goodman

You're really at a disadvantage without the owner's manual. Searching the manual online is awkward. Either print it out or acquire a bound copy from the previous owner, BMW USA, or e-bay. It will help you enjoy your car more. Best wishes with your new car.

lockdownx99

thanks for the suggestion goodman. i just might print it out. i found a PDF version of it online somewhere. anyways. the search function is less the useful. when i search anything, i get 100 different threads that MAY have a word that i was searching for somewhere in the thread. i can search using the word transmission in my search query and ill get everything about all transmissions. on VWvortex.com when you search for a word or a series of words, you get threads started with those words. so i guess im used to a more state of the art searching function because everytime i search for anything... it never fails.... i always get that stupid hong konk sub forum as a result. along with a ton of other threads that dont even remotely have anything to do with my search! so sorry if i am getting a little impatient about searching the same subject 60 different ways so i can get maybe 2 threads that even mention what im looking for. its easier to just put my question out there, and get a specified answer to my specific question. if you dont know or dont care to induldge, skip over my thread.
the reason i ask what transmission i have is because ive seen 2-3 different threads making mention of different transmissions. i thought i had the SMG transmission. now im wondering if i just have a steptronic or tiptronic transmission and if and what the difference would be! hope no one gets butt hurt to that question because im not getting the search results i need to that specific question. i also have shift lag when i up shift in the auto/manual setting. ive seen a bit of discussion about trans resetting but nothing with specific directions or anything so im wondering if after figuring out what trans i have, if other people with the same trans are having that problem and how they fixed it and if i can reset my!!! thanks to those that answer.

craigm1841

1. use the advanced search...

2. you dont have SMG, you would know if you had an SMG, no question about it.

3. you have the automatic transmission, no need to dress it up with fancy words, HOWEVER, if you have paddle shifters on the steering wheel, you have the "sport automatic transmission"

lockdownx99

nope no paddles. so i guess no sport. what does that DST button do? i think thats what it says on the button.

craigm1841

DTC= Traction control (controls rear wheel slippage while accelerating, good for snow/rain)
DSC= Stability control (controls brakes on all 4 wheels independently to stop the car from spinning)

DTC is a SUB-FEATURE of DSC

craigm1841

additionally, you can use your automatic transmission in 3 modes. DRIVE, DRIVE SPORT, MANUAL

lockdownx99

so if i just tap it over to the manual but dont try to shift up or down, it will be in drive Sport? so thats what the DS means when i flip it over. thanks.

craigm1841

you got it! see, i gave you a hard time before, but if you put up with the sarcasm, you will get what you are looking for. just have ot have thick skin...

ponnu

This might help...

lockdownx99

honestly i didnt even pay attention to the name. i just respond to the posts. you could call me a dumbass in one post, and be nice the next post, and ill assume you are a totally different person. but thanks none the less. i was leary about buying this car because it didnt have a manual or spare key. so now i have to get a second key, print the manual and ask and search about a billion topics like putting video on my idrive screen, transmission questions and possibilities, body parts compatibiliy, and alot more. ill search as much as possible. thanks.