Sprintshift and comfortmatic?

Pudsey Bear

Pudsey Bear

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I would like to know who has/had one, how long they kept it and what sort of driving you did, IE mountanous or normal roads.
 
Dont know about those but our 07 Renault master has the 6 speed quickshift robot auto gearbox and it has been ( touchwood) faultless. Pleasure to drive too
 
Martin P said:
Dont know about those but our 07 Renault master has the 6 speed quickshift robot auto gearbox and it has been ( touchwood) faultless. Pleasure to drive too
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Likewise our 18 plate Master at 39k miles. The controlling software is very clever and Renault have been using this system across their range for many years now so one would hope it's reliable.
 
Had the comfortmatic in a big tag axle Dethleffs 9 years no problems done over 50k a bit sluggish between first and second gear pulling out at junction's but that was due to size weight and being front wheel drive. Once you learned its quirks like dropping a gear manually on approach to steep inclines it was fine.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
I would like to know who has/had one, how long they kept it and what sort of driving you did, IE mountanous or normal roads.
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Mine is the 6 speed Sprintshift with the 2.7 5 cylinder engine. Had it since Spring 2018 and it now has around 130k miles on it. I stay in the UK so mountains I have been up and down may not be what you expect. I go on all types of roads, asphalt, gravel, hard packed earth, grass but avoid places I may get stuck. Motorways, A roads right down to single track and byways/green lanes. From well over 70mph to 3mph on rough byways, you name it my van does it although it is not an off road vehicle and I don't use it as such apart from mild off road as listed above.

The engine and gearbox is one of the best I have had and bear in mind all my cars have been automatics since 1978 so I have had quite a few from torque convertors to CTX and everything in between.

Brilliant bit of kit in my opinion, one of the guys where I bought it from said it was the ambulance box and the one to get, I didn't know and still don't know what he meant really but it has certainly been good for me.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
Probably engineered to be more robust but also too expensive for a Motorhomes.
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mark61 said:
Pretty sure its just coding differences more suitable for an emergency vehicle.
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I think you MAY both be right.

This is from AI;

While the base gearboxes are often factory-standard, emergency vehicles often feature unique transmission calibrations. Many feature specialized "Eco" or "Power" modes designed to maximize torque for steep hills or provide incredibly smooth gear shifts to avoid jostling patients in the back. Additionally, heavy-duty transmissions are required to handle the immense weight of the installed medical equipment and heavy auxiliary batteries.
ambulance.nhs.wales +3
 
Robmac said:
I think you MAY both be right.

This is from AI;

While the base gearboxes are often factory-standard, emergency vehicles often feature unique transmission calibrations. Many feature specialized "Eco" or "Power" modes designed to maximize torque for steep hills or provide incredibly smooth gear shifts to avoid jostling patients in the back. Additionally, heavy-duty transmissions are required to handle the immense weight of the installed medical equipment and heavy auxiliary batteries.
ambulance.nhs.wales +3
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The last one I was in definitely had the motorhome box then ☹️
 
mark61 said:
I'm not necessarily buying the heavy duty transmission bit. :LOL: 😜

Lower axle/diff ratio, yes. Heavy duty box, no. :D

I don't know though, just gut feeling.
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I have the build card for my chases cab with all part numbers, doesn't mean much to me though lol

Some things mentioned on it;
Front axle with increased load capacity
Reinforced RA stabilisers under frame
Stabilisation adjust for chassis with camper body

It details diff ratios and build but I don't know what would be normal (if it isn't anyway).. Nothing mentioned for rear axle or gearbox that doesn't look standard to me. May mean more to you but only bits that may be different that I can see are the bits above.

It certainly doesn't need anything uprated though, this pulls like a train from standstill on the flat or inclines and just keeps going, (ask Charlie and Del) not had a motorhome stay with me on hills yet and that's without trying, it just doesn't really notice them. I know that the engine mainly but ratios in the gearbox seem spot on as well unlike Del and Charlies Fiats (manuals) that seemed to have wrong ratios and just dropped back. I think its 155bhp so would have been an extra 20 or so bhp on Del back then before his remap but I was running about a tonne more, Charlies was 180Bhp and could stay with me so that had to be gear ratios no?
 
I asked Mr Google.

sprint shift vs comfort matic reviews


Both the Mercedes-Benz Sprintshift and the Fiat Comfort-Matic are automated manual transmissions (AMTs) rather than traditional torque-converter automatics. Reviews indicate that while both offer a relaxed, clutch-less driving experience when working properly, they require specific driving styles and strict fluid maintenance to remain reliable. The Comfort-Matic generally receives better reviews for smoothness and refinement, whereas the older Sprintshift is frequently flagged for age-related component failures and higher repair costs. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]

Key Comparison Overview

Mercedes Sprintshift (2000–2006)Fiat Comfort-Matic (2007–2019)
Chassis Found On
Mercedes Sprinter / VW Crafter [1, 2]		Chassis Found On
Fiat Ducato / Peugeot Boxer / Citroën Relay [1, 2]
Basic Design
6-speed manual with hydraulic/electronic actuators [1]		Basic Design
6-speed manual with a hydraulic "mechatronic" unit [1, 2, 3]
Shift Quality
Notoriously hesitant; distinct "clunk" or pause between gears [1, 2]		Shift Quality
Smoother than Sprintshift, but still suffers from a 1st-to-2nd lag [, 2]
Hill Handling
Tends to shift late; requires manual overrides on steep inclines [1, 2]		Hill Handling
Includes an "Up" button for hill-climbing; smart hill-descent engine braking [1, 2]
Common Failure Points
Hydraulic pump leaks, blown sensors, relay/ECU glitches [1, 2]		Common Failure Points
Mechatronic unit failure, worn clutch plates from tight maneuvering [1, 2]
Mercedes Sprintshift: User Insights & Reviews
The Sprintshift was ahead of its time but is now an aging system. [1]

  • The Good: Drivers note that once the vehicle is up to cruising speeds, it delivers excellent fuel efficiency and can easily be manipulated into changing gears by lifting off the accelerator slightly.
  • The Bad: Reviewers frequently complain about slow off-the-mark performance and a jerky transition between 1st and 2nd gear. Tight maneuvering (e.g., reversing up a campsite incline) is clumsy and hard to control.
  • Reliability Note: Because these units are found in vehicles built between 2000 and 2006, parts can be exceptionally difficult to source. Minor electrical issues (such as a blown fuse or wheel speed sensor) can cause the gearbox to drop permanently into manual mode or fail entirely. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
Fiat Comfort-Matic: User Insights & Reviews
The Comfort-Matic is highly common on European motorhomes built up until Fiat transitioned to a full ZF 9-speed automatic in late 2019. [1]

  • The Good: Most owners praise the Comfort-Matic for being incredibly relaxing on long distances. It features intelligent software that drops a gear for engine braking the moment you tap the brake pedal on a descent.
  • The Bad: It exhibits a notable "hesitation" when slowing down for a roundabout and then accelerating away, as the computer struggles to decide between 1st and 2nd gear. It also keeps the clutch fully depressed when sitting stationary in neutral with the engine running, leading to premature wear if drivers don't use the handbrake.
  • Reliability Note: The hydraulic fluid used by the actuator is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture). If this fluid is not flushed every 2 years, the mechatronic robot unit can fail, resulting in repair bills ranging from £5,000 to £8,000. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Driving Strategies for Both Systems
To avoid the standard criticisms of these robotised manuals, experienced owners across forums like MotorhomeFun recommend two main habits: [1, 2]

  1. Anticipate Hills: Do not wait for the computer to realise the vehicle is losing speed on an incline. Use the manual "nudge" feature to drop a gear before the engine begins to strain.
  2. Be Patient at Junctions: Treat the accelerator deliberately. Stamping on the gas pedal confuses the actuators and results in an uncomfortable, delayed launch. [1, 2, 3]
If you are choosing between two used vehicles, a Comfort-Matic with a documented hydraulic service history is generally a safer, more modern choice than an older Sprintshift system. [1, 2]
 
How the Renault Version Compares
Renault’s equivalent automated manual is called the Quickshift (or Quickshift 6). [1, 2]
  • Performance: Very similar in mechanical function to the Fiat Comfort-matic, relying on software and sensors to manage the clutch pedal-free experience.
  • Reviews: Like the other two, user feedback is polarized. Some owners praise its faultless, effortless cruising, while others cite high repair quotes or frustrating delays when accelerating from rolling stops.
  • Driving Tip: Just like the Comfort-matic, Motorhomer Forum users suggest shifting the Quickshift into manual mode on winding mountain passes or heavily inclined roads to prevent the computer from overheating the clutch.
 
The only thing my Quick shift doesn't like is backing the rear wheels onto the ramps so I avoid that situation.

I asked perplexity.ai whether the hydraulic fluid needed changing and it wasn't quite sure, referencing a couple of YouTube links. Might give the main dealer a call but being careful of the "just bring it in and we'll take a look, sir. That'll be £350 please" scenario!
 
I'd think all hydraulic fluids normally found in a motor would have a recommended interval for changing. Often as little as 2 years for brake fluid, may be 5 for other fluids.
 
I think I'll continue to avoid the automated manuals, they may be okay, but, spares will become and issue, finding anyone outside the dealerships wilbe another.

I was looking for options that were not mega bucks, as true autos are. Mercs had full auto from 2006, but they are quite pricey in the layout we require.

Twin beds, and a decent garage, I even consider LHD, not an issue here, and a bonus over the channel.
 
Well that confirms why I don't use AI lol, what a load of tosh, in regard to the Sprintshift anyway. The fluid levels aren't touched, its a sealed for life system. The gearchange is that smooth all the way through the box I never have any idea what gear it is in, not do I ever need to know, you don't feel it change. I can and often do smoke boy racers away from the lights just because I am old and it amuses me.

Tight manouvering???? Reversing up a campsite??? Perchance has AI never driven rear wheel drive vehicles????

When Mercedes stopped using the Sprintshift it continued on in life as the VW Shiftmatic, not sure when they stopped fitting it.

All my 4 wheel vehicles since 1978 onwards have been auto of one type or another any I have hear how bad, unreliable, etc. automatics are. Who know, I could be lucky and managed to get the only one of each model that bucks the trend, (although Mrs really didn't like the Citroen robotised gearbox, she said it jerked badly changing gears).

I hardly ever use the manual option except when parking up, I stop, put in in either 1st or reverse then turn engine off and release handbrake. All driving its in A or R. Don't know if people using the manual option has an effect on things or not.
 
You have to bear in mind that Ai isn't giving an opinion, only searching for comment and reviews, a lit will be from van drivers and companies
 
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