BigGrey

Ok, if this is common to 530d and 525d (and i imagine 520d) and as the gearbox is controlled by software, why isn't this adjusted in a CIP update (or whatever)?
They could also lock the torque converter more, at least in DS mode or something, no?

By the way, i am happier with 525d power now. I have been switching between 320d (manual) and 525d and it really feels the advertised added torque and power. The 4th gear really has what it takes

streak

Fully agree Big Grey. My X5 3.0D is just perfect as far as gearchanges are concerened, you always have the feeling that no matter how you accelerate that you are always in the band of max. torque.

Gears change much earlier and dont drop as low after the change.

A lot of this will have something to do with the shorter gear ratios in the X5 but it if they got it right there with the older (2000) X5 then one would think they could get it right with the newer engined E60 diesels.

You feel this over reving particulalry when having a little a little race with another car alongside, you are ahead and gaining until the revs go to a useless 4500 rpm at which point the other car passes you while yo feel you are standing still, after the gear change you then have to play catch up.

Streak

BetterMakeWay

Can someone explain the torque converter lockup feature? What does it happen with the gearbox when that happens? And how does that improve the performance?

streak

If you go the Gallery and then Technical, there is a very good article on the Step. box explaining the working of the lockup mechanism.

colejl

Here's a good general link about auto's TorqueConverter

BigGrey

From my point of view and experience, that damn thing should be locked unless when you accelerate hard in low revs (and changing gears, of course). Otherwise it is more a power/energy consumer more than any help. It seems to be always unlocked except when at cruising speed.
If it had a on/off button, it would be more time off than the pdc

ipp

That's what I've said before too. I've pulled my 530dA against a E39 540iA. When I started in first gear I didn't stand a chance. But when I tease started in the second gear instead it was even up to 120km/h, then we had to stop. Very happy with that result!

BetterMakeWay

how much difference was between the 2 from stand still? and at what speed was that?

colejl

I find the initial pull-away in 2nd too slow? Is the net effect better than changing from 1st when hitting max speed in 2nd then?

ipp

how much difference was between the 2 from stand still? and at what speed was that?
[/quote]

Instead of being more than one car lenght after the 540 we were exactly equal. It was from stand still to 120km/h.

I held the break and accelrater down at the same time to rev the engine, then I released the break. In first gear it was too much wheelspin but in the second gear it was perfect.

I find the initial pull-away in 2nd too slow? Is the net effect better than changing from 1st when hitting max speed in 2nd then?
[/quote]

I think so. But you have to rev the engine to approx 2200 rpms. I don't know how healthy it's for the transmission though...