Using Tiptronic

[ugination87]

ok i have a 2003 325Ci and many of my friends tells me different ways of using the tiptronic. they tell me to shift up and down at certain rpm... how do u use tiptronic?

[BMWLotAttendant]

Around 3500rpm....but if you don't switch gears....it will do it automatically for you...I think at 6000rpm.

[E36KindaGuy]

my 2001 325i shifts at 6700 and it is not chipped.

[jehu3]

I love the Steptronic. It is easy to drive fast. I regularly set faster lap times than other BMW's, Porsche's, etc. To me, speed is about lower lap times, not faster shifts, higher red line.
When driving around town, I never shift it. When at the track I start in sport mode until I start getting the line and enough speed to feel the DSC coming on. Then I turn off all the DSC, and use the Step in manual mode. I usually initiate the manual Step shift about 500 or so rpm before red line- no need to hit red line every shift. At the end of a straight getting into threshold braking, knock it down 2-3 gears and get back to braking and rolling into the turn. The step has managed the shifting and has it in the right gear as I roll on the throttle and manage the oversteer/understeer of that corner. Then down the next straight. I often short shift a little to give every thing a break, if I'm not setting up a pass, or something.
I especially like the step helping me out when I'm too busy. If I'm powering out of a corning, maybe passing a slower car, then I just concentrate on what's happening on the track, and let the car shift itself at red line.
As I say, I love it... I just hope it doesn't frag after I'm out of warranty.

[bmwcrazy]

Isn't it called SMG? Just wondering.

[KwlAznKid]

Originally posted by bmwcrazy@Nov 12 2004, 02:28 PM
Isn't it called SMG? Just wondering.

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erg its different
i heard smg shifts faster or w/e

[E36KindaGuy]

Steptronic still has a torque converter...smg uses a clutch

[KwlAznKid]

Originally posted by E36KindaGuy@Nov 12 2004, 08:26 PM
Steptronic still has a torque converter...smg uses a clutch

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but ders no actual "clutch" that u can step on

[yubyub]

Steptronic still has a torque converter...smg uses a clutch

That's the big difference. Steptronic/tiptronic are still auto transmissions - torque converter, planetary gears and all. SMG is a fully manual transmission which has been "automated" - shifting is handled by electronics which actuate the clutch and associated gear via hydraulics.

SMG is basically an "automatic manual" if you get my drift - still replete with a real clutch, so you get the benefits of a bit more horsepower to the wheels (no torque converter) along with computerized shifting (perfect shift every time). The shifting logic will even blip the throttle for you (enabled by the fact that the e46 line is "drive by wire" - the computer can control the throttle easily).

How does one use the tiptronic?

Once you're in drive, slide the shifter over to the left. You're in sports mode now. It shifts at a higher RPM, and stays in gear much longer. This is great in things like traffic which is slowing down and speeding up lots, as you don't have to use your brakes as much.

Now, you're in sports mode - push the shifter towards the rear of the car. Now your in "manual" mode, where you can select the gears manually (you can also engage it by pushing the shifter towards the front of the car - one downshifts, the other way upshifts). The tranny control logic won't let you shift in to a gear if it will redline the engine, so it's a "safe" manual mode.

To get back into sport mode, slide the shifter to the right, then back to the left. Or just slide to the right to get back into fully auto mode.

It's not a bad feature at all - it's a great comprimise for those of us who had to get auto. It's NOT a manual or SMG, though.

[Specialblend96]

When on a course steptronic is not nearly as responsive as a manual or an SMG car. With manual and SMG you can downshift extremely faster than steptronic before you enter turns and accelerate faster out of turns. At first the shifitng my be tedious but one you get the hang of it, nothing is better. This is because you can time all your shift to your driving/turns and don't have to wait for the car to downshift and upshift. Also it slowing down by downshifting is a very useful technique. I also doubted SMG until I took out an SMG M3, it blew my mind. The ability to set the response of the shifts and being allowed to keep both hands on the steering wheel was awesome. I still think i prefer a manual although SMG is a definite option for my next car. Just my two cents.