Shifting

[juxtapose]

Hey guys I own a n20 z4 and since it
Comes with the new zf 8 speed I was wondering if anyone can chime
In on my question. Is it faster to use the paddle shifters for acceleration or let the computers take care of everything and just mash the throttle. I posted this question on the new 3 series forum but got no reply.

[rfx45]

I am not sure with the 8-speed auto since I haven't really tried it but I think in sport or sport+ mode, the cpu shifts faster but it may differ to different drivers.

The DCT however, will for sure shift faster than you can with the paddles.

[ZheHbKa]

Originally Posted by rfx45

I am not sure with the 8-speed auto since I haven't really tried it but I think in sport or sport+ mode, the cpu shifts faster but it may differ to different drivers.

The DCT however, will for sure shift faster than you can with the paddles.

i disagree, shifting time is identical since its still auto, whether u initiate the shift or computer shift time is the same.

what OP was trying to ask IMO is RPM range, if so then u need to look at dyno graphs and note the peak in the power curve.

for ex: N54 Z35is best shift point is between 5.5 - 6 k rpm but the computer almost redlines it

[35iDriver]

Originally Posted by rfx45

I am not sure with the 8-speed auto since I haven't really tried it but I think in sport or sport+ mode, the cpu shifts faster but it may differ to different drivers.

The DCT however, will for sure shift faster than you can with the paddles.

The DCT does not shift any faster or slower when you are in manual mode and use the paddles, compared to when you are in auto mode. The only difference with the paddles is that you are telling the transmission when to shift.

[rfx45]

Originally Posted by ZheHbKa

what OP was trying to ask IMO is RPM range, if so then u need to look at dyno graphs and note the peak in the power curve.

I thought this was what OP was asking, his own paddle shifting versus auto where he just mashes the pedal. Human vs. CPU. I simply assume that a person will have a bigger chance of mistake or mis-shifts in comparison to a cpu doing the shifting when you just plant your foot on the gas.

I apologize if my first response was badly written. I tried to make it as concise and short as possible.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Don't the turbos make the shifting faster and more smoother? Don't shoot me just asking

(sometimes we have to right ... right just wanted to share the pic below)

[35iDriver]

Originally Posted by rfx45

I thought this was what OP was asking, his own paddle shifting versus auto where he just mashes the pedal. Human vs. CPU. I simply assume that a person will have a bigger chance of mistake or mis-shifts in comparison to a cpu doing the shifting when you just plant your foot on the gas.

I apologize if my first response was badly written. I tried to make it as concise and short as possible.

True with an automatic, but not with the DCT, since the shift speed is so much faster.

[rfx45]

Originally Posted by 35iDriver

True with an automatic, but not with the DCT, since the shift speed is so much faster.

Ah, gotcha.

[juxtapose]

Okay so this what I am understanding so far from the responses. Due to my car not being a dct. It's best left in sports mode and let the computer do the shifting. Playing with the paddles doesn't result in the best optimal acceleration. As I may not shift at the best rpms.

P.s. Starting to regret not getting the 3.5i instead. There's nothing out for my car aside from cosmetics or a $2000 50hp gain chip.

[javol]

Originally Posted by juxtapose

Okay so this what I am understanding so far from the responses. Due to my car not being a dct. It's best left in sports mode and let the computer do the shifting. Playing with the paddles doesn't result in the best optimal acceleration. As I may not shift at the best rpms.

Agree with ZheHbKa, the best is manual shifting in sport+ mode, so you can shift @ 5.5k aprox.

Sdrive 20i & 28i N20 deliver max power @ 5k.

[az34]

the new zf 8 speed is not a DCT, i just got a X1 as a loaner whit that trans and i can tell it shift a lot quicker using the paddle shift.

[juxtapose]

Originally Posted by javol

Agree with ZheHbKa, the best is manual shifting in sport+ mode, so you can shift @ 5.5k aprox.

Sdrive 20i & 28i N20 deliver max power @ 5k.

ah, i see. Sigh wish they can release a cheaper chip for 3.5i power.

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by Alter Peter

Don't the turbos make the shifting faster and more smoother? Don't shoot me just asking

(sometimes we have to right ... right just wanted to share the pic below)

Cool pic

But to answer your question, that even though the turbos help accelerate the engine quicker as compared to a non-turbo engine, the added boost does not affect transmission performance either way.

[Asbjorn]

Sorry if slightly off topic, but for the DCT I once caught it shifting from S1 to S3 due to wheelspin in sport+ mode during full throttle accelleration with ess stage 2. I only experienced it this one time and was lucky to get it on camera. Under some conditions you may experience the same with the 20i + ZF8, and then manual mode could of course perform better.

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzg2MjQ0NjY0.html

Password: "BMW"

Can someone confirm if S mode actually provides more "violent" shifting compared to M mode, or is it just a matter of whether you select normal/sport/sport+?

[ZheHbKa]

Originally Posted by rfx45

I thought this was what OP was asking, his own paddle shifting versus auto where he just mashes the pedal. Human vs. CPU. I simply assume that a person will have a bigger chance of mistake or mis-shifts in comparison to a cpu doing the shifting when you just plant your foot on the gas.

I apologize if my first response was badly written. I tried to make it as concise and short as possible.

no big deal

we are all here to help each other

[jparnes1]

Or this one:

[az34]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Or this one:

I like it lol.

[ZheHbKa]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Or this one:

i should make this a sticker!

[jparnes1]

Originally Posted by ZheHbKa

i should make this a sticker!

I did! I put it on the flip side of the passenger sun visor. When my wife checks her look in the mirror...

[ZheHbKa]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

I did! I put it on the flip side of the passenger sun visor. When my wife checks her look in the mirror...

hahaha thats a good idea!

if she didnt say anything then she must be the only female to sit in that seat

[Andrew*Debbie]

Originally Posted by ZheHbKa

what OP was trying to ask IMO is RPM range, if so then u need to look at dyno graphs and note the peak in the power curve.

for ex: N54 Z35is best shift point is between 5.5 - 6 k rpm but the computer almost redlines it

Both N20 engines are flat-rated. The shift points are not critical. Shifting at the red line is probably shifting too late.


For the sDrive20i, the UK brochure says max torque from 1250 to 4500 RPM. Maximum HP is from 5000RPM to ???.

The sDrive28i is also flat-rated, but with different plateaux. Max torque is from 1500 to 4800 RPM. Maximum HP is from 5000 to 6000 RPM. Or is it? The graph on page 24 looks more like 4500 to 6500.

I've learned to take everything in the brochure with a grain of salt.

[ZheHbKa]

Originally Posted by Andrew*Debbie

Both N20 engines are flat-rated. The shift points are not critical. Shifting at the red line is probably shifting too late.


For the sDrive20i, the UK brochure says max torque from 1250 to 4500 RPM. Maximum HP is from 5000RPM to ???.

The sDrive28i is also flat-rated, but with different plateaux. Max torque is from 1500 to 4800 RPM. Maximum HP is from 5000 to 6000 RPM. Or is it? The graph on page 24 looks more like 4500 to 6500.

I've learned to take everything in the brochure with a grain of salt.

i didnt mean brochure, independent dyno tests are much more accurate