DCT/Steptronic users, what is your preffered cruising gear?

SaMaster14 · 06-19-2012, 09:25 PM

Well, this is mainly aimed at the 335is DCT drivers, but also includes people who use steptronic (although I'm not sure the gear rations (i think that's the correct word) are the same - I know the new F30 users with the 8-speed are different).

But, what gear do you use while cruising the street and highway? I usually try and keep my revs at or below 2k, so I'm usually in 5th gear, driving at about 40mph on the street. I know that in my Infiniti G37S, I was normally in 4th gear at about 3k RPM. I just feel that the exhaust on the 335is is so loud in normal driving, that I feel as though I'm going faster than I am or just wasting gas if I keep the car in 3rd or 4th gear while cruising on the street. Plus, there is just SO much torque, that I don't need to downshift all the way to 2nd to pass up someone going slowly or have some fun driving spiritedly.

On the highway, I'm usually in 6th/7th gear, especially when just driving along.

Thoughts/Comments?

AddictedToBavarian · 06-19-2012, 09:29 PM

Steptronic here. I like to shift at 3-4000. The best sound with my PE is on 3rd at around 3000.

BEAR-AvHistory · 06-19-2012, 10:14 PM

For DD I run it in normal + S button & let it do its thing, which is usually 6th or 7th over 45mph

MWhy · 06-19-2012, 10:40 PM

If I'm just cruising on the open freeway, I just keep it in D. And downshift as needed.

If I'm driving for fun, I go M and Sport Button. And drive like I would a manual. Whatever feels like the right gear, rarely over 5th

And if I end up at one speed for awhile, I'll just slap in back into D.

Kayani_1 · 06-20-2012, 12:23 AM

6th gear.....however I have noticed that the steptronic is hesitant to shift up to 6th and likes to stay in 5th. Many times I over ride as soon as I get to cruising speed that increases instant gas mileage on the center console by few mpg.

SilverII · 06-20-2012, 06:29 AM

sport button on & DSC off....that's how i roll now

there are many times when i tried to floor it and dsc/dtc said no.

06-19-2012, 09:25 PM	#1
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 4439 Rep 3,866 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.50] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [10.00]	DCT/Steptronic users, what is your preffered cruising gear? Well, this is mainly aimed at the 335is DCT drivers, but also includes people who use steptronic (although I'm not sure the gear rations (i think that's the correct word) are the same - I know the new F30 users with the 8-speed are different). But, what gear do you use while cruising the street and highway? I usually try and keep my revs at or below 2k, so I'm usually in 5th gear, driving at about 40mph on the street. I know that in my Infiniti G37S, I was normally in 4th gear at about 3k RPM. I just feel that the exhaust on the 335is is so loud in normal driving, that I feel as though I'm going faster than I am or just wasting gas if I keep the car in 3rd or 4th gear while cruising on the street. Plus, there is just SO much torque, that I don't need to downshift all the way to 2nd to pass up someone going slowly or have some fun driving spiritedly. On the highway, I'm usually in 6th/7th gear, especially when just driving along. Thoughts/Comments? __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
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06-19-2012, 09:29 PM	#2
AddictedToBavarian My other ride is a Bianchi Infinito 96 Rep 2,767 Posts Drives: Miss my E92 but love my E46 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (2)	Steptronic here. I like to shift at 3-4000. The best sound with my PE is on 3rd at around 3000.
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06-19-2012, 10:14 PM	#3
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3127 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	For DD I run it in normal + S button & let it do its thing, which is usually 6th or 7th over 45mph __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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06-19-2012, 10:40 PM	#4
MWhy Private First Class 6 Rep 100 Posts Drives: 2012 335is BSM Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Redondo Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	If I'm just cruising on the open freeway, I just keep it in D. And downshift as needed. If I'm driving for fun, I go M and Sport Button. And drive like I would a manual. Whatever feels like the right gear, rarely over 5th And if I end up at one speed for awhile, I'll just slap in back into D.
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06-20-2012, 12:23 AM	#5
Kayani_1 Lieutenant Colonel 81 Rep 1,656 Posts Drives: BMW E92/E60 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (1)	6th gear.....however I have noticed that the steptronic is hesitant to shift up to 6th and likes to stay in 5th. Many times I over ride as soon as I get to cruising speed that increases instant gas mileage on the center console by few mpg. __________________ nickname"BAD 3",MHD E85 tune,RennArt catback non-resonated exhaust,VRSF Downpipes, VRSF 7"FMIC,VRSF stock side inlets,SSQV BOV,ECS CP,M-performance alcantara steering,retrofit M3 paddle shifters,Alpina B3 tranny flash,AFE power seal CAI,LED angels,ST Coilovers,M3 upper/lower control arms,E93 M3 Front Swaybar ,235/35/19x9 ,275/30/19x9.5. M sport bumpers, CF diffuser. When in doubt..flat out.
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06-20-2012, 06:29 AM	#6
SilverII Colonel 40 Rep 2,334 Posts Drives: '11 335IS Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: DFW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335IS [9.66]	sport button on & DSC off....that's how i roll now there are many times when i tried to floor it and dsc/dtc said no.
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