How do shift w/ Steptronic?

[GuyShark]

Hello everyone, I'm a new 325Ci owner.
I have a 2002 w/ steptronic.
I've never owned a BMW before, so I'm looking forward to learning all the tip and tricks for maitenance and stuff.

My first question is how exactly are you supposed to shift with steptronic?
Jam down on the gas pedal till the RPM's redline then shift?
Do you let off the gas (should you?) when you do? [???1]

Is there a recommended RPM to shift to the next gear?

Thanks.
Be talking to ya'll later.

 

[frolf]

ahhhhh, you techinically don't have to lift off. and honestly your car is quicker 0-60 in Drive Sport than it is with you shifting in steptronic

 

[deutsch100]

Yeah, I totally agree with Frolf. Just keep it in Auto mode, and shift the shifter over to the S mode. It is great in Sport mode. Also, don't let off on the gas, just let the car go.....remember you have an automatic!!!

Congrats on the ci, and have fun. I still think that BMWs Steptronic is the best tranny ever. I love my SMG, but I still kind of think the Steptronic is better (I know, I know shoot me

 

[GuyShark]

Thanks.
I actually enjoy shifting. I wanted a manual, but the wifey cannot drive one. [8)]

What I find I use it most for is driving the back roads, and just keeping it in 3rd.

I have a hard time keeping my foot off the gas pedal now as it is, your comments are good to know.

I dig this smiley ---> [bmwkick]

 

[Average Jae]

congrats on the purchase. i was suprised at how peppy 325 w/ step tro was.

one thing to keep in mine when in the S "sport" mode: when braking, it does a late downshift, but doesn't rev match all that well, making the car as if gas was suddenly lifted off in first gear. meaning: jerky. so when i'm driving my parents' x5 and stopping at a light, i sometimes shift back to normal mode.

some here used to claim S mode gave them better milage.. i wouldnt' know. enjoy the ride ^^

 

[GuyShark]

Sport Drive. Whoa. I just figured this out.

There are actually 3 different types of transmissions. Regular, Sport Drive, and M/S.

I was not aware the SD was an option until this morning, driving to work.

I moved it over, and the displays said SD, and I started thinking about what was posted in this forum, so I left it there (didn't up or downshift), and drove it.

What a difference over the regular 'Drive'!

I did not purchase my 325 from a BMW dealer, so he didn't give me the lowdown on all the cool transmission stuff. (actually, when I DID testdrive one from the BMW dealership, he didn't tell me either).

I pulled out the manual and read it closer this morning.

Cool. Thanks.

 

[DrivingTopless]

Sport Drive definitely provides a better driving experience. Have you found the "kickdown" point on the accelerator? If you push the pedal all the way down past the point of resistance you'll make the tranny downshift 2 gears very quickly.

 

[codex57]

Yeah, every owner needs to read the manual. There are lots of little things in the car. The manual remembers them all a lot better than we do. But, we can tell you which ones are useful and how in real life. More fun to experiment tho.

 

[bmwrocks]

S S S S S S S S S .........

Floor it from a standstill and don't let up until you reach 80 (or much more if you have the Kahunas and the safe space). You will not believe the experience. The smoothness of your engine and steptronic shifting at or very near the redline automatically is pure heaven IMO.

It will also shift in M automaticaly at or very near redline. No worries. Make sure the car is thoroughly warmed up beforehand tho, just to play it safe.

 

[dm_longhorn]

S S S S S S S S S .........

Floor it from a standstill and don't let up until you reach 80 (or much more if you have the Kahunas and the safe space). You will not believe the experience. The smoothness of your engine and steptronic shifting at or very near the redline automatically is pure heaven IMO.

It will also shift in M automaticaly at or very near redline. No worries. Make sure the car is thoroughly warmed up beforehand tho, just to play it safe.

Gotta have the windows down and the music off, sounds fricken great.