F30 330d 8 speed auto question
Discussion
I've got a 2 month old 5000 mile 330d with the 8 speed auto.
I find that regardless of mode, it changes gear at 4500 rpm. So even in sport plus mode, gearbox in manual, it changes automatically at 4500rpm. Now, this doesnt seem right to me - in manual mode, same box, my M135i would just go up to the limiter and only change up if you pulled the paddle.
I though the 330d should pull up to the 5500rpm redline in manual mode, and this is confirmed by some of the roadtests I have read.
Typically, BMW cant help. Can anyone please tell me if there is something amiss with my car, or is it supposed to be like this (meaning BMW have pulled a fast one and prevented access to the last 1000rpm of this motor?).
Thanks
I find that regardless of mode, it changes gear at 4500 rpm. So even in sport plus mode, gearbox in manual, it changes automatically at 4500rpm. Now, this doesnt seem right to me - in manual mode, same box, my M135i would just go up to the limiter and only change up if you pulled the paddle.
I though the 330d should pull up to the 5500rpm redline in manual mode, and this is confirmed by some of the roadtests I have read.
Typically, BMW cant help. Can anyone please tell me if there is something amiss with my car, or is it supposed to be like this (meaning BMW have pulled a fast one and prevented access to the last 1000rpm of this motor?).
Thanks
I have a 328i with the 8 speed auto and I can rev into the 6000's no problem in manual mode - up to red line I believe (not sure as don't like thrashing the engine too much as it has only done 4000 miles. I know your rev limits will be different with the diesel but the principle should be the same I would have thought
I should imagine it is because the torque curve drops off after that point. Like most diesels, max torque is generated at relatively low revs. The 330d's torque may peak at 3,000 revs for example.
Therefore, the car is helping you remain at peak torque up through the gears. Excellent!
Therefore, the car is helping you remain at peak torque up through the gears. Excellent!
This one seems the same.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mE4TCfAyZ8
Maybe it's a 4.5k redline and the rev counter is BS? Must admit 5.5k sounds extremely high for a tractor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mE4TCfAyZ8
Maybe it's a 4.5k redline and the rev counter is BS? Must admit 5.5k sounds extremely high for a tractor.
"Surely in manual mode it should not change up ever. Down, yes, to prevent stalling, but it should not change up, just hit the rev limiter"
This is how I expected it to be. Not much point in the manual option otherwise. I know it may not be optimum to rev the the nuts off it but I had expectations of a higher revving capability than usual 4 pot diesels (I know its a six!!) and many reviews have confirmed this capability. Its my car and I want to explore the performance throughout the rev range, at which point I'll decide what rpm to change gear at according to my butt dyno.
This is how I expected it to be. Not much point in the manual option otherwise. I know it may not be optimum to rev the the nuts off it but I had expectations of a higher revving capability than usual 4 pot diesels (I know its a six!!) and many reviews have confirmed this capability. Its my car and I want to explore the performance throughout the rev range, at which point I'll decide what rpm to change gear at according to my butt dyno.
cycle tramp said:
"Surely in manual mode it should not change up ever. Down, yes, to prevent stalling, but it should not change up, just hit the rev limiter"
This is how I expected it to be. Not much point in the manual option otherwise. I know it may not be optimum to rev the the nuts off it but I had expectations of a higher revving capability than usual 4 pot diesels (I know its a six!!) and many reviews have confirmed this capability. Its my car and I want to explore the performance throughout the rev range, at which point I'll decide what rpm to change gear at according to my butt dyno.
I sort of know what you're saying ("why have a manual option if the car still over-rides it?") but to be honest I think everyone knows it's a waste of time revving-out a diesel (which is one of the reasons I'd always advocate choosing an auto diesel over a manual if there's a manual option). As others have said, you just ride the torque with a diesel and to me a decent auto that keeps the engine in the narrow (compared to a petrol) power band is much better suited to the characteristics of the engine. I use the paddles in mine if I want to avoid the car changing-up (for instance if I'm picking a gap joining a motorway) but generally I just leave it in drive and let it get on with it; the 8-speed auto does a very good job IMO and frankly if you want fun chasing a car through the gears you've backed the wrong horse with a diesel!This is how I expected it to be. Not much point in the manual option otherwise. I know it may not be optimum to rev the the nuts off it but I had expectations of a higher revving capability than usual 4 pot diesels (I know its a six!!) and many reviews have confirmed this capability. Its my car and I want to explore the performance throughout the rev range, at which point I'll decide what rpm to change gear at according to my butt dyno.
Is this only possible when in manual AND Sport plus mode (I think there is a similar issue with if you force a high gear with manual, but absolutely floor it, it will kick down, even in manual (presumably based on the logic that if you really floor it, you want instant and fairly brisk acceleration.)
Equally, that side of it may only be as a safety measure on the basis that when sport plus is engaged, there stability control backs off, so a sudden downchange could upset the balance of the car, especially if mid corner for example. So, worth a try perhaps, but may not be the answer.
(Previous replies have been valid re: no benefit, but equally, as per OP if holding on to a gear is required, then so it should be.)
May also work in Sport mode (rather than full on Sport plus as long as sport mode is configured to include drivetrain, not just chassis).
Equally, that side of it may only be as a safety measure on the basis that when sport plus is engaged, there stability control backs off, so a sudden downchange could upset the balance of the car, especially if mid corner for example. So, worth a try perhaps, but may not be the answer.
(Previous replies have been valid re: no benefit, but equally, as per OP if holding on to a gear is required, then so it should be.)
May also work in Sport mode (rather than full on Sport plus as long as sport mode is configured to include drivetrain, not just chassis).
I checked this out tonight:
1. It will not change up when you are in manual/mode sport+ AND lever to the left
2. It will not kick down either in this mode, however like MDCT if you press the pedal to the kick down button and pull the left paddle it will drop instantly to the lowest gear available.
Mine goes to the red line.
The car it giving more power at 5k revs than say 3k revs so you are accelerating at a faster rate. Well worth it if your in the mood.
High revs like that does no damage at all to the car - given the water and oil are up to temp - heck I'd imagine it even if stone cold it would do so little damage/wear given in R&D they test to destruction and mimic a shocking style of driving and an utter avoidance of any servicing plus let it run super low on oil.
The car it giving more power at 5k revs than say 3k revs so you are accelerating at a faster rate. Well worth it if your in the mood.
High revs like that does no damage at all to the car - given the water and oil are up to temp - heck I'd imagine it even if stone cold it would do so little damage/wear given in R&D they test to destruction and mimic a shocking style of driving and an utter avoidance of any servicing plus let it run super low on oil.
Welshbeef said:
Mine goes to the red line.
The car it giving more power at 5k revs than say 3k revs so you are accelerating at a faster rate. Well worth it if your in the mood.
High revs like that does no damage at all to the car - given the water and oil are up to temp - heck I'd imagine it even if stone cold it would do so little damage/wear given in R&D they test to destruction and mimic a shocking style of driving and an utter avoidance of any servicing plus let it run super low on oil.
Like they tested the N47 engine .....The car it giving more power at 5k revs than say 3k revs so you are accelerating at a faster rate. Well worth it if your in the mood.
High revs like that does no damage at all to the car - given the water and oil are up to temp - heck I'd imagine it even if stone cold it would do so little damage/wear given in R&D they test to destruction and mimic a shocking style of driving and an utter avoidance of any servicing plus let it run super low on oil.
Welshbeef said:
The car it giving more power at 5k revs than say 3k revs so you are accelerating at a faster rate. Well worth it if your in the mood.
Launch control changes up at 4.5k so I reckon BMW have figured that is the change up point to give maximum acceleration. After 4.5k the torque drops off a cliff therefore so does the power despite the extra revs everything tails off.
Welshbeef said:
Mine goes to the red line.
The car it giving more power at 5k revs than say 3k revs so you are accelerating at a faster rate. Well worth it if your in the mood.
High revs like that does no damage at all to the car - given the water and oil are up to temp - heck I'd imagine it even if stone cold it would do so little damage/wear given in R&D they test to destruction and mimic a shocking style of driving and an utter avoidance of any servicing plus let it run super low on oil.
Actually according to torque and power curve for my car, power drops off after 4500, and torque well before that. Waste of revs, change up at 4500 for max performance. Not sure if very latest cars different but doubt it.The car it giving more power at 5k revs than say 3k revs so you are accelerating at a faster rate. Well worth it if your in the mood.
High revs like that does no damage at all to the car - given the water and oil are up to temp - heck I'd imagine it even if stone cold it would do so little damage/wear given in R&D they test to destruction and mimic a shocking style of driving and an utter avoidance of any servicing plus let it run super low on oil.
drmark said:
Actually according to torque and power curve for my car, power drops off after 4500, and torque well before that. Waste of revs, change up at 4500 for max performance. Not sure if very latest cars different but doubt it.
So does a 2.5ltr Focus ST red line 7k but power rails off a lot from 5.5k revs yet this car and so many other petrol cars wouldGassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff