Mercedes 7-Speed Transmission

1. Oil pump; 2. With shift actuators multiplate clutches and three planetary gear assemblies; 3. Parking lock to drive wheels; 4. To shift lever; 5. Control unit with solenoid valves, electronics and sensors built in to the sump; 6. Electronics for demand-dependent control of shifting action; 7. High-speed solenoid valves for shift actuators control; 8. Torque converter; 9. From engine; 10. Torque converter lock-up clutch with damping elements.

The extra gears in the seven-speed automatic on all 2004 5.0 litre V8-equipped Mercedes allow the engine to run at the proper speed at the proper times: low-rpm for efficient cruising, higher revs when you need the power. Plus it provides flexibilitythat rivals continuously variable transmissions, without their power limitations.