Why I don't like manual mode with the steptronic
07-05-2009, 02:34 PM
#11
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Originally Posted by DD_545i' post='933295' date='Jul 5 2009, 05:04 PM
Don't you ever drive round sweeping curves and want to hold the gear until you reach the end of the curve and then be immediately on the gas to accelerate? The alternative (when you've got an auto box) is to slow down more and take the curve slowed and then rely on kickdown to change gear when you exit the curve. Highly inefficient.
I never use manual/steptronic when I'm stuck in a traffic jam or exiting the driveway, or driving slow and boring (but not out of choice). If it's "spirited driving" then it's manual mode all the way.
I never use manual/steptronic when I'm stuck in a traffic jam or exiting the driveway, or driving slow and boring (but not out of choice). If it's "spirited driving" then it's manual mode all the way.
07-05-2009, 02:47 PM
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There is no substitue for a manual gear box, im sorry boys but the auto is just rubbish, its the same one i have in the RRS and i just leave that in drive!!!
07-05-2009, 04:42 PM
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I had some difficulty with this too at first. It just isn't intuitive like a manual, I don't know why. I do use manual on the back roads, to slow going into curves and provide that acceleration through the curve and coming out...but I still find sometimes I have to brake before the curve in order not to over-rev when I downshift (something I never had to do with the manual). The effect is a little...sloppy. And I do tend to watch the RPMs just to be sure, where with a manual you would just know...
So, yeah, it's a compromise for sure...
So, yeah, it's a compromise for sure...
07-05-2009, 06:20 PM
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I use my Step's manual mode a lot. It is really useful during ultra-aggressive driving in twisty/hilly driving such as during meets. On the twisty roads, I alternate between M2 and M3 with the engine screaming -- a beautiful sound. The manual mode is excellent in holding a gear during hard cornering. I know to upshift or downshift based on engine revs and it is a lot more responsive than the manual gate in my prior car (Infiniti M45 Sport). If you get the hang of the feel of the transmission, you can easily avoid the forced, automatic upshifting that occurs in the manual mode when you hit the gas and get to the redline.
No one would mistake the Step for a SMG or a manual but as automatic transmissions go, it's excellent.
No one would mistake the Step for a SMG or a manual but as automatic transmissions go, it's excellent.
07-05-2009, 09:18 PM
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I have similar problems in our Z4. Yes I know, Z4 automatic?!?
Coming up to a junction, you go for 2nd just as the car does likewise, so you end up getting 1st!
As a manual driver, I always drive in manual mode, except in tight urban situations when it's easier to leave in auto rather than looking to see what gear you're in....
Coming up to a junction, you go for 2nd just as the car does likewise, so you end up getting 1st!
As a manual driver, I always drive in manual mode, except in tight urban situations when it's easier to leave in auto rather than looking to see what gear you're in....
07-05-2009, 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by sdg1871' post='933454' date='Jul 6 2009, 04:20 AM
No one would mistake the Step for a SMG or a manual but as automatic transmissions go, it's excellent.
07-06-2009, 02:22 AM
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Originally Posted by DD_545i' post='933644' date='Jul 6 2009, 01:20 AM
Yes you did 
Moreso in fact. The (real) manual doesn't offer any over-rev protection on downshift so you had to brake MORE with it than you do with the automatic in manual mode, which will ignore your request to downshift until you've braked enough. It's the better and safer of the two options when it comes to downshifting, and both require you to brake, the manual moreso.
No you can't. It will always upshift when it hits the redline no matter what you're doing.
+1
Moreso in fact. The (real) manual doesn't offer any over-rev protection on downshift so you had to brake MORE with it than you do with the automatic in manual mode, which will ignore your request to downshift until you've braked enough. It's the better and safer of the two options when it comes to downshifting, and both require you to brake, the manual moreso.No you can't. It will always upshift when it hits the redline no matter what you're doing.
+1
07-06-2009, 02:41 AM
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Originally Posted by sdg1871' post='933820' date='Jul 6 2009, 06:22 AM
You can avoid a redline-induced upshift of manually upshifting or taking your feet off the gas (or giving it less gas) just before it hits the redline. Once you have the feel of the trans, you have a good idea of when it is about to do a forced upshift.
How was the drive this weekend, btw?
07-06-2009, 03:04 AM
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Originally Posted by v_therussian' post='933822' date='Jul 6 2009, 06:41 AM
Something tells me Scott knows a thing or two about the red line on his car
How was the drive this weekend, btw?
How was the drive this weekend, btw?
07-06-2009, 03:05 AM
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Originally Posted by sdg1871' post='933820' date='Jul 6 2009, 12:22 PM
You can avoid a redline-induced upshift of manually upshifting or taking your feet off the gas (or giving it less gas) just before it hits the redline. Once you have the feel of the trans, you have a good idea of when it is about to do a forced upshift.
