Sport Automatic - Default Mode
06-06-2008, 06:11 AM
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I almost always drive in a mode other than "D". Usually DS or S depending... I can't find a way via iDrive to have the transmission default to DS when I start the car. Is there a way to do it?
Cal
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06-06-2008, 06:25 AM
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Originally Posted by calpalmer' post='596950' date='Jun 6 2008, 10:11 AM
I almost always drive in a mode other than "D". Usually DS or S depending... I can't find a way via iDrive to have the transmission default to DS when I start the car. Is there a way to do it?
Cal
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06-07-2008, 01:17 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.
And then back to the right when you get to the 80mph cruise speed... Otherwise you're stuck in 5th the whole time. I like S mode in town and on the windy country roads, but don't get a thrill avoiding overdrive when cruising down the interstate. Defaulting to DS would have been a nice option, but it's just another flick back to the right... No big deal.
Cal
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06-07-2008, 04:14 AM
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Do you not notice the decrease in fuel economy is DS!
I've left mine in DS before and noticed the distance to empty drops madly!
I've left mine in DS before and noticed the distance to empty drops madly!
06-07-2008, 06:37 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.
I don't know about 'madly', but yes there is a decrease. A couple things on D vs DS.... D starts off from a start in 2nd gear, rather than first. D also has lower engine rev shift points, including the final shift to overdrive is higher... but if you're traveling at 75-80 DS gets you into OD as well (whereas S does not; it stops at S5). For me, all around mix of local and highway driving I'd select DS as the default and probably am in it like 50% of the time (in S maybe 30% and D or M 10% each). I really don't like 'D' mode, it's more like a Buick than a BMW for me, and am happy to pay the small difference in fuel economy. By the way, with only <6000 miles so far, and with the trans mix mentioned above and driving reasonably enthusiastically when the opportunity is presented, I'm at 20.1mpg since getting the car. Not too bad for the ultimate driving experience,
Cal
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06-07-2008, 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by tex_phil' post='597512' date='Jun 7 2008, 12:51 AM
Just flick it to the left each time 
06-09-2008, 06:58 AM
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My Ride: 2005 530i|Black Sapphire|Black Dakota Leather|Sport|Premium|Cold Weather|Adaptive Xenons|
Is there something I'm missing here? I have D and when I go to the left I have DS and then I have M1,2,3,4,5 when I go up or down, but I don't ever recall seeing an S? BTW, I have an '05 530i.
06-09-2008, 07:02 AM
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Originally Posted by E_90 driver' post='598830' date='Jun 9 2008, 04:58 PM
Is there something I'm missing here?
06-09-2008, 01:11 PM
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My Ride: 2005 530i|Black Sapphire|Black Dakota Leather|Sport|Premium|Cold Weather|Adaptive Xenons|
Originally Posted by rsyed' post='598833' date='Jun 9 2008, 10:02 AM
YES - you do not have the Sportsautomatic (came only as of production March 2007) the guys here have...
That would explain it! Thanks!
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