Hi, I've got a '92 320i auto cabbie with the sport/economy selectable box.
When its in 'sport' mode, it doesn't seem to shift into 4th. I've had it up to a ton in 3rd and wondered why the f***ing monster 4x4 crew cab pick up behind me was gaining on me (one of those rice burning thingies - they shift!). I'd dropped into sport mode at a roundabout to get rid of it as it was pissing me off. Seems a bit silly if you have to shift into 'economy' to get to maximum speed!
Maybe a slight problem with the sensors or something? Or is it supposed to avoid using the overdrive top gear? I can see that would make sense on a winding 'A' road, but its not helpful on a motorway.
Not a big problem, just wondering since its always puzzled me since I got the car.
Auto in Sport Mode - a feature or a problem?
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Ant
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Based on what you've said I'd suggest all is working as BMW intended there M8
easiest test is cruise in E get up to 4th then swop to S, the box should instantly shift down a "gear"
HTH
easiest test is cruise in E get up to 4th then swop to S, the box should instantly shift down a "gear"
HTH
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Email FTW-
OllieB
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You might find you can do the same speed in 3rd as you can in fourth anyway? Just revving higher, will be more responsive and stuff. IMO auto boxes are a bit of a mystery..... 
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BlackCabrio
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Thanks, guys, I'm reassured. 
Seems likely then that this is a design feature, not a fault. And easy to live with once you get the point about shifting up to 'E' once cruising speed is reached. Really 'sport' seems designed for situation where you aren't going to get to very high speeds, but need to stay in lower gears to get quicker throttle response, just like you would in a manual car.
I often cruise in 'E' then shift into 'S' if I'm looking for an opportunity to overtake on a winding road, or want to blow something off my tail. It does indeed drop to third gear immediately, saving a micro second or two over the auto kick-down.
Given enough torque, auto boxes are great for cruising and most regular driving, IMO. (OK, I'd rather have a 2.7 lump, but there you go, the condition of the 320 was just too good to miss when I saw it). First time I've actually owned an auto instead of occasional hiring, but I would be reluctant to swap back to manual unless it was a 'pleasure only' car I didn't use for commuting, etc. It'll hustle along fine if you get the hang of two pedals + two feet, and it's remarkable how much faster off the line it is than most of the traffic.
Take one auto, add a large amount of ICE, and chill out!
Seems likely then that this is a design feature, not a fault. And easy to live with once you get the point about shifting up to 'E' once cruising speed is reached. Really 'sport' seems designed for situation where you aren't going to get to very high speeds, but need to stay in lower gears to get quicker throttle response, just like you would in a manual car.
I often cruise in 'E' then shift into 'S' if I'm looking for an opportunity to overtake on a winding road, or want to blow something off my tail. It does indeed drop to third gear immediately, saving a micro second or two over the auto kick-down.
Given enough torque, auto boxes are great for cruising and most regular driving, IMO. (OK, I'd rather have a 2.7 lump, but there you go, the condition of the 320 was just too good to miss when I saw it). First time I've actually owned an auto instead of occasional hiring, but I would be reluctant to swap back to manual unless it was a 'pleasure only' car I didn't use for commuting, etc. It'll hustle along fine if you get the hang of two pedals + two feet, and it's remarkable how much faster off the line it is than most of the traffic.
Take one auto, add a large amount of ICE, and chill out!