The "hold down accelerator for 25s" trick for smoother shift
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Joined: Sep 2009
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OK - I tried this 25s trick on my UK spec 530D and there's certainly no placebo effect involved - it does make a difference.
Only problem is, it's made my car worse!
To tell the truth, I was quite happy with the gear changes previously. D kept the revs fairly low, and was never really a setting for fast getaways, but there was never any hesitation. And DS turned the car into a bit of an animal - useful for pulling out at busy junctions, but made the car very 'revvy' and crippled the fuel consumption.
So, anyway, I did the 25 seconds trick, and now D seems much closer to DS. The engine revs much higher before the gears change. It's noisier and burns much more fuel.
I hope it'll soon settle back to its old ways.
But my advice would be, if you're happy with the current auto gear changes, don't do the 25s trick - you might regret it.
P.
Only problem is, it's made my car worse!
To tell the truth, I was quite happy with the gear changes previously. D kept the revs fairly low, and was never really a setting for fast getaways, but there was never any hesitation. And DS turned the car into a bit of an animal - useful for pulling out at busy junctions, but made the car very 'revvy' and crippled the fuel consumption.
So, anyway, I did the 25 seconds trick, and now D seems much closer to DS. The engine revs much higher before the gears change. It's noisier and burns much more fuel.
I hope it'll soon settle back to its old ways.
But my advice would be, if you're happy with the current auto gear changes, don't do the 25s trick - you might regret it.
P.
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From: Massachusetts, USA
My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
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Originally Posted by paulockenden' post='1023380' date='Oct 2 2009, 06:34 PM
OK - I tried this 25s trick on my UK spec 530D and there's certainly no placebo effect involved - it does make a difference.
Only problem is, it's made my car worse!
To tell the truth, I was quite happy with the gear changes previously. D kept the revs fairly low, and was never really a setting for fast getaways, but there was never any hesitation. And DS turned the car into a bit of an animal - useful for pulling out at busy junctions, but made the car very 'revvy' and crippled the fuel consumption.
So, anyway, I did the 25 seconds trick, and now D seems much closer to DS. The engine revs much higher before the gears change. It's noisier and burns much more fuel.
I hope it'll soon settle back to its old ways.
But my advice would be, if you're happy with the current auto gear changes, don't do the 25s trick - you might regret it.
P.
Only problem is, it's made my car worse!
To tell the truth, I was quite happy with the gear changes previously. D kept the revs fairly low, and was never really a setting for fast getaways, but there was never any hesitation. And DS turned the car into a bit of an animal - useful for pulling out at busy junctions, but made the car very 'revvy' and crippled the fuel consumption.
So, anyway, I did the 25 seconds trick, and now D seems much closer to DS. The engine revs much higher before the gears change. It's noisier and burns much more fuel.
I hope it'll soon settle back to its old ways.
But my advice would be, if you're happy with the current auto gear changes, don't do the 25s trick - you might regret it.
P.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 19
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Tried this on my 04 530d yesterday and am well pleased with the results. Gear changes are smoother, pulling away from a standstill much better and generally better response to the right foot all round.
This topic should be sticky or in the FAQ!
This topic should be sticky or in the FAQ!
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: San Rafael, CA
My Ride: 2006 525i Silver Gray, Gray Dakota Leather, Sport Package, Premium Package, Navi, Steptronic, Xenons
I just tried it on my '06 525i. No more second gear starts with an abrupt downshift as you move away! This is an awesome tip. Thanks 
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
My Ride: 2004 BMW 545I
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Originally Posted by Boarder' post='425448' date='May 17 2007, 09:57 AM
Thanks for the great tip! Shifts much better and I love it.
This forum is the best.
This forum is the best.
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From: Pittsburgh, PA USA
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Originally Posted by Panikkos88' post='1065666' date='Dec 1 2009, 10:04 AM
Guys what about not having a start button mine is a 2003 model... Do i turn the key once or twice???