Simple question and reasonable.

Do the T3 Auto gearboxes have an overdrive?
Like D, 2, L, with an electronic overdrive or similiar?

And if not what is average Rpm @ 100 - 110K's and hr?

I have never been in an Auto T3. Always had Manuals.

No, have a look on the samba

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=269965&highlight=automatic 

Damm
So a manual is still better even with it's flaws?

I mean lifespan of a manual is limited so is an auto any better?

I have done pinion bearings in both my T3's my wifes auto did one at around 150,000, it had been used to pull a caravan and cars on cars trailers, so it has worked hard, the main cause was the weird back to back seals in the auto failed and let Auto trans fluid into the diff, auto fluid is no good at lubricatng bearings.

Also did a pinion bearing coming back from Warwick last year in my twin cab, again can't complain, this thing has worked hard too, towing a lot, kombi's on car trailers etc etc, I never did change the oil in the trans, ever, so I guess it was bound to happen, Shimo rebuilt the box for me, and the rest was still mint.

I don't think I would call T3 gearboxes troublesome, you get out of them what you give them. service and treat them right and they last for a long time.

Yeh i understand the logic of torture.

I understand that both have their own issues and weakpoints. Still it is somewhat obvious that neither are trouble free.

So an Auto's disadvantage is slower windup?
And Manual's is that of moving parts?

Is it a case of different horses for different courses?

I prefer a fast windup, U know get to 100 and cruise but get there as fast as possible i am not a merge and then speed up driver.
So based on that which is better?