535D Holding gears when cold.

[StuH]

My new 535D is the first "auto" i've owned.

I've noticed then when cold it has a tendency to hold around 3k rpm under load and not drop down as i would expect it to. Is this normal? It drives normally after 5 minutes or so.

[Johnbmw6]

Just how new is the Car?, 2007 (57) or 2008 (57) or earlier?.

[iMungo]

Mine does that too when the gearbox is cold - 335d sport auto.

[GregE240]

Not the same car I admit, but a Mercedes I owned did exactly this (the E240 in my user name).

It was purely to get more heat into the cats to make them more effective quicker.

Maybe the x35d BMWs are the same?

[pgilc1]

I had a c36 AMG mercedes and it did that too for the above reason. It was definitely around getting parts of the engine up to running temp.

[StuH]

Thanks chaps - I'll just take it as normal then.

It's an '06 car for the record.

[SJobson]

Not sure this is normal - I've driven various different BMW autos and they don't cause the car to rev excessively when cold.

[phelix]

I think mine doesn't go past about 2500 if only light throttle is used. Are you in sport or normal mode?

[fixedwheelnut]

It is designed in to the software by holding on to the gear slightly longer whilst cold during the warm up phase to enable the Catalyst to warm up quicker.

[< FORZA WEST]

fixedwheelnut said:

It is designed in to the software by holding on to the gear slightly longer whilst cold during the warm up phase to enable the Catalyst to warm up quicker.

Beat me!

[volvos60s60]

Even my E39 530d auto does this, I get around this by using the manual tiptronic to change up early when cold - my reasoning being that I prefer to save the turbo when cold than to worry about warming the cats

Edited by volvos60s60 on Wednesday 20th February 08:18

[SJobson]

I wasn't aware that diesels had catalytic converters.

My 540i has some sort of flap in the exhaust which stays open for about 30 seconds after starting to warm the cats, which you can hear because it's slightly noiser. But it doesn't change gear at different revs when cold. Revving a cold engine with cold oil in seems rather silly.

[dxb335d]

Not noticed this. But how long exactly is it holding the gears?! I may have just not noticed. I will go out soon and have a look?!

[Johnbmw6]

I have the new 635D Sport, and from cold it does NOT hold the gears longer.

[mogul]

My June 07 535D M Sport holds the gears for a couple of miles or so, but only when it's cold.

It must be a 'warming up' thing?

[Hammerhead]

Nothing to worry about - even my ole E34 540i does this.

[dxb335d]

Right i went out earlier, it sort of did it but only for a few seconds more than normal. Did not seem abnormal whatsoever.

(07 335d)


Carlos

[< FORZA WEST]

[quote=SJobson]I wasn't aware that diesels had catalytic converters.

They have been around for a while now...EU3
We now have Particulate filters too

[iMungo]

Hi - did you manage to find anyone to retro fit sat nav in you cayman? I'd like to retro fit sat nav in my 997 C2S. Any help appreciated.

Thanks

David

[welwynnick]

SJobson said:

I wasn't aware that diesels had catalytic converters.

My 540i has some sort of flap in the exhaust which stays open for about 30 seconds after starting to warm the cats, which you can hear because it's slightly noiser. But it doesn't change gear at different revs when cold. Revving a cold engine with cold oil in seems rather silly.

That's the Exhaust Gas Recirculation.

Another emissions measure, it recirculates exhaust gasses back into the inlet.

Nick