Driving Steptronic Tranny in S mode

D

deutsch100

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#1
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#1
Maybe this has been asked before...but is it ok/safe to keep the transmission in S mode all the time? I really like the way the car shifts, and it feels stronger and crisper, especially off the line and travelling on hills.

Does this put extra wear and tear on the tranny/engine? I know the car was designed for S mode, but is it ok for normal driving conditions??

Thanks in response for any replies.
 
jrt67ss350

jrt67ss350

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#2
Yes, it is perfectly safe to drive in S mode 100% of the time. In my experience, it just raises the shift points a little and may make the actual shifts a little crisper or quicker. If the transmission is shifting quicker in S mode, then it is actually better for the transmission - the quicker the shifts, the less slippage on gear changes, and the less wear on the clutches in the transmission.

Keep 'er in S mode all ya like!
 
codex57

codex57

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#3
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#3
It won't do a thing. It's just a software thing. You theoretically could replicate the S mode yourself by modifying your driving style a certain way. Not gonna hurt the tranny or car any. Feel free to use it as often as you like. I know tons of people that prefer it on all the time. Just haven't heard of a way to modify the auto to start up in S mode.
 
///M SPEED

///M SPEED

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#4
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#4
deutsch100 said:
Maybe this has been asked before...but is it ok/safe to keep the transmission in S mode all the time? I really like the way the car shifts, and it feels stronger and crisper, especially off the line and travelling on hills.

Does this put extra wear and tear on the tranny/engine? I know the car was designed for S mode, but is it ok for normal driving conditions??

Thanks in response for any replies.
Click to expand...
When I had my 2000 328i, that is the only mode I used. It never hurt anything and I would get better gas mileage to boot....

I only used the auto mode once-in-a-while......
 
HornyHornet

HornyHornet

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#5
Thats the mode I drive all the time. Like said before, the shift points are higher and downshifts come sooner. It revs to redline more freely too. I like it better this way since I really miss my manual 325.
 
C

CaveDweller

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#6
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#6
I drive in sport mode nearly 100% of the time and I pretty much "drive it like I stole it", but still get 21mpg. It amazes me every time I look at that readout. I used more gas in normal mode before I knew how sport mode worked and started using it.
 
lpquick

lpquick

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#7
Listen if you drive in (D), normal mode by leaving rubber and screaching at turns and stops. yes you'll burn more gas than in sport (S) mode. If you drive like a normal person in (D) you'll get better mileage than in (S). Plus my 03 learns the way I drive each mode over time and optimizes itself to my driving style. This isn't up for discussion iit is a fact!

As fas as driving in (S) mode all the time? You car was specifically made to be driven in that mode if you so choose, even if it's your choice all the time, don't give it a second thought. [cheers]
 
///M SPEED

///M SPEED

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#8
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#8
lpquick said:
Listen if you drive in (D), normal mode by leaving rubber and screaching at turns and stops. yes you'll burn more gas than in sport (S) mode. If you drive like a normal person in (D) you'll get better mileage than in (S). Plus my 03 learns the way I drive each mode over time and optimizes itself to my driving style. This isn't up for discussion iit is a fact!

As fas as driving in (S) mode all the time? You car was specifically made to be driven in that mode if you so choose, even if it's your choice all the time, don't give it a second thought. [cheers]
Click to expand...
I don't agree with that statement. I have always been able to achieve better gas mileage in my 328i in sport mode, while driving normally, that I ever did in "normal" D mode. In normal mode the gearbox at time would not get the car in the correct gear, therefore burning more gas. All E46 3 series BMW’s will learn the way you drive in any mode you are in. If you drive hard in learns this whether you are in "D" or "S" mode. And everything is always up for discussion. That is fact!
 
J

jrahn

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#9
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New Jersey
#9
lpquick said:
Listen if you drive in (D), normal mode by leaving rubber and screaching at turns and stops. yes you'll burn more gas than in sport (S) mode. If you drive like a normal person in (D) you'll get better mileage than in (S). Plus my 03 learns the way I drive each mode over time and optimizes itself to my driving style. This isn't up for discussion iit is a fact!

As fas as driving in (S) mode all the time? You car was specifically made to be driven in that mode if you so choose, even if it's your choice all the time, don't give it a second thought. [cheers]
Click to expand...

About your Dinan Mods... Was there that much of a difference? I have an 03 325Ci with the Factory Sport and Performance packages, and am considering the same Dinan complements which you have done. I just need to hear it from someone else before dropping that chunk of change.
Thanks!
 
M

MY2003-330CIC

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#10
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IL
#10
Dinan upgrade

I just had the Dinan stage 2 software installed and I also have the K&N cold intake. When I drive in S mode now, what a difference. Next the exhaust can't wait. The stage 2 runs $399 and the install takes about 15 minutes. I drive a \2003 330 CI convertible.Also turn off the DSC
 

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Jaxguy87

Jaxguy87

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#13
P = Performance
R = Revving
D = Driving
S = Super Machine

LoL.... I'd rather drive sport mode on the highway just because of the slow people who like to merge right in front of you... downshift and go....
 
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