Hi all,
if you look at the 8HP70 in Chrysler disguise, they do have the park thing operated manually and even have a "release cable" for towing.

http://www.motor.com/newsletters/20121010/...Tranny.pdf

A little more info:
In 2001, the 6-speed automatic transmission family by ZF was successfully launched on the market [1]. In the course of technical redesign in 2006, fuel consumption was reduced again by approx. 3% and shifting dynamics were raised to the level of dual clutch transmissions [2]. To meet the further increasing fuel savings and CO 2 reduction requirements, ZF made the decision to develop a new 8-speed automatic transmission family [3]. The development targets are another increase in fuel economy by 6% (in comparison with the 6-speed automatic transmission of the 2nd generation), improved driving performance at the same time, retaining the shifting dynamics achieved already with the 6-speed automatic transmission of the 2nd generation, and broad implementation of direct multi-shifting. The control system of the new 8-speed automatic transmission family has been designed as a mechatronics solution and consists of a hydraulic control unit and an electronic module which contains the electronic transmission control unit, the entire sensor system, electric connections and the transmission connector. The integrated electronic transmission control unit has been implemented on the basis of a LTCC substrate in a hermetically sealed metal housing and is suitable for the difficult ambient conditions in the transmission oil sump. A powerful controller offers the needed platform to implement complex control algorithms in the software. The actuators consist of low-leakage closed-end pressure regulators and a locking magnet for the parking brake mechanism. By taking all dimensions of the 8-speed automatic transmission family into consideration it was possible to design the control system in such a way that it can be used for the entire model range.

The control system has been designed for shift-by-wire operation, the parking brake mechanism is operated electrically/hydraulically.

Mechanical operation is also a possible option.

Measures were enacted in the transmission and the control unit in order to further uplift the shift dynamics level attained with the automatic 6-speed transmission family of the 2nd generation. In addition, the gear set of the 8-speed automatic transmission offers substantial possibilities for multi-shifting which has another positive impact on shifting dynamics. Apart from influencing the shift points by means of the driving strategy it is also possible to change the shifting quality from comfortable to very sporty, depending on the desired level of sporty driving. This way, it is possible to customize the vehicle's character according to the driver's requests. By means of the Hydraulic Impulse Oil Storage (HIS®), the 8-speed automatic transmission is also suitable for operating it with an engine-start-stop function [4]. This allows for a further reduction in fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions by approx. 5%. When designing the control unit, particular attention was paid to allowing for extended options. For example, an all-wheel transfer box or a separating clutch (when the 8-speed automatic transmission is used as a basis for a parallel hybrid) can be controlled. The control system software is designed modularly and allows not only for ASIS, the ZF driving strategy, but also for integrating a driving strategy program which is made available by the vehicle manufacturer.


I have seperated the "main" sentences above. Gets me thinking....

regards
heppsen 2017 MB V-Class
2016 Q7 (gone)
2012 FFRR TDV8
2012 Smart Pulse Turbo
1986 MB W126
1965 LR Series 2A
1961 LR Series 2

My car has the shifter.

If I had a 4.4 with the rotary selector, I would have though exactly what you did.
Would much rather have the lever stick.

It's good to lay your hand and gives a felling of switching something instead of just rolling a button.

I thought that a week ago - it's amazing how quick you get used to it.

Doesn't bother me at all now

Had a loaner for 5 weeks with a rotary and yes got used to it but did not like it. I can understand its use in saloon car where your hand naturally rests on it as you are lower down with your elbo on a central arm rest, perfect and subtle, but sitting high up it just does not feel natural, you really need somewhere to rest your hand on and feel you are shifting something substantial and positive.
Keep the rotary for your prestige saloon but I personally feel you need a shift stick on a bigrhigh up 4x4. Porsche 993 Targa, Buick Skylark Convertable 1968

Had a loaner for 5 weeks with a rotary and yes got used to it but did not like it. I can understand its use in saloon car where your hand naturally rests on it as you are lower down with your elbo on a central arm rest, perfect and subtle, but sitting high up it just does not feel natural, you really need somewhere to rest your hand on and feel you are shifting something substantial and positive.
Keep the rotary for your prestige saloon but I personally feel you need a shift stick on a bigrhigh up 4x4. Porsche 993 Targa, Buick Skylark Convertable 1968

Hi all,
just to make things clear - I git used to i already, as I now do not even look at it for changing from D into R and P etc.
But I am not sure I like it.... and I am not sure I get to liking it.
So - for what its worth - I will collect info and think about the technical possibility to change the rotary shifter to the gearstick shifter from the 5.0SC.

I believe the parts will be far too expensive to just "give it a try" and get them to have a look.... so might be a dead end after all. We will see.

regards
heppsen 2017 MB V-Class
2016 Q7 (gone)
2012 FFRR TDV8
2012 Smart Pulse Turbo
1986 MB W126
1965 LR Series 2A
1961 LR Series 2

Beware re resale....