with a clutch. The AMG is an automatic transmission with a torque convertor that they add an up/down "tiptronic" type of operation. When you select a gear in the 355 it's instantaneous unlike a traditional automatic transmission with up/down levers. It's not humanly possible to shift faster with a clutch pedal. I wouldn't call the AMG more refined, I'd call it different. The 355F1 was directly derived from F1 racing and is a blast to drive at the track. You couldn't get the same experience from the automatic with levers.
