4-matic, Hydramatic with 3, Dynaflow with 2, or CVT with one. Why so many types of transmissions to do exactly the same task?

Asked by migration_judge_roy Feb 01, 2013 at 07:48 PM about the 2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 280 Sedan

Question type: Car Customization

Automatic transmissions are a bust.  The VW had the Automatic Stickshift, which was kind of an automatic, mercedes has the 4-matic, Hydramatic is the most common with 3, Buicks have only two speeds with dynaflow, and MINIS have the BMW creation the CVT, one speed (kinda).

The question is WHY? so many ways of making your ride even less reliable with MORE movng parts?

1 Answer

9,655

Automatic transmissions come in various types and are more of a way to take control away from the driver than anything else, it allows the most inept driver to be able to operate the vehicle and thus allowing the manufacturer to sell cars to people that are unable to apply brakes, use a clutch, change gears and steer the car at the same time when going through a tight turn. As for the CVT being a BMW creation?? I think not, it has its basis in the humble DAF variomatic, which was quite reliable and had the least number of moving parts of any transmission.

Best Answer Mark helpful

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Lorne Grandison
    Reputation
    12,510
  • #2
    zabi
    Reputation
    5,610
  • #3
    PPC123
    Reputation
    5,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
30 Great Deals out of 496 listings starting at $5,700
Used BMW 3 Series
71 Great Deals out of 1,176 listings starting at $1,995
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class
15 Great Deals out of 227 listings starting at $8,977
Used BMW M3
8 Great Deals out of 90 listings starting at $15,995
Used BMW 5 Series
19 Great Deals out of 321 listings starting at $4,500
Used Lexus IS
25 Great Deals out of 311 listings starting at $5,900
Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 1,060 listings starting at $15,871

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.