Steptronic vs. Sport Auto
07-06-2009, 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard in NC' post='934501' date='Jul 6 2009, 07:12 PM
Thw SAT's not just about saving 1/10 second on a shift, its about the responsive sporty feel you get from that shift. Plus, I really like the paddles for shifting in the twisties. <-Note, with the paddles on the wheel, it forces you to downshift shift just before corner entry. You can then power thru the turn, wind out the lower gear, and upshift to 3rd on even the shortest straights, downshifting again, just before the next turn.
FYI- you are not saving 10ths of a second, your saving 100ths of a second over the speed of Steptronic shift.
07-07-2009, 02:46 AM
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Originally Posted by oilers99s' post='934667' date='Jul 6 2009, 11:28 PM
Are the Steptronic and SAT totally different transmissions other than the cosmetic appearance of the shifter?
07-07-2009, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by pennetta' post='934926' date='Jul 7 2009, 04:46 AM
I think that I remember that the actual transmission was the same ZF unit; it was the software, paddles, stick shift and actuation hardware that was different.
07-07-2009, 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by pennetta' post='934926' date='Jul 7 2009, 03:46 AM
I think that I remember that the actual transmission was the same ZF unit; it was the software, paddles, stick shift and actuation hardware that was different.
In any case, it's the best 500 option-dollars I spent on this car!
Cal
07-07-2009, 11:04 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
Originally Posted by calpalmer' post='935348' date='Jul 7 2009, 02:41 PM
I thought I remembered it as a Different transmission than the Steptronic. I could be corrected here. I remember I tried getting that pinned down via BMW, locally and NA, with no result (amazing, really, that they don't know the answer). I also remember visiting the ZF sites and some other places and found some reference to differences between them beyond the paddles and software etc., though I can't remember just what.
In any case, it's the best 500 option-dollars I spent on this car!
Cal
In any case, it's the best 500 option-dollars I spent on this car!
Cal
07-07-2009, 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by oilers99s' post='934667' date='Jul 7 2009, 11:28 AM
Are the Steptronic and SAT totally different transmissions other than the cosmetic appearance of the shifter?
07-07-2009, 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by oilers99s' post='935248' date='Jul 8 2009, 01:28 AM
So is it possible to convert a steptronic to shift like a SAT?
Read this thread:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=60766&st=45
07-10-2009, 11:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Bteljuice' post='932948' date='Jul 5 2009, 08:03 PM
small question.
You had a 335i, why are you getting a 530 instead of a 535i as there's a big difference.
No mater what your choice is, E60 is the right one.
You had a 335i, why are you getting a 530 instead of a 535i as there's a big difference.
No mater what your choice is, E60 is the right one.
07-11-2009, 05:41 AM
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Originally Posted by pennetta' post='934512' date='Jul 6 2009, 07:17 PM
Sorry, but that sounds exactly like sport driving. That "responsive sporty feel" that you mention is because its shifts faster. I mentioned Paddles, rev matching- I have SAT, I love it and I am not sure of your point.
FYI- you are not saving 10ths of a second, your saving 100ths of a second over the speed of Steptronic shift.
FYI- you are not saving 10ths of a second, your saving 100ths of a second over the speed of Steptronic shift.
Also, I can't compare shift speed of the SAT versus the '08 and up Steptronic but it shifts much faster than an '06 steptronic.
And yes it is 10ths per an article I read on the new transmission found here: New ZF 6 speed Auto. "Reaction times for the new transmission are impressive. ZF says manual downshifts occur in about 200 milliseconds, while its first-generation 6-speed auto required at least twice as much time." That is a savings of 2/10s seconds.
For comparison, IIRC, the SMG III is 120 milliseconds and the M-DCT is about 80.