manual mode is cool

cprogrammer · Feb 7, 2004

I've been using manual mode more and more lately. It's ALOT faster than in auto mode!! I wasn't sure at first if I wanted to use it, but it's easy to do. I just pushed the 'm' and shifted through the gears. I did a few tests on a straightaway, and with automatic 1st and 2nd gear have a slower acceleration, but with manual mode it's fassttttttt. It's still probably not as fast as a real manual car but it's alot faster than pure auto!!

[/Pointless post]

jszar · Feb 7, 2004

also, while in automtaic, put it in 3 rather than D...it stays in each gear a little longer, and wont go into 4th(on 325i at least). but thats why sticks are common on cars that are meant for speed and acceleration....most automatics dont usually cut it.

cprogrammer · Feb 8, 2004

Thanks for the reply.

I agree with that, but it seems that the acceleration is a bit slower in 1st gear even though the RPMS are higher.

I read again my manual today, and I just found out something about my car. I don't think I have Steptronic? In other words, I shouldn't be shifting! I found some pictures on the internet of BMW's with Steptronic, and the shifter looked like a manual shifter. Mine, however, looks like one you would see on any automatic car (but next to my seat). Also, I read in the manual that "manual mode is used for driving in one single gear. Place it in 'M' and select the gear". Does that mean I shouldn't be 'shifting'? Have I been hurting the engine? Or did I read it wrong and I do have Steptronic? I'm not sure, it doesn't seem like I should be shifting since I have to 1.) press the button on the shifter 2.)Shift 3.) unclick the button. Plus I feel the car jerk when I shift,and a half second delay for the transmission to get to the gear I selected.

carcus · Feb 9, 2004

cprogrammer said:

You don't have Steptronic, I think it was available on 99 and above models. My owners manual says the same thing as yours also. Personally, I think by manually shifting the auto, you can get the impression of it being faster but by putting it in auto and 3rd, it will perform better. Almost impossible to shift better than the computer with the technology of the automatic transmissions these days. You did not hurt anything by the way by shifting it manually. Hope this helps. [thumb]

Keyz2mybimmer · Feb 9, 2004

hey carcus quick question....if you have an 11button OBC how hard is it to install an 18button OBC...would i have to get an 18button harness and will i have to do any wiring?by the way i have a 97'328i..thanks!!! [driving]

carcus · Feb 9, 2004

Keyz2mybimmer said:

I used to know a web page link of someone who actually did it, had to do some wiring work, as far as I know was not a plug and play job, but this was someone attempting the install on a earlier model E36. If I find it, will post it for you. Personally, I only use the OBC for gas milage on highway trips, temp, and I think that is about it. Maybe someone else on here remembers a link on the swap.

cprogrammer · Feb 9, 2004

Thanks jszar and Carcus!

Carcus, if I don't have Steptronic, what is the 'M' for? If it's "manual", what is its purpose if I'm not supposed to shift?

jszar · Feb 9, 2004

the main reason i think for the manual option is for control. no matter how smart the car is, its not as smart as a human, no matter the software. it cant see and judge everything. but more so, it will let you stay in each gear as long as you like/need to if you were racing or whatever.

bmwperson · Feb 9, 2004

http://www.geocities.com/e36rulz/OBCconversion.html here is the link. as for increasing your acceleration in 1st and 2nd just do power braking this will allow you to get to the higher revs before the auto is gonna "drop the clutch" ( altho thats not really how it works, I think there is a fluid that actualy gets things moving )

--
Best Regards
Tom

carcus · Feb 10, 2004

cprogrammer said:

Yep, the "M" is for manual shift mode. You can use it to hold a gear like climbing or decending hills so it will not upshift or downshift on you, also good for bad wx conditions like snow so a less slippery start. I still say the computer shifts fine. I would not try power breaking with your automatic transmission as this will eventually screw up your car. But than again, everyone has a choice. [;)]

cprogrammer · Feb 10, 2004

Thanks for the replies. One thing I don't like about auto's is its inconsistency. Sometimes when accelerating from 15 mph it will go as slow as a minivan. I'm guessing it's shifting, and the computer probably knows what gear to go to, so it's probably not a problem. But that's the one thing I like about manuals, I know what gear I'm in so I know why it's going slower, faster, etc.

Thanks again everyone.

Heresy · Feb 10, 2004

im with you man. sometimes i feel like the car wants to go.... and other times when im driving it seems like the gears are short. inconsistent. but i still love my car to death. im glad im not spoiled with a manual. it gives me something to work my way UP to next time..

manual mode is cool

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