|
In Reply to: Steptronic transmission question posted by Stephen on August 13, 2000 at 21:48:38:
The Steptronic transmission in my 1997 850Ci acts exactly as you describe. As soon as the car warms up, I am no longer able to shift into first gear while in manual mode. However, while in "Auto" mode, the transmission does shift into first when I come to a complete stop. It baffles me why the transmission is able to shift itself into first gear, but will not let me shift into it manually. To my knowledge, no other Steptronic equipped BMW restricts the driver from shifting into first gear.
I spoke to both the head service advisor and the head mechanic at my dealership concerning this issue, and they tell me it is completely normal for Steptronic equipped 850s. This trait may be normal....but it is NOT something that is acceptable to me. It shows me that BMW installed a transmission in my $96,800 1997 850Ci that is NOT strong enough to handle the power of its V12 powerplant.
If BMW believed the transmission to be so weak that it could not handle first gear starts initiated by the driver, then WHY did they install it in M73 850s? I find the fact that my Ultimate Driving Machine is equipped with deficient transmission very disappointing and disturbing. This fact has certainly stopped me from installing any further modifications to my 850, as well as made me question the quality of the vehicle as a whole.
As if the first gear dilemma wasn't bad enough, I have another complaint about the transmission....it does not have a "Sport" mode. This would not be a problem if the "Adaptive Transmission Control" actually worked. No matter how many miles I put on the car, it doesn't seem to "adapt" to my aggressive driving style. While in the fully automatic mode, the shift pattern is the least aggressive of any car I've ever owned.....it makes the car seem "piggish." I will take off from a stop sign, and the car will shift into fifth gear well before I even reach 40 mph! My previous E31, a 1995 840Ci, had a 5 Speed Auto with a selectable sport mode (selecting by shifting into "4"), and its shift points were perfect!
I know this post may make me sound like a whiner, but this transmission debacle is the only complaint I have about my 850 and I feel very strongly about it. BMW, if you are listening, I would appreciate being contacted about this matter and informed as to what will be done to resolve it.
Raymond Muratori
RMuratori@aol.com
1997 850Ci
WBAEG4328VCD05354
© 1997 -
2009
Jump Internet Inc. All rights reserved.
