Steptronic gearbox - manual mode? + usable rev range in gear
Discussion
I was just wondering if anyone here could share some opinions \ advice on these gearboxes as i've never driven one before. I've had a brief go in a DSG equipped VW Scirrocco - and i really liked the paddleshift but am i right in thinking the steptronic is a different setup? (not a double clutch gear boxeg )
The main question i have is, in manual mode, can you hold onto gears and use the entire rev range or will it just kick down for you if you nail the go faster pedal?
Eg through some nice twisty bends keep it in 3rd gear (around 40 - 60mph i guess) and just use the power to get around.
Also, I take it that it would change up if you are about to hit the limiter, but what kind of rev range does it let you use before taking over and dropping a gear or changing up?
I guess i'm hoping it will give me as much in gear control as a proper manual when in manual mode, apart from letting me hit the limiter or stall it with too low revs.
I've got my eye on a Z4 Coupe so mainly concerned about how it performs in an NA petrol BMW with a 3.0l engine as opposed to a diesel or twin turbo.
The main question i have is, in manual mode, can you hold onto gears and use the entire rev range or will it just kick down for you if you nail the go faster pedal?
Eg through some nice twisty bends keep it in 3rd gear (around 40 - 60mph i guess) and just use the power to get around.
Also, I take it that it would change up if you are about to hit the limiter, but what kind of rev range does it let you use before taking over and dropping a gear or changing up?
I guess i'm hoping it will give me as much in gear control as a proper manual when in manual mode, apart from letting me hit the limiter or stall it with too low revs.
I've got my eye on a Z4 Coupe so mainly concerned about how it performs in an NA petrol BMW with a 3.0l engine as opposed to a diesel or twin turbo.
Pretty good tbh.. My old 330 was steptronic auto box.
You could be in 3rd at 40mph and plant it and it would stay in gear, there's a small button at the end of the accelerator pedal (kickdown) if you hit that in at the same speed it would knock you down to the best gear for full acceleration, 2nd in this situation.
It wouldn't bounce off the limiter, always change up, but was never a problem.
Best bet is to have a play and see if you like.
You could be in 3rd at 40mph and plant it and it would stay in gear, there's a small button at the end of the accelerator pedal (kickdown) if you hit that in at the same speed it would knock you down to the best gear for full acceleration, 2nd in this situation.
It wouldn't bounce off the limiter, always change up, but was never a problem.
Best bet is to have a play and see if you like.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff