03 325 Automatic Vs Manual??

[sasha_k]

Hello all, I've just purchased my first BMW and have hit my first newbie concern. Since I've mainly been accustomed to American muscle cars with standard shifts, my perception of what's "normal" on a Euro designed car is off. However, I have owned a Mercedes and Porsche so know very well that they're comfortable at high RPMs for long distances.

Here's where I'm uncertain: my car is a 5 speed. During the test drive I had to ask if the car was in top gear or not because the shift couldn't be seen in the dark and the RPM level felt too high for 65 MPH, about 3200. Salesman said that's OK. Since then I've learned it's normal for BMWs to run at high RPMs without concern. OK, now I've had the car for two weeks and while it's still nagging me, I've accepted it. So far I've only gone up to 95MPH and it's been comfortable, around 3600RPMs.

Cars in for a service appointment and they gave me the same car, but with an automatic. Got right up to 85 and noticed RPMs were high until you maintained speed, then they dropped to 2600. That seems strange to me even considering the difference between transmissions.

So, any opinions out there? Am I being nuts or validly concerned? If I didn't know better I'd want to shift to 6th, or use overdrive. Also if it weren't for driving the auto, I'd think that's just how it is. But for my car to run at 3400 at 80MPH and this to run at 2600 doesn't sound appropriate. Any advice is appreciated! Looking forward to learning a lot about my new toy.
Thanks
sasha

[sardar]

i was wondering the same thing my car seems to be very high revving also, i think they are just like that.

[CiscoKid]

you are nuts.
It is fine.

the revs are differnat, becuase the auto has a different rear.

[Relevart]

Yes, the car is fine. Things to keep in mind:
Like sisco kid said differential is different.
Automatic tranny has overdrive, while ratio for fifth gear in manual gearbox is 1:1
This explains why RPM dropped at constant speed of 85 mph.

[jefft325i]

Originally posted by sasha_k@Apr 4 2005, 01:44 PM
Hello all, I've just purchased my first BMW and have hit my first newbie concern. Since I've mainly been accustomed to American muscle cars with standard shifts, my perception of what's "normal" on a Euro designed car is off. However, I have owned a Mercedes and Porsche so know very well that they're comfortable at high RPMs for long distances.

Here's where I'm uncertain: my car is a 5 speed. During the test drive I had to ask if the car was in top gear or not because the shift couldn't be seen in the dark and the RPM level felt too high for 65 MPH, about 3200. Salesman said that's OK. Since then I've learned it's normal for BMWs to run at high RPMs without concern. OK, now I've had the car for two weeks and while it's still nagging me, I've accepted it. So far I've only gone up to 95MPH and it's been comfortable, around 3600RPMs.

Cars in for a service appointment and they gave me the same car, but with an automatic. Got right up to 85 and noticed RPMs were high until you maintained speed, then they dropped to 2600. That seems strange to me even considering the difference between transmissions.

So, any opinions out there? Am I being nuts or validly concerned? If I didn't know better I'd want to shift to 6th, or use overdrive. Also if it weren't for driving the auto, I'd think that's just how it is. But for my car to run at 3400 at 80MPH and this to run at 2600 doesn't sound appropriate. Any advice is appreciated! Looking forward to learning a lot about my new toy.
Thanks
sasha

[snapback]325358[/snapback]

It's normal. Go drive a Civic and see what the RPM's are at 65 MPH!

[sasha_k]

Thanks for the replies. Everything said makes complete sense. I was just being paranoid. Obviously I knew not to compare muscle cars to a BMW, but the automatic experience made me wonder. Had the car in to check the windshield spray, loose hose, and talked with the tech about the rev difference. He said the same as here, that the automatic has overdrive so you can pass on the highway, or whatever. Manual shift does not, again as said here, since the ratio is 1:1. So...my over-concern put to rest...I was able to enjoy driving home, RMPs going where they wanted. Heh. Never thought I'd say this but couldn't wait to get outta that loaner. Someone sure abused that 3series.

Anyway, thanks again...

sasha