When do I "shift" up(+), and down(-) using a steptronic transmission? (2001 BMW 330ci)?

Question

So I know how to enter into steptronic mode, how to shift up/down, but I just don't know when i should do it.

Can someone give me a mph/rpm range or something like that?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Its better not to mess with the step function when you have an automatic unless you actually need the extra boost in power at a particular time.

Typically, you would want to ride a gear until you max out on your hp. For the 330 engine, I think its 500 rpm below redline. You're going to overheat/reduce the life of the engine if you drive your car like this all the time. Also, the car consumes a massive amount of gas at higher rpms.

There is a delay in the step system when you change gears manually of about 1 sec or so. You should have found a car with a SMGII transmission. The delay is .2 sec or less.

Answer 2

The best way to figure it out is to just get a feel for it. Play with it on the freeways, when accelerating from a stop, etc... You got until the RPMs hit the red. You have a state of the art, high tech car that won't let you over rev, and may even pull the next gear for you. Then older BMW's won't even let you over rev your engine (90's)

Get out there and have some fun. You'll get the feel of when to shift. The older 325 stick shift BMW's I drove had power all the way to the red line. Way too much fun.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the steptronic thing, but generally you would shift when the needle on your tachometer gets near the red and your engine is reving high. (when you shift to a higher gear it goes down) but it depends on your car as to the mph thing, and seeing as how I have never driven a BMW i wouldnt know where to start on that. some sport bikes can go 90 miles an hour in first gear, while a crappy kia or something would generally have to shift to second between 15-30 mph. like I said, it depends.

Answer 4

Shift up when you would shift up in a manual and down when you would shift down in a manual.

Don't tell me you can't drive? (or can't drive a manual, same thing).