Anyone with Steptronic Trans How is it??

gemini06m3 · 09-07-2007, 11:57 AM

Im looking into getting a 335i coupe or sedan with Steptronic. I was wondering how does it drive and how are the paddles for the sport pkg. Does the trans rev match when downshifting and how is acceleration???

e92phreak · 09-07-2007, 12:01 PM

I have it. It is VERY smooth, though once in a while, there is a short noticeable delay... but nothing bad.

I do miss manual... I still have my manual E46 so that's not a problem for me.

The trans does a decent job in rev matching. Also, the cool thing for me is when I forget to downshift and I'm in traffic, it downshifts for you and when you come to a stop, it goes back into 2nd gear.

e92phreak · 09-07-2007, 12:07 PM

Forgot to add... I don't use the paddle shifters much. I prefer the shifter knob probably because of manual transmission. I find the paddles troublesome when trying to shift while turning because the paddles are not stationary and turn with the steering wheel. Now, at the track event, I will be using the paddles.

Zirenz2006 · 09-07-2007, 12:08 PM

I love it. Use the paddles most of the time.

BMW_drei · 09-07-2007, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92phreak

Forgot to add... I don't use the paddle shifters much. I prefer the shifter knob probably because of manual transmission. I find the paddles troublesome when trying to shift while turning because the paddles are not stationary and turn with the steering wheel. Now, at the track event, I will be using the paddles.

+/-1
I like manuals, but the Step is awesome -- I prefer the paddles because the Step shifter can't tell you what gear you're in based on where your hand is(like a manual does), and paddles let you keep both hands on the wheel.

calle_enell · 09-07-2007, 05:28 PM

Step in 328 models is not as good as in the 335 (diffrent trannys) ZF TU in 335 and a GM sourced Hydra Matic 6L50 in the 328.

asdflkijd · 09-07-2007, 05:32 PM

outstanding.. the steptronic is by far one of the most advanced automatic transmission's out on the market. in D (regular mode) you can enjoy the smooth and luxurious ride, when you want to step it up a knotch, move the shifter over to the left (US), or right (EURO) to put it in DS (Sports Mode), this will always be one gear lower then regular drive. (i.e. if you are in 4th in drive, and switch to DS then it will downshift to 3rd). DS feels like a completely different car.. throttle response is quick and there is no turbo lag within the bi turbines. In DS mode you can also shift gears as you please.. To shift up you must tap the shifter down (towards), to shift down you must tap the shifter up (away).. the steptronic transmission rev matches the engine based on your speed, it blips the throttle and you need not to rev match manually. i love this feature because in traffic I always downshift in order to keep the car moving but not completely stopped for better gas milage. the step is also able to take the engine's RPM to redline if you'd wish. The shifter is quick and very responsive, while the paddles sometimes lag (just a little), you can use the paddles while you are in regular D mode to downshift in heavy traffic or if you just are too lazy to reach down.. while using the paddles, it will switch back to automatic shifting within 10 seconds or so... I personally use the DS/ manual shifting mode instead of the regular D mode just because I dont like the fact the car tries to learn my driving habits and "adapt" to my needs. lol, manual shifting is also way more fun, the car trembles at 2400 rpm and roars at 4000 rpm and at 5500+ rpm's... just open your windows and enjoy the melody your 50k car makes

*side note* my experience using the manual shifting mode in the steptronic has given me better gas milage then what BMWNA has claimed. I average about 26 on local and about 34 on highway.. and yes I have a heavy foot

here is a link to C&D's test on the BMW 335i Automatic/ Steptronic

http://www.caranddriver.com/shortroa...automatic.html

hope this helps, keep us updated on your decision!

OhhaiAlex · 09-07-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zirenz2006

I love it. Use the paddles most of the time.

+1

ejazbmw · 09-07-2007, 05:55 PM

its fun, kind of gets boring after while makes me miss stick sometimes..

Shinobi · 09-07-2007, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asdflkijd

...when you want to step it up a notch, move the shifter over to the left (US), or right (EURO) to put it in DS (Sports Mode)...

Right-hand drive is not a Euro thing...in the countries I've been to, that's only in the UK. In France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, its left-hand. However, the steptronic Sport/Manual modes are on the left for BOTH. So, for steptronic drivers in the UK, they would push to the left away from them to go to Sport/Manual mode. Seems kinda weird. Well, I guess the whole right-hand drive thing would be weird to me...especially if it were a manual

.

I don't have a good hi-res shot of this but you can see the "-/+" is still on the left and there is more space on the left of the shifter to push there. Its most likely a cost-saving measure.

LEDZEP · 09-07-2007, 07:09 PM

Best auto I've ever had. Before the "6MT rules" posters come out of the woodwork, I'll just say that if you're interested in an auto, BMW makes a great one.

sambonator · 09-07-2007, 10:04 PM

I agree. Best automatic transmission I've ever had.

Diesel · 09-07-2007, 10:48 PM

certainly can't go wrong with it!

335iMike · 09-08-2007, 12:12 AM

335>328 in auto transmission. In fact, if I were to get a 328 I would go with MT. With the 335i, it (to me) is a tossup... the automatic is that good.

ChrisGene · 09-08-2007, 06:50 AM

I never intended to buy an auto BMW, but I did. It is that good.

thekurgan · 09-08-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asdflkijd

*side note* my experience using the manual shifting mode in the steptronic has given me better gas milage then what BMWNA has claimed. I average about 26 on local and about 34 on highway.. and yes I have a heavy foot

+1, I found the same thing with my 335i e90 as well. I figure, the highway must make up for my city use of the paddles somewhat and it does sound great with the windows down, especially in the evenings.

forrestpilot · 09-08-2007, 01:06 PM

The AT is amazing. Use D and car is tame, the kind my wife likes. Put in DS and feel like you have a totally different car. I found the paddle shifters great as long the road did not have alot of turns . Having to turn the wheel alot, found my hands out of place to shift and found the steptronic shift more effective with the other hand on the wheel.

Evo8MRto335I · 09-08-2007, 01:11 PM

I drove all my life manual cars, I spent most of my life in Europe and drove nothiong but manuals but I must say that you will not regret if you go with the Steptronic. I heard over and over the same thing about the manuals: "you can feel the car better " " "you have more control on the manual".

My suggestion is go and drive the steptronic, it is delicious,smooth and silky, it is very comfortable to drive and fast and above all it is fun as well.

I guess the manual 6 speed could also be fun but the Auto has other advantages that the manual does not have. Good luck!

E90RWC · 09-08-2007, 01:11 PM

The AT is great.

I love the DS mode and the paddles.

It's fast enough.

Evo8MRto335I · 09-08-2007, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forrestpilot

The AT is amazing. Use D and car is tame, the kind my wife likes. Put in DS and feel like you have a totally different car. I found the paddle shifters great as long the road did not have alot of turns . Having to turn the wheel alot, found my hands out of place to shift and found the steptronic shift more effective with the other hand on the wheel.

I totally agree with you and I experienced the same issue. As long as you are not turning "to tight" then you are OK but if you have to turn to tight then the paddles shifters becomes very difficult to operate.

The other 2 efficient ways left would be leaving the car on DS or using the center console shifter.

Evo8MRto335I · 09-08-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisGene

I never intended to buy an auto BMW, but I did. It is that good.

Same here. I arranged with the salesman a test drive on a manual. Then the salesman called me and told me that they only had the Step available for the test drive. After I went for the test drive I did not even want to drive the manual at all, I ordered the Step for its superior performance.

M4TW · 09-08-2007, 01:19 PM

I'm loving my step.

Whether it is in D DS or M depends on how loud I have my stereo cranked. For cruisin and listening to tunes at high volume I leave it in D. For mid volume and racing around I go with DS - you can concentrate on driving, the car knows what to do with rev matching and gears. With the stereo off I like shifting it myself, listening to those turbos and the exhaust note because it is only slightly less fun than also having a clutch.

09-07-2007, 11:57 AM	#1
gemini06m3 Private 2 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW M3 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Anyone with Steptronic Trans How is it?? Im looking into getting a 335i coupe or sedan with Steptronic. I was wondering how does it drive and how are the paddles for the sport pkg. Does the trans rev match when downshifting and how is acceleration???
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09-07-2007, 12:01 PM	#2
e92phreak General 397 Rep 21,745 Posts Drives: E92 335i TiAg/E46 323i TiAg Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [9.50] 2000 E46 323i [0.00]	I have it. It is VERY smooth, though once in a while, there is a short noticeable delay... but nothing bad. I do miss manual... I still have my manual E46 so that's not a problem for me. The trans does a decent job in rev matching. Also, the cool thing for me is when I forget to downshift and I'm in traffic, it downshifts for you and when you come to a stop, it goes back into 2nd gear. __________________ 07 E92 335i \| TiAg \| Step \| Padl \| Cmft \| Alum Trm \| PDC \| Nav \| Assist \| Sat \| Lthr \| Prem \| Sprt \| Rear Splr \| RDSport Quads \| iPod \| V1 \| LT Refl \| VS Clear Bra \| OEM Lip \| KWV2 \| Mtec Sides \| BBS LM-R 00 E46 323i \| TiAg \| 5sp \| Sport \| Roof \| RDSport Cams \| RDSport tune \| RDSport Shift \| Volk LE37 \| M3 spoiler \| PSS9 \| SuperSprint \| Brembo
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09-07-2007, 12:07 PM	#3
e92phreak General 397 Rep 21,745 Posts Drives: E92 335i TiAg/E46 323i TiAg Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [9.50] 2000 E46 323i [0.00]	Forgot to add... I don't use the paddle shifters much. I prefer the shifter knob probably because of manual transmission. I find the paddles troublesome when trying to shift while turning because the paddles are not stationary and turn with the steering wheel. Now, at the track event, I will be using the paddles. __________________ 07 E92 335i \| TiAg \| Step \| Padl \| Cmft \| Alum Trm \| PDC \| Nav \| Assist \| Sat \| Lthr \| Prem \| Sprt \| Rear Splr \| RDSport Quads \| iPod \| V1 \| LT Refl \| VS Clear Bra \| OEM Lip \| KWV2 \| Mtec Sides \| BBS LM-R 00 E46 323i \| TiAg \| 5sp \| Sport \| Roof \| RDSport Cams \| RDSport tune \| RDSport Shift \| Volk LE37 \| M3 spoiler \| PSS9 \| SuperSprint \| Brembo
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09-07-2007, 12:08 PM	#4
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1835 Rep 4,702 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Comp Xdrive Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	I love it. Use the paddles most of the time. __________________ Current: 2026 ///M3 Comp xDrive IOMG Past: 2024 ///M2 \| 2021 ///M3 Comp \| 2018 X3 ///M40i \| 2012 *328i* \| 2009 *335i* \| 2007 *335i Coupe* \| 2005 *545i* \| 2001 *325i*
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09-07-2007, 05:28 PM	#6
calle_enell Car keeps stalling out...5 times now. 9 Rep 248 Posts Drives: E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Step in 328 models is not as good as in the 335 (diffrent trannys) ZF TU in 335 and a GM sourced Hydra Matic 6L50 in the 328.
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09-07-2007, 05:32 PM	#7
asdflkijd Aberry is a scammer 645 Rep 5,507 Posts Drives: SGM E92 335i, AM E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (14) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00] 2007 E90 335i (Reti ... [9.00]	outstanding.. the steptronic is by far one of the most advanced automatic transmission's out on the market. in D (regular mode) you can enjoy the smooth and luxurious ride, when you want to step it up a knotch, move the shifter over to the left (US), or right (EURO) to put it in DS (Sports Mode), this will always be one gear lower then regular drive. (i.e. if you are in 4th in drive, and switch to DS then it will downshift to 3rd). DS feels like a completely different car.. throttle response is quick and there is no turbo lag within the bi turbines. In DS mode you can also shift gears as you please.. To shift up you must tap the shifter down (towards), to shift down you must tap the shifter up (away).. the steptronic transmission rev matches the engine based on your speed, it blips the throttle and you need not to rev match manually. i love this feature because in traffic I always downshift in order to keep the car moving but not completely stopped for better gas milage. the step is also able to take the engine's RPM to redline if you'd wish. The shifter is quick and very responsive, while the paddles sometimes lag (just a little), you can use the paddles while you are in regular D mode to downshift in heavy traffic or if you just are too lazy to reach down.. while using the paddles, it will switch back to automatic shifting within 10 seconds or so... I personally use the DS/ manual shifting mode instead of the regular D mode just because I dont like the fact the car tries to learn my driving habits and "adapt" to my needs. lol, manual shifting is also way more fun, the car trembles at 2400 rpm and roars at 4000 rpm and at 5500+ rpm's... just open your windows and enjoy the melody your 50k car makes side note my experience using the manual shifting mode in the steptronic has given me better gas milage then what BMWNA has claimed. I average about 26 on local and about 34 on highway.. and yes I have a heavy foot here is a link to C&D's test on the BMW 335i Automatic/ Steptronic http://www.caranddriver.com/shortroa...automatic.html hope this helps, keep us updated on your decision!
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09-07-2007, 05:55 PM	#9
ejazbmw blahhh 350 Rep 6,355 Posts Drives: 2014 M235I Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ/NY iTrader: (7)	its fun, kind of gets boring after while makes me miss stick sometimes..
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09-07-2007, 07:09 PM	#11
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 476 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [4.00]	Best auto I've ever had. Before the "6MT rules" posters come out of the woodwork, I'll just say that if you're interested in an auto, BMW makes a great one. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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09-07-2007, 10:04 PM	#12
sambonator Samtaro! 153 Rep 2,610 Posts Drives: 2014 F32 N55 Alpinweiß Join Date: May 2007 Location: Newport Beach, CA, USA iTrader: (7)	I agree. Best automatic transmission I've ever had.
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09-07-2007, 10:48 PM	#13
Diesel Private First Class 21 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 330i E90 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	certainly can't go wrong with it!
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09-08-2007, 12:12 AM	#14
335iMike New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	335>328 in auto transmission. In fact, if I were to get a 328 I would go with MT. With the 335i, it (to me) is a tossup... the automatic is that good.
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09-08-2007, 06:50 AM	#15
ChrisGene Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 335 coupe sport step paddles Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	I never intended to buy an auto BMW, but I did. It is that good.
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09-08-2007, 01:06 PM	#17
forrestpilot Private 5 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 07 335I Mblu sprt AT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Richmond, Va iTrader: (0)	The AT is amazing. Use D and car is tame, the kind my wife likes. Put in DS and feel like you have a totally different car. I found the paddle shifters great as long the road did not have alot of turns . Having to turn the wheel alot, found my hands out of place to shift and found the steptronic shift more effective with the other hand on the wheel.
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09-08-2007, 01:11 PM	#18
Evo8MRto335I Captain 43 Rep 983 Posts Drives: can't list them all Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tucson iTrader: (1)	I drove all my life manual cars, I spent most of my life in Europe and drove nothiong but manuals but I must say that you will not regret if you go with the Steptronic. I heard over and over the same thing about the manuals: "you can feel the car better " " "you have more control on the manual". My suggestion is go and drive the steptronic, it is delicious,smooth and silky, it is very comfortable to drive and fast and above all it is fun as well. I guess the manual 6 speed could also be fun but the Auto has other advantages that the manual does not have. Good luck!
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09-08-2007, 01:11 PM	#19
E90RWC What you know about the twins? 21 Rep 989 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	The AT is great. I love the DS mode and the paddles. It's fast enough.
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09-08-2007, 01:19 PM	#22
M4TW ///M Uber Alles 338 Rep 1,601 Posts Drives: '15 MW M4 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: GSA iTrader: (1)	I'm loving my step. Whether it is in D DS or M depends on how loud I have my stereo cranked. For cruisin and listening to tunes at high volume I leave it in D. For mid volume and racing around I go with DS - you can concentrate on driving, the car knows what to do with rev matching and gears. With the stereo off I like shifting it myself, listening to those turbos and the exhaust note because it is only slightly less fun than also having a clutch.
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