How to Get 6AT to start in 2nd gear from Stop?

06BMW325i · 02-16-2011, 12:01 AM

Ive learned that most 6at start at 2nd gear from a stop but mine in my 2006 325i auto will sometime start in first and sometimes in 2nd. This has done it ever since new and I was hoping it would adapt and soon learn to start at 2nd at all times. Not that its a big issue, but starting in 1st can be quite jerky especially when it quickly shifts to second at around ~2,000rpms.

Occasionally it will start in 2nd from a stop. Also it will continue in 2nd if I am not at a full stop but actually rolling about 5mph.

What do you guys recommend as I feel it won't adapt to starting in 2nd gear. Btw, my driving style is very conservative and rarely drive above 3,000 rpm on a daily basis. I would assume it should start in 1st gear in DS mode or if the pedal is past the kick down point. Any thoughts? Is anyones like this and if so, did a transmission software update from the dealer help solve the problem?

Wlew · 02-16-2011, 02:20 PM

If I understand you correctly... just keep your car in manual mode, shift yourself, and problem solved. when you stop, keep it in 2nd, and then hit the gas.

giotein · 02-16-2011, 02:22 PM

I believe when you stop at a red light, it will automatically shift back down to 1st for you. Just shift it back up to 2nd and hopefully problem solved

06BMW325i · 02-16-2011, 02:27 PM

Do your 6ATs start at 1st gear or 2nd, or is it occasionally both? It's hard to adjust to the jerkiness during 1st gear starts which are so short.

06BMW325i · 02-16-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wlew

If I understand you correctly... just keep your car in manual mode, shift yourself, and problem solved. when you stop, keep it in 2nd, and then hit the gas.

Anyway to not use M mode? Loaner cars Ive driven start in 2nd unless I floor it, which in that case starts in 1st. I thought these cars were designed to start in 2nd.

325/528 · 02-16-2011, 02:42 PM

You are in the "D" mode and not the "DS" mode, correct?

06BMW325i · 02-16-2011, 03:23 PM

Yes, this is in D mode....

jfisher160 · 02-16-2011, 03:46 PM

If you put it on Manual mode it will always go into 2nd gear when you stop at a light, you have to shirt it into 1st. 1st is such a low gear the car doesn't do it manually. So if you want to stay in 2nd don’t down shift when stopping at a light and it will automatically go into 2nd every time.

06BMW325i · 02-16-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfisher160

If you put it on Manual mode it will always go into 2nd gear when you stop at a light, you have to shirt it into 1st. 1st is such a low gear the car doesn't do it manually. So if you want to stay in 2nd don’t down shift when stopping at a light and it will automatically go into 2nd every time.

Yes I understand this but anyway to start in 1st gear in regular D mode.....

Wlew · 02-17-2011, 12:04 PM

I dont think so. it should start in 2nd. if not just keep it in M mode and be done with it. its more fun anyways.

Express · 02-17-2011, 12:07 PM

you need to let me drive it to get the parts moving once in a while!

Broder · 02-17-2011, 06:45 PM

My 330i in D uses 1st gear quite a lot, specially in uphills (because of the inclination sensor). I´m not sure the car is "supposed" to start in 2nd gear that often. In MT cars if you start in 2nd gear instead of 1st gear you will eventually destroy your clutch, since the clutch will need to "slip" longer until the engine speed is sync´d with gearbox speed. Sure, AT has no clutch, but has a torque-converter, though torque-converters are more tolerant then clutches, I´m not sure how healthy it is to leave the gearbox slipping in 2nd gear instead of launching in 1st gear with minimal gearbox slip.

josephbet01 · 02-17-2011, 09:12 PM

Im sure the car is working exactly as designed otherwise you'd be getting a check engine light or throwing a code of some sort.

I also can't imagine needing to drive around in DS mode all the time. Really guys? I throw it in DS now and then if I'm on a twisty back road, but I don't see the point during my trip to work in traffic or running my usual errands.

It doesn't even use 6th gear in DS. You're going to drive to work cruising down the highway in 5th....why?? Seems wasteful and pointless. Just press Start and drive the F'n car already! LoL

02-16-2011, 12:01 AM	#1
06BMW325i New Member 14 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 06 325i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Costa Mesa,CA iTrader: (0)	How to Get 6AT to start in 2nd gear from Stop? Ive learned that most 6at start at 2nd gear from a stop but mine in my 2006 325i auto will sometime start in first and sometimes in 2nd. This has done it ever since new and I was hoping it would adapt and soon learn to start at 2nd at all times. Not that its a big issue, but starting in 1st can be quite jerky especially when it quickly shifts to second at around ~2,000rpms. Occasionally it will start in 2nd from a stop. Also it will continue in 2nd if I am not at a full stop but actually rolling about 5mph. What do you guys recommend as I feel it won't adapt to starting in 2nd gear. Btw, my driving style is very conservative and rarely drive above 3,000 rpm on a daily basis. I would assume it should start in 1st gear in DS mode or if the pedal is past the kick down point. Any thoughts? Is anyones like this and if so, did a transmission software update from the dealer help solve the problem?
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02-16-2011, 02:20 PM	#2
Wlew Major 77 Rep 1,116 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (12)	If I understand you correctly... just keep your car in manual mode, shift yourself, and problem solved. when you stop, keep it in 2nd, and then hit the gas. __________________ 2011 335i Sports Package \| VRSF FMIC \| Cobb AP3 \| Dinan Exhaust \| BMS Intake \| VRSF CP \| Lux H8 Angel Eyes \| Mtec LED Fogs \|
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02-16-2011, 02:22 PM	#3
giotein New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 07 BMW 335i E92 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	I believe when you stop at a red light, it will automatically shift back down to 1st for you. Just shift it back up to 2nd and hopefully problem solved
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02-16-2011, 02:27 PM	#4
06BMW325i New Member 14 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 06 325i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Costa Mesa,CA iTrader: (0)	Do your 6ATs start at 1st gear or 2nd, or is it occasionally both? It's hard to adjust to the jerkiness during 1st gear starts which are so short.
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02-16-2011, 02:42 PM	#6
325/528 Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 278 Posts Drives: pinto Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: lost soul iTrader: (7)	You are in the "D" mode and not the "DS" mode, correct?
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02-16-2011, 03:23 PM	#7
06BMW325i New Member 14 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 06 325i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Costa Mesa,CA iTrader: (0)	Yes, this is in D mode....
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02-16-2011, 03:46 PM	#8
jfisher160 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 2012 335is Coupe Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA iTrader: (3)	If you put it on Manual mode it will always go into 2nd gear when you stop at a light, you have to shirt it into 1st. 1st is such a low gear the car doesn't do it manually. So if you want to stay in 2nd don’t down shift when stopping at a light and it will automatically go into 2nd every time. __________________ New - 2013 - 320i - 15% Tint - Future Mods ( BMS Tune, Suspension, Wheels, Exhaust) Sold - 2007 328i (3-Stage Manifold - BMW Perf Intake w/Scoops - Powerbox - Magnaflow Exhaust - MMW Headers - KW Street Comfort - VMR 701s 19' w/M3 offset - BMW Strut Brace - 330I Brake Conversation - 5% Tint All Around - 8K HID Fog Lights -Angel Eyes)
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02-17-2011, 12:04 PM	#10
Wlew Major 77 Rep 1,116 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (12)	I dont think so. it should start in 2nd. if not just keep it in M mode and be done with it. its more fun anyways. __________________ 2011 335i Sports Package \| VRSF FMIC \| Cobb AP3 \| Dinan Exhaust \| BMS Intake \| VRSF CP \| Lux H8 Angel Eyes \| Mtec LED Fogs \|
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02-17-2011, 12:07 PM	#11
Express Major General 369 Rep 8,693 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The Promise Land iTrader: (17) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.30]	you need to let me drive it to get the parts moving once in a while!
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02-17-2011, 06:45 PM	#12
Broder New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: BMW 330i 06/07 M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Brazil iTrader: (0)	My 330i in D uses 1st gear quite a lot, specially in uphills (because of the inclination sensor). I´m not sure the car is "supposed" to start in 2nd gear that often. In MT cars if you start in 2nd gear instead of 1st gear you will eventually destroy your clutch, since the clutch will need to "slip" longer until the engine speed is sync´d with gearbox speed. Sure, AT has no clutch, but has a torque-converter, though torque-converters are more tolerant then clutches, I´m not sure how healthy it is to leave the gearbox slipping in 2nd gear instead of launching in 1st gear with minimal gearbox slip.
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02-17-2011, 09:12 PM	#13
josephbet01 Private First Class 6 Rep 112 Posts Drives: E93 328i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: York, PA iTrader: (0)	Im sure the car is working exactly as designed otherwise you'd be getting a check engine light or throwing a code of some sort. I also can't imagine needing to drive around in DS mode all the time. Really guys? I throw it in DS now and then if I'm on a twisty back road, but I don't see the point during my trip to work in traffic or running my usual errands. It doesn't even use 6th gear in DS. You're going to drive to work cruising down the highway in 5th....why?? Seems wasteful and pointless. Just press Start and drive the F'n car already! LoL
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