335i Auto tranny question

ihc95 · 07-10-2012, 06:52 PM

Hey everyone. I have a question about the 6 speed ZF auto in the 335i. I have only had the car for 2 months so Im not sure how the car is supposed to feel like. While driving around at low speeds (<20 mph) it sometimes feels like the tranny is preventing the car from coasting, almost like a manual would be used to brake a car. When the car downshifts it begins to coast properly again. Sometimes I think its kind of cool because it makes me feel like Im driving a manual haha. But anyway Im just asking if this is normal and if other 335i owners experience this. This issue isnt really bothering me but I would greatly appreciate your input. Thanks!!

Also, I know the 6 speed auto in the 335i is designed to run with the torque converter locked most of the time to increase efficiency so maybe this is what Im feeling?

be1ieve1111 · 07-10-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

While driving around at low speeds (<20 mph) it sometimes feels like the tranny is preventing the car from coasting

Well you are in gear, and not neutral. As you slow down the car will shift lower and lower till first...

Quote:

When the car downshifts it begins to coast properly again.

So what you're saying is that when the car is slowing down the transmission is shifting down to an adequate gear is an issue? That's what it's supposed to do.

ihc95 · 07-10-2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by be1ieve1111

Well you are in gear, and not neutral. As you slow down the car will shift lower and lower till first...

So what you're saying is that when the car is slowing down the transmission is shifting down to an adequate gear is an issue? That's what it's supposed to do.

Not what Im saying. Ive driven many other automatic transmission cars and none of them effectively slow themselves. Its almost like the brakes are sticking on at low speeds. Its not the brakes though, as I had them replaced last month at the BMW dealership.

Dozhdbog · 07-10-2012, 07:48 PM

Mine does the same, ihc95. At low speeds, it feels like it's applying the brakes by itself at times, and it's a different feeling than when it downshifts. Never had that feeling in any other car I've driven.

be1ieve1111 · 07-10-2012, 07:49 PM

Ok are you in M/DS mode or just regular mode?

Dozhdbog · 07-10-2012, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by be1ieve1111

Ok are you in M/DS mode or just regular mode?

For me, it does it in any mode. It's subtle, but feels like braking, then it lets go for a bit, then brakes again.... except I'm not applying pressure to the pedal at all.

Dozhdbog · 07-10-2012, 07:55 PM

Again, this only happens at low speeds. Say 20mph or less.

gatoman39 · 07-10-2012, 08:08 PM

Most cars are geared too much for fuel efficiency including the ZF 8 speed in newer BMW's. Tries to get to top gear very quickly. The ZF 6 is geared perfectly and more for performance. Normal, carry on.

ihc95 · 07-10-2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by be1ieve1111

Ok are you in M/DS mode or just regular mode?

I hardly ever use M/DS mode and when I do Im well over 20 mph

So yeah I'd say just regular mode as I cant speak for the other modes.

gary88 · 07-10-2012, 08:27 PM

Completely normal. Makes me loathe driving any other automatic that just feels like you're rolling in neutral when you let off the gas.

eamon · 07-10-2012, 08:33 PM

I've noticed this too.
Feels like engine braking aha

dontburndapig · 07-10-2012, 09:09 PM

It is normal. I like it because it also means the engine/transmission are ready to pull right away...

understeer · 07-10-2012, 09:16 PM

The 335i ZF torque converter locks up once the car is in motion so the engine is directly coupled to the drive wheels like it would be with an MT in gear. Because of this you may feel engine braking as the car downshifts.

ihc95 · 07-10-2012, 09:18 PM

Makes sense. Thanks guys.

mjz · 07-10-2012, 09:53 PM

The more I read threads like this and learn about my 335, the more I love it! I've owned many vehicles, but it's my first BMW.

07-10-2012, 06:52 PM	#1
ihc95 Major 145 Rep 1,314 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 2018 Mustang GT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i Coupe [0.00]	335i Auto tranny question Hey everyone. I have a question about the 6 speed ZF auto in the 335i. I have only had the car for 2 months so Im not sure how the car is supposed to feel like. While driving around at low speeds (<20 mph) it sometimes feels like the tranny is preventing the car from coasting, almost like a manual would be used to brake a car. When the car downshifts it begins to coast properly again. Sometimes I think its kind of cool because it makes me feel like Im driving a manual haha. But anyway Im just asking if this is normal and if other 335i owners experience this. This issue isnt really bothering me but I would greatly appreciate your input. Thanks!! Also, I know the 6 speed auto in the 335i is designed to run with the torque converter locked most of the time to increase efficiency so maybe this is what Im feeling?
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07-10-2012, 07:48 PM	#4
Dozhdbog Lieutenant Colonel 86 Rep 1,849 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Hollywood iTrader: (0)	Mine does the same, ihc95. At low speeds, it feels like it's applying the brakes by itself at times, and it's a different feeling than when it downshifts. Never had that feeling in any other car I've driven. __________________ 2011 E90 / Premium Package / Stage 2 PPK / Performance Suspension
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07-10-2012, 07:49 PM	#5
be1ieve1111 Thread Killer 20 Rep 930 Posts Drives: 2014 EB M235i Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana iTrader: (9)	Ok are you in M/DS mode or just regular mode? __________________ Current: Rhodium Silver Metallic F-Type R Sold: 2006 Midnight Blue Cayman S Sold: 2012 Lightning Red WRX , 2006 Aspen White STi Sold: 2007 MB E92 335i, 2011 BSM E92 335i, 2014 EB M235i
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07-10-2012, 07:55 PM	#7
Dozhdbog Lieutenant Colonel 86 Rep 1,849 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Hollywood iTrader: (0)	Again, this only happens at low speeds. Say 20mph or less. __________________ 2011 E90 / Premium Package / Stage 2 PPK / Performance Suspension
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07-10-2012, 08:08 PM	#8
gatoman39 Major 116 Rep 1,346 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335 M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: LA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E92 335i M Sport [1.00]	Most cars are geared too much for fuel efficiency including the ZF 8 speed in newer BMW's. Tries to get to top gear very quickly. The ZF 6 is geared perfectly and more for performance. Normal, carry on. __________________
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07-10-2012, 08:27 PM	#10
gary88 Ikea enthusiast 334 Rep 8,140 Posts Drives: '07 E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [7.96]	Completely normal. Makes me loathe driving any other automatic that just feels like you're rolling in neutral when you let off the gas. __________________ garyhebdingjr.com \| flickr \| Instagram
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07-10-2012, 08:33 PM	#11
eamon Captain 170 Rep 803 Posts Drives: 09 e92 335i, 2010 328i (sold) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	I've noticed this too. Feels like engine braking aha __________________ black/black/black e92 loaded Instagram: _eamon_
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07-10-2012, 09:09 PM	#12
dontburndapig Private First Class 1 Rep 136 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i Sp/Pr/Ppk Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Puerto Rico iTrader: (0)	It is normal. I like it because it also means the engine/transmission are ready to pull right away...
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07-10-2012, 09:16 PM	#13
understeer Usual Suspect 1 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Berkshire County Mass. iTrader: (0)	The 335i ZF torque converter locks up once the car is in motion so the engine is directly coupled to the drive wheels like it would be with an MT in gear. Because of this you may feel engine braking as the car downshifts. __________________ 2010 M3 E93, 2009 Cayman S, Porsche GT2, 1969 Camaro Z28, 1964 Jaguar E-Type, Caterham Super 7 (track car), 1957 Thunderbird, 1954 Jaguar XK120, 1958 Corvette, 1955 MGTF, Superformance 427 Cobra, 2009 Ferrari F430, 1955 Chevrolet Nomad, 1965 Shelby GT350, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. 2012 BMW 750Lix
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07-10-2012, 09:18 PM	#14
ihc95 Major 145 Rep 1,314 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 2018 Mustang GT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i Coupe [0.00]	Makes sense. Thanks guys.
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07-10-2012, 09:53 PM	#15
mjz Enlisted Member 3 Rep 31 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Conv Join Date: May 2012 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	The more I read threads like this and learn about my 335, the more I love it! I've owned many vehicles, but it's my first BMW.
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