I have a 2004 545I SMG version and was wondering if you can over rev when downshifting. I'm under the impression that the computer prevents that .

 

You are correct. Can't overrev an SMG on the way up or the way down through the gears -- no matter how hard you try!

 

welcome aboard, bobi !

 

. . . or screw up.

 

The technology is magnificent

 

Rudy... Don't tell me you've actually tried to overrev your engine!?!

 

Absolutely -- you need to know it's limits, eh? How do you think I found out that the rev limiter works much better than the one on the E39?

 

You're a brave man, Rudy. What if you woould've found out it doesn't work?

 

Well, one thing you need to know is that it's pretty easy to accidentally hit the rev limiter on an SMG or manual 545i. The power just keeps on coming and the redline can sneak up on you. (It was the same way with the E39.) So basically, you usually find out about the limiter pretty quickly as you're getting used to the car.

As far as the SMG downshifts, it's sort of the same thing. Early on, it can be a bit confusing when you're first learning how to drive the SMG. Once or twice, I accidentally pushed instead of pulled the paddle and found out right away that the car simply ignores it if it would cause an overrev situation.

I'm happy to report that everything works perfectly. As I've said before, the rev limiter is actually nicer on this car than on the old one since it actually maintains the RPMs at the redline instead of cutting fuel off so severely that the engine actually drops well below redline. It's more race-car like.

 

Rudy, I agree the SMG on this car is fun to drive and with the exhaust sounds in the interior its very race car like