E60 Discussion Anything and everything to do with the E60 5 Series. All are welcome!

Driving in 3rd gear.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-20-2009, 12:40 PM
  #1  
Contributors
Thread Starter
 
Krozi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Posts: 7,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

When I am driving slow (stop and go traffic or around a parking lot) in often put it in manual mode and leave it in 3rd so the ride is smooth with no shifts. Is this bad for the transmission? Does it put too much strain on the transmission?

Thank you

-Krozi
Old 02-20-2009, 03:27 PM
  #2  
Members
 
dram-'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: houston,tx
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My Ride: 2007 525
Default

no idea, but that just sounds wrong
Old 02-20-2009, 03:50 PM
  #3  
Contributors
 
mikeg3tsguap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

1st is way too jumpy i keep mine at 2nd when at lights and slow traffic 3rd and vroooom! im out lol
Old 02-20-2009, 04:32 PM
  #4  
Senior Members
 
SilberGrauE60's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Colorado USA
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 545i, 6-speed Manual, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Lumbar Support
Default

Originally Posted by Krozi' post='797859' date='Feb 20 2009, 02:40 PM
When I am driving slow (stop and go traffic or around a parking lot) in often put it in manual mode and leave it in 3rd so the ride is smooth with no shifts. Is this bad for the transmission? Does it put too much strain on the transmission?
The only problem with an auto tranny is when it is hunting for the right gear, constantly up- and down-shifting, because you are at a speed that is right on a boundary of a normal shift point. This effect is increased in hilly terrain. This can cause tranny overheating.

Your solution prevents the tranny from constantly shifting, so I wouldn't be concerned with the tranny; but, you probably don't want to run the engine much below 1,000 rpm. So keep an eye on the tach and downshift if the rpm gets too low.
Old 02-20-2009, 05:40 PM
  #5  
Contributors
 
luigi524td's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The State of Southern NJ!
Posts: 5,972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by SilberGrauE60' post='798011' date='Feb 20 2009, 08:32 PM
The only problem with an auto tranny is when it is hunting for the right gear, constantly up- and down-shifting, because you are at a speed that is right on a boundary of a normal shift point. This effect is increased in hilly terrain. This can cause tranny overheating.

Your solution prevents the tranny from constantly shifting, so I wouldn't be concerned with the tranny; but, you probably don't want to run the engine much below 1,000 rpm. So keep an eye on the tach and downshift if the rpm gets too low.
I don't have that happening with my automatic .. should I complain to my SA and have the trans / sw updated

Seriously ... instead of going the Manual mode maybe moving to S will hold the gears longer and reduce the hunting when driving in hilly areas ??
Old 02-20-2009, 05:41 PM
  #6  
Contributors
Thread Starter
 
Krozi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Posts: 7,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by SilberGrauE60' post='798011' date='Feb 20 2009, 08:32 PM
The only problem with an auto tranny is when it is hunting for the right gear, constantly up- and down-shifting, because you are at a speed that is right on a boundary of a normal shift point. This effect is increased in hilly terrain. This can cause tranny overheating.

Your solution prevents the tranny from constantly shifting, so I wouldn't be concerned with the tranny; but, you probably don't want to run the engine much below 1,000 rpm. So keep an eye on the tach and downshift if the rpm gets too low.
What happens happens when the RPM drops below 1000?
Old 02-20-2009, 05:53 PM
  #7  
Contributors
 
swajames's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Default

Don't worry - with steptronic the car will not let you harm the transmission. If the RPM were to drop to a level that would create an issue, the car will downshift, even in manual mode.
Old 02-21-2009, 09:37 AM
  #8  
Contributors
Thread Starter
 
Krozi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Posts: 7,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by swajames' post='798061' date='Feb 20 2009, 09:53 PM
Don't worry - with steptronic the car will not let you harm the transmission. If the RPM were to drop to a level that would create an issue, the car will downshift, even in manual mode.
Ok thanks. but just out of curiosity...what does happen if the RPM drops below 1000?
Old 02-21-2009, 09:47 AM
  #9  
Contributors
 
swajames's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Default

If you were at low RPM in too high a gear you'd lug the engine and it would eventually stall. The step won't let any of that happen and it'll up or downshift as needed. The occasional stall isn't too bad for the engine but it's best avoided.
Old 02-21-2009, 10:11 AM
  #10  
Contributors
Thread Starter
 
Krozi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Posts: 7,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by swajames' post='798416' date='Feb 21 2009, 01:47 PM
If you were at low RPM in too high a gear you'd lug the engine and it would eventually stall. The step won't let any of that happen and it'll up or downshift as needed. The occasional stall isn't too bad for the engine but it's best avoided.
Ok thanks!


Quick Reply: Driving in 3rd gear.



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:27 AM.