RE: 4Matic principles.

[Aleksander Mierzwa <alex@matrix.com.pl>]

Check the Mercedes list archives at
http://mercedes.mindspring.com/mercedes/archives/mq.html and perform a
search for "4matic". The conclusion is that the 4matic is AWD up to
20mph. At higher speeds the system engages only when it senses wheel
slip. The torque split between axles is variable and controlled by means
of hydraulic clutch. I haven't driven a 4matic, so I can't speak for it,
but I imagine that the 4matic gets you into trouble as easily as RWD car
can do, then it engages AWD to let you out of the trouble, if it's not
too late.

Aleksander Mierzwa
Warsaw, Poland
mailto:alex@matrix.com.pl
87 Audi 5000CS turbo (mine)
88 Renault Medallion wagon (mom's)
91 mountain bike (just in case both cars broke at the same time :-)

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	cobram@Channel1.Com [SMTP:cobram@Channel1.Com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, December 10, 1997 10:51 PM
> To:	QUATTRO@coimbra.ans.net
> Subject:	4Matic principles.
> 
>      I've always heard this, and after driving a 4matic or 2 believe
>      it to be true, but is there any documentation to back this up?
> 
>      Some Mercedes techs say it disengages, some say it doesn't.
>      In the Mercyless Benz literature, including repair manuals,
>      I've yet to see a reference as to whether it disengages
>      or not.  I had a long discussion with a tranny specialist
>      who rebuilds Benz boxes, and he assured me that the "old"
>      4matic system is full-time 4WD.
> 
>      As for Audi relevance, how can we argue the superiority of
>      our cars if we can't back up what we say with facts?
> 
>      BCNU,
> 
> 
> ... Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians.
> ___ Blue Wave/386 v2.30