benefits to steptronic vs. auto?

[c_jeezy]

Hi all, new to the board, but just had a question in regards to the steptronic on my 323i. What are the benefits to using this vs. just leaving it in auto? IE: better gas mileage, horsepower, etc? I used to drive all manual tranny cars, but this is something new to me. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[andreyiv]

I would guess that it wouldn't get you better gas milage unless the tranny shifts at the wrong time by itself on the roads you drive. When you are doing some spirited driving however, it helps with the fun factor, you can make it stay in lower gear and that will let you come out of a turn with your enigne at its sweep spot. Other then that, I highly doubt using steptronic mode of the tranny would provide any more benefits.

 

[William330]

Well, you're always using the "steptronic" -- it just has 3 modes.

1) Sport mode, which upshifts at higher RPMs.

2) Regular mode, which upshifts at 'normal' RPMs.

3) Manual mode, which upshifts when you specify.


I've used the manual mode once or twice, but the regular
mode is exactly what I want 90% of the time, and I'll
use the sport mode when in a bad mood , going up
or down a long hill, or entering some sketchy highway
entrance ramps.

Had a manual years ago, and don't miss it a bit.

Auto transmissions are very good these days, they're
not the 4-speed junkers that used to roll out years ago.

The current 3-series has a 6-speed computer-controlled
auto, which is even better than the one I love in my car.

 

[4Charlie]

Sorry for asking but what is sport mode. I know the others but can someone explain it to me.

 

[Big Daddy]

Just a "sportier" feel to the acceleration/shifting as described above with the higher rpm shift points! The car stays in the lower gears a little longer than in "normal" mode.

 

[William330]

Sorry for asking but what is sport mode. I know the others but can someone explain it to me.

In my car, to engage I just move the shift know directly to the left.

The dashboard gear indicator wil change from "D" to "S D".

It's not for all the time, just around town to keep things peppy.

At cruising speeds, just leave it in "D".

 

[c_jeezy]

Whats the difference between SD and D?

 

[Chicago-Spike]

SD will let the engine rev at higher rpms before shifting. To be in the powerband.
D will short shift, or shift at lower rpms to be better at fuel mileage than speed