My 2005 545 with Steptronic occasionally seems to shift at abnormally high RPM in Sport mode. Sometimes it will go to 4500 RPM with relatively light throttle when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Even when I let up on the throttle it won't shift on its own. Conventional auto transmissions (like in my non Step '98 528) seem to shift when you lift a bit on the throttle and I think the Step in Sport mode takes this as a signal to use engine braking and holds the gear - like when you are entering a corner. Is this a correct assumption?

I've been careful to hold the throttle steady, but still seem to get these occasional RPM run-ups for no apparent reason. The car is otherwise perfect in D and manual modes. Has anyone else noticed this Sport mode behavior? Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?

 

I have noticed this as well in my 530D not only in DS but in D as well.
Car is currently in the shop having a new DME module fitted as well as new software specifically for the DME module installed.

By this they hope to get better shift patterns as well as eliminate the odd grinding noise on kick down.

Streak

 

Ya I think thats right. Its "suppose" to act more like a manual in sports mode.

 

Yep - exactly the same behavior occasionally. I haven't found it terribly offensive so I haven't done anything about it.

 

I made it kick-down in DS last week and it held the engine at very high RPM without shifting even when I eased off the accelerator. I was surprised - it didn't seem right.

 

Most of the time the box works OK but often I find it catches me by surprise and does unusual things.
Both my car and the 530D loaner I am driving now have this element of unpredictability.
My X5, which has a different box, is totally predictable.

 

Someone mentioned to me that the 'box has some sort of learning capability, i.e. over time it adapts to you driving style. I have never really noticed this but I wonder if it is true.

 

Mayby a little of topic... I read somewere her on this forum that if you put your SMG into sport mode the stearing gets stiffer and more resposive. Does anyone know if it's the same with the DS-mode? I think I can feel a little stiffer stearing... donno mayby the famous placebo effect..

 

steptronic is supposed to 'learn' your driving styles, i can tell you in 4+years of ownership you will notice that it does 'learn' your shift patterns... i always drive in 'sport' unless its snowing, and you should feel like the tranny is a stick but no clutch, the sport program will hold the gears longer and let the engine rev higher between shifts

the more you learn pedal feel, the more you will feel confident to control gear changes with pedal control... lots of fun when you figure it out...

 

I see 4500 + RPM's a lot. It used to bother me too