Automatic Slow Off The Line In D, But Not 1st

[jkh2828]

I own an automatic 95 318i with 113k miles. Just got it not too long ago - but I just noticed that it is super slow (if you an imagine that) from a dead stop or slow roll in drive, but not if I shift into 1st and try to accelerate.

The only reason I have a auto is commutes in LA suck. Sorry, I would have much rather gotten a manual.

Any ideas as to why this would happen?

thanks for the help,

john

[SilentOne]

If you have an automatic, and you are slow off the line, but not in first, this is most likely because you have it in Drive on "M" or manual. When it is in drive on Manual, it is like accelerating off the line in 4th gear, however if you switch it to A for automatic, it will shift normally. The button that says A on the top, and M on the bottom near the shifter should be on A, or it may not be illuminated so press it down. If this doesnt work i think the switch may be broken.

[Cruzin 323is]

other than your car is a 4 banger...

[bigred318]

so from what i got out of the question is why is my car slow off the line, but not slow when i downshift to 1st while moving? well since i have a 318 too, i can say its becuase you are already moving so your rpms are higher than they would be when you were first starting off the line. (its the same for any car thats auto with low HP/torque) if it was a manual you could raise the rpms higher and launch and get through the sluggish low rpms. but a auto you must start right from idle which really hurts your accleration. anyways dropping it into first while moving your rpms are higher since you are already moving.

i kind of rambled on but i hope this helps

David

[jkh2828]

Thanks for the input...

I checked all that stuff out (the A / M switch). I thought this just changed the shift points to a higher RPM? Is that not true? This switch does work - if i am driving say 50, and put it in M, it will shift into 3rd.


If I shift the lever into 1st while at a complete stop, and then accelerate it is much quicker...

It almost feels as if the car is starting in second. I need to see how many shifts the car makes to tell definitively i guess.

So, I'll let you know when I drive tomorow.

Thanks,

John

- I know my car is a 4 banger. However, that does not mean much - Subaru outback (a station wagon) has 255 hp and 0-60 in 5.6! All with a 4 cyl.

[thekid]

please do not drop it into first from neutral...It will male your car very sad...

yeah pretty much because it is an auto your acceleration will suck from a stand still, but if you use the M mode you can simulate having manual for downshifts, also you can actually use first for very low speed turns with out damaging your tranny, like down shifting to first can do to manual tranny cars. It is a trade off.

[BlantonG13]

yeah...4 cyl don't have to be slow, but the Outback also uses a 2.4L engine to help with that 255hp (some 6cyl engines are that big). Thats a little bit different for a 1.8L 4cyl making 138hp...The saying stands true: "There's no replacement for Displacement"

Also, the BMW is a little on the heavier side, so it will be slower. I have a 318i as well but its manual and can be quick, but overall, its still pretty slow.

[bigred318]

Originally posted by BlantonG13@Jan 10 2005, 11:17 AM
yeah...4 cyl don't have to be slow, but the Outback also uses a 2.4L engine to help with that 255hp (some 6cyl engines are that big). Thats a little bit different for a 1.8L 4cyl making 138hp...The saying stands true: "There's no replacement for Displacement"

Also, the BMW is a little on the heavier side, so it will be slower. I have a 318i as well but its manual and can be quick, but overall, its still pretty slow.

[snapback]268111[/snapback]

stole the words right from my mouth, thats liek comparing a s2000 to a 318 haha they are both 4 cylinders different weight and displacement

David

[sonny325i]

that A/M switch....is that the steptronic feature?

[mmclaren]

stole the words right from my mouth, thats liek comparing a s2000 to a 318 haha they are both 4 cylinders different weight and displacement

David

[snapback]268162[/snapback]

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HAHA someone said something good about a Honda, since i have joined the forums someone is saying a honda has a quick engine :P

[325is1994]

s2000 motor is the most technologically advanced 4 cylinder motor ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!240 hp all motor thats crazy

[komodo]

Originally posted by sonny325i@Jan 10 2005, 10:09 PM
that A/M switch....is that the steptronic feature?

[snapback]268632[/snapback]

Yes. To switch between automatic and steptronic manual override.


I know exactly what you're talking about though. The car seems quicker and more responsive in steptronic than in auto. I'm guessing the auto dulls down the acceleration for a better power curve. The only problem with accelerating hard in steptronic is it's hard to judge shifts. There's a long delay between changing and if you're not careful you'll go past the redline.

[vert2000gt]

Originally posted by komodo9+Jan 10 2005, 11:04 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(komodo9 @ Jan 10 2005, 11:04 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-sonny325i@Jan 10 2005, 10:09 PM
that A/M switch....is that the steptronic feature?

[snapback]268632[/snapback]

Yes. To switch between automatic and steptronic manual override.


I know exactly what you're talking about though. The car seems quicker and more responsive in steptronic than in auto. I'm guessing the auto dulls down the acceleration for a better power curve. The only problem with accelerating hard in steptronic is it's hard to judge shifts. There's a long delay between changing and if you're not careful you'll go past the redline.

[snapback]268688[/snapback]

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yea sorry about that one :P

[typ507]

Hasnt anybody else read the manual?
.... Okay, nevermind.
The A//M switch is an early version of tiptronic, and is indeed extremely hard to judge shift times with it. Much frustration has been derived from tryting to shift at the redline only to have the RPMs shoot up and hit the rev limiter, causing your car to shudder and making you look like a retard when racing somebody.

[BMWspeedracer]

if your gonna race, I think it's best to keep it on A, and have it on 3.
And if you mash the gas pedal while on idle, then It should ride the revs all the way to at least 6.5 before shifting to 2nd, and the same to 3rd.