squid42

Does anybody know more details about the tiptronic as used in the 997 turbos?

Who makes it? Is it the same transmission as in the 997.1 non-turbo, and the turbo S? Does it lock up the torque converter in manual mode so that you have an acceptable connection between foot and wheels?

I am dreaming of getting a better deal if I am willing to accept tiptronic. Is that realistic or are there too many casual buyers out there who actually want it?

I don't have any to test drive near me, hence the questions. Thanks so much.

nzskater

It is a Mercedes 722.6 transmission. It is the same transmission as the 996 Turbo/Turbo S, but not the 997 (as the 997 Turbo S is PDK isn't it?).

It is a strong gearbox and was commonly used across a large range of vehicles outside of Porsche, so repairs and maintenance are relatively easy to get done.

It can have a minor leaking issue. It is easily repairable (aside from the fact you have to disconnect coolant pipes to get to it). http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...997-turbo.html

Igooz

If you want a manual then really take your time and buy a manual and quit messing around with a Tip and a year later you'll sell the car and take a "hit". I have seen it too often...

I did 6 years of (Chicago) commuting in my MT 2001 996TT, but in '06 I ordered my 2007 997TT I ordered Tip. It was fine for commuting in heavy traffic and it allowed my wife to drive it.

Tip is a torque convertor transmission and it is what it is...yeah, it locks-up in manual mode and it is not that bad. In manual mode it will still upshift at red line and it does not down shift as fast a PDK.

It is a very robust transmission and can handle a lot of power. But you will get abuse from the immature folks, they will look inside your car and you'll hear them "...oh, it is a Tip..." So toughen up!

I sold this car after ~8yrs. not because of Tip, but because it was not a MT...

Igooz

I think that it is made by ZF?

squid42

Hm, that's interesting that it is a Mercedes transmission. I always perceive Mercedes transmissions as not properly locking up, ever, even the new ones that have a manual mode in the 7-speed.

Having said that, I don't think I ever drove a 5-speed AMG which would be about equivalent.

Thanks! Bit less enthusiastic now.

32krazy!

fwiw paramount performance and southern hot rods build these transmissions to hold 1000 ft/lbs on a regular basis. same mercedes trans that mopar uses in its srt 300 cars. most just don't know were to go

nuclearfishin

Sort of, if in drive and you provide a manual shift, it will upshift off redline. However, in manual mode where you move the shifter to the left and drive, it will bounce off redline all day and not shift.

To the OP, I was specifically looking for a tip and I love it. I've had plenty of manuals but this one I knew I wanted for different track situations, and for me I knew I could go faster with the tip (both in a straight line and the curves). I don't care what people say about MT vs tip, get what you want to drive. I'd choose PDK if I could but am not sure what the max power is for that. BTW, I have an S class benz, not sure what tranny but the porsche shifts WAY better than the MB.

squid42

I did some digging and the riddle seems to be resolved. It looks like Mercedes started adding actual manual mode to some of their vehicles recently. However, it looks like the torque converter lockup is and has always been reserved for the AMG line.

Before they had their MCT thing (faster shifting torque converter automatic) they already had the lockup in the AMG line and not the normal cars.

So the manual mode thing is misleading. If you don't get an AMG you get no lockup and it'll blast right through whatever you think you are telling it with the gas pedal.

I am not sure how many variants with different torque ratings of the 5-speed were out there. They did power the 12-cylinder through it until very recently (I think even the turbo v12) so unless Porsche bought an economy version it seems to be doing well. Obviously they got the version with lockup.

4ocious

I traded from an 08 MB CLK63 AMG Black Series to an 07 TT with Tip. Big mistake, but oh well.

Prior to that I owned 6 AMGs all with automatics. I found the automatic was better mated to the hand-built AMG engines. I believe they are match tuned prior to leaving the factory. I modified my 07 TT and found the Tip to be less capable with increased horsepower and torque. For example, during performance driving I noticed my Tip had trouble with downshifts and I was actually wondering when it would, it was that noticeable. I know there are software modifications that correct the problem but I didn't do it.

For daily driving and normal sprints the Tip is fine. Mine also developed a seal leak which my extended warranty covered. It was expensive and OEM transmission fluid per quart is outrageous.

I also agree the PDK is much better than a Tip and would not hesitate to buy a Turbo S with one if I didn't have my 6MT which meets my current needs (although I'm following the 997.2 and 991 markets very closely)

roketman

Get a manual ! You will be glad you did!

Steven954

Nothing like letting go of the clutch and feeling that jerk.. Like the other gentleman mentioned, you will be mocked by car nuts for it being automatic. Be prepared... "oooo, its not stick"

nzskater

They'll also criticise you for writing emails instead of penned letters, and using a washing machine instead of hand washing your clothes. Sure, hand written letters evoke more emotion, but no one wants to hand write them every day.

TT-911

I agree, not buying because someone might say it's not the real thing or whatever is like buying a car to please someone else. Buy what you like !!

Fact is the tiptronic in the turbo is good. Lasts and lasts and very few problems.
As said before, MB made and plenty of specialists who know there way around the box in the event something would go wrong.

Also there are software updates that make the box spectacular in use if stock is not enough.

The manual will be more sought after in the future. Not because it's 'better' per se but because almost everything new is 'automatic' and therefore people will look for the 'unusual' which will be the 3 pedal cars. Of course also because the 997 turbo is the last manual. Also because 60 to 70% are automatics. Smaller pool = higher prices.

But that does not make the tip any less good.
I honestly do not know if the 'mezger factor' will make the tip collectable, time will tell.

thxbuff2001

I owned a Tip in a 997 C2S and there was reason I bought it, because its an automatic.

But what exactly is the difference in a PDK and a Tip. For me nothing. Lets not talk about the technicalities of a PDK and AUTO, thats not my point. If you want a manual, buy a 3 pedal.

squid42

I don't need the clutch. All I want is no unwanted shifts (obey to manual mode if rpms fit) and a strong connection between gas pedal and car response. Overall it sounds doable, although I will admit that I instantly got the eye where I heard "Mercedes".

I do not need the upgrade to the PDK. I don't have a use for the faster shifting and I didn't like the characteristics at low speed.

There are a couple verts for sale that are cheap, apparently for being auto. Maybe it works out. Until I want to resell of course Looks like winter season kicks in and the market is flooded.