I don't think these are bad habits at all (more) (archive)

If you weren't supposed to shift it, they wouldn't have put all those gears in the automatic!!! C'mon, this is a Bimmer - it is meant to be a driver's car. So drive it!

I have a tranny chip plus a high stall speed torque converter in my '94 530iA. The tranny chip program is very aggressive (the "D/E" program is now as aggressive as the stock "S" program.) In S (sports) program, the engine turns all the way up to redline in each gear if I run at fully open throttle.

I always shift to neutral at stop lights because I dislike having to keep my foot on the brake. I've changed into gear while the car is rolling backward of very slight inclines. Big deal. It's not like you're punching it in reverse then shifting to drive - now that would be stupid.

I shift from S2, to S3, to S4, to D and down again. I also use the transmission to slow the car rather than rely solely on the brakes.

I very rarely use the M (manual) mode - I think this is for starting the car off in the gear you select so that you can use low torque launches on snow and ice. Otherwise, it is redundant with just shifting it yourself in A (automatic) mode.

This transmission has been working very hard. I've pushed it to the max. The car is 7 years old with 80K miles on it. I've had no transmission problems (knock on wood.) I follow the maintenance schedule meticulously. I've only had to replace an $80 component so far (the guibo?) The "lifetime" transmission fluid was replaced a couple years ago when I installed the torque converter.

I suppose one could argue that I have reduced the expected useful life of the transmission from what it might otherwise have been, but it's been well worth all the fun to date and beyond. Only regret is that I didn't buy the 5-speed manual in the first place!

Mango
'94 Dinan 530iA
Shifting and lovin' it

I have the tendancy to shift to neutral alot at red lights. Also, I switch to manual mode a lot when trying to accelarate. When stopped at lights, I switch to neutral, and sometimes I let the car roll back before putting it in Drive. is this harmful for Trans? Sometimes I tend to start out in S3"3rd gear", rather than ED "Economy Drive", and I tend to switch to Drive and back to S3. And at time sI go to S2 to s3 to D. and M1 to M2 M3 M4. Am I messing up my Trans?! Hope not. It's less than year old, and I kinda used to do the same with the previous one, but not sure my driving habits made it go bad..it was the original on the car..91 525i and i bought it in 98. Replaced Trans in late 1999. I guess bottom line, does switching between the E, S, and M mode harmful? I am used to stick shifts, and I tend to play with this one like one. Any tips for making this Trans last a long time?

Thanks for any advice..

Follow Ups:

owner's man. recommends against excess D-N shifts Brian M. 21:37 4/30/2001 (0)

[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E34) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.