shifting my 97 automatic m3

[m3f_imports4ever858]

yeah that sux, when i test drove a 328is auto, it had 1st and etc.. and lauching it from 1st was nice.. i wish m's would have that 1st selection rather than 4th.. who needs a 4th gear selection anyways...

[m3f_sameguy]

Ok, so after reading this thread, I went out to my trusty 97 auto and tried a few things. In Manual mode I can't find any way to get it into first gear. ACS on, off, foot on brake, revving w/ foot on brake, nothing seemed to work. In Sport mode, you can take off in second with moderate pedal depression but you're still not in first. It seems like the only way to get it into first is to stomp on it, then look out, you're off like a prom dress. I have never really paid much attention to this, but if you're racing someone, (not something I'm really into) you might be loosing a bit if time while the transmission shifts into first. One last thing. While in sport mode (and maybe E, but I didn't try it) and shift down from D to 4 to 3, nothing really happens, but when you go from 3 to 2 you can feel a little bump in the drivetrain, sort of like when you shift from N to D. Not sure what this is all about, anyone know?

[m3f_00poop6x_6dca3456a4]

I don't currently have my car with me at the moment for a long while....but mentioned earlier by someone else...have you tried depressing the button on the shitft knob while it sits in "2" in M mode?

[m3f_genner21_b0df9c1cac]

Yes and it doesn't do a damn thing...Kinda sux.



sameguy..what you're describing about shifiting down that low, I believe you would only use that to go up hills or come down hills, like braking w/ your engine. Like on regular a/t cars they have the option to go down to 2-3-and in some cases L (low??). I wouldn't be using this technique unless you're in M mode.

[m3f_00poop6x_6dca3456a4]

All in all, if you worry about going fast off the line and want to make it up directly because of the transmission....how about a tranny software?

[m3f_imports4ever858]

the only way to take off the line in 1st is just put it in S mode and leave it in drive.. also u gotta realize that M mode is only 4 gears not 5 like E or S, u can safely shift down to 4th 3rd or 2nd while being in S.. so like i mentioned earlier u put it in S, take off ASC, leave it in D drive, hold down the brake gas it to about 22-2500 rpm and floor it while letting go of the brake, u'll get a great launch.. i dont see a point of having a 1st gear in M mode.. S shifts for you at the highest possible rpms.. whether u have software download or tranny chip.. that just enhances it.. with software u get extra 250 rpms, with tranny chip u get firmer and higher shift points, in S it stays in gear in agressive driving.. hope this makes sence..