How to turn on the best gear function

DCD · 11-17-2008, 06:07 PM

Hi guys I've read about this function where the car will have a little arrow pointing up or down to tell you the best gear to be in to get the best fuel economy.

I've tried turning it on like this (as per instruction in the manual):

- Push in the "BC" button to cycle through the different computer options (average speed, average fuel consumption, range etc) until it doesn't show anything.
- Push and hold the "BC" button for 3 seconds and it should turn on.

Only problem is it won't turn on for me.

Any suggestions? Is anyone else using this feature?

Mad Dragon · 11-17-2008, 08:51 PM

I've never heard of this feature on any BMW. Sounds like an internet rumor, unless it's a non-US thing.

Lester · 11-17-2008, 08:58 PM

Can't find it in the manual, and have never heard of it. The instantaneous fuel consumption readout is an option. What page do you see this on?

123D-M · 11-18-2008, 04:49 AM

All 1ers here have it. I figured it was just standard as it was already on in all the 1ers I have driven. It's a handy feature and makes a big difference to fuel economy.

If you can't get it to work I'd call the dealer and confirm that it is actually included on NZ models.

sethchan · 11-18-2008, 02:48 PM

Was working on mine when I got it.

DCD · 11-18-2008, 07:37 PM

Oh well you guys might not get it in the US, because I was reading about it from the owners manual of my 1er. I don't have my manual in front of me sorry so I don't know what page it's on.

I'm dropping in tonight to pick up my Euro plates so I'll ask the guys at the dealership about it then.

1Ronnie · 11-22-2008, 02:17 AM

You sure you aren't thinking of the PS3 Gran Tourismo version ... I know my 135i in there has it ... it's also got a great heads up display that shoes the best cornering line !! :smile:

imported_SeanB · 11-27-2008, 11:30 AM

I have that on my UK car.

Its probably because fuel is so cheap in the US, they didn't think you guys would need it.

mrgoochio · 11-30-2008, 04:09 PM

Gas shot up to above $5USD a gallon (premium) here in Southern California in less than a few years.. in the last 6months-1 year it seemed to have come all the way back down to the low $2.00 range.. the economy is so unstable right now..

dand · 12-01-2008, 12:29 AM

You can witness a description of this function on the 1 series as a part of BMW's EfficientDynamics initiative, a feature they call "gear shift indicator", beginning at about 2:40 here: BMW at the Geneva Motor Show 2008

Brady1984 · 12-01-2008, 01:38 AM

When I had a 120d in Germany this spring I used it all the time, I mean getting used to driving a diesel is a little strange as it is. If the 135 has it I know I would use it.

jayparry · 12-01-2008, 02:59 PM

Can anyone confirm that there is no way to do this on US vehicles? I have the standard radio and I dont think we have a BC button... just 'menu' ...

lib · 12-01-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanB

I have that on my UK car.

Its probably because fuel is so cheap in the US, they didn't think you guys would need it.

That's the only reason I can think of since as far as I'm aware it's simply a software feature.
Gas was expensive here 6 months ago but now it's cheaper than water. I was able to filled the tank with premium the other day for about $24 (~18.5 Euros) and I was paying a bit extra for Chevron.

Since the OP is from NZ perhaps it's a Euro only option?

11-17-2008, 06:07 PM	#1
DCD Private First Class 10 Rep 162 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	How to turn on the best gear function Hi guys I've read about this function where the car will have a little arrow pointing up or down to tell you the best gear to be in to get the best fuel economy. I've tried turning it on like this (as per instruction in the manual): - Push in the "BC" button to cycle through the different computer options (average speed, average fuel consumption, range etc) until it doesn't show anything. - Push and hold the "BC" button for 3 seconds and it should turn on. Only problem is it won't turn on for me. Any suggestions? Is anyone else using this feature?
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11-17-2008, 08:51 PM	#2
Mad Dragon . 27 Rep 932 Posts Drives: 2010 GTI Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	I've never heard of this feature on any BMW. Sounds like an internet rumor, unless it's a non-US thing.
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11-17-2008, 08:58 PM	#3
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Can't find it in the manual, and have never heard of it. The instantaneous fuel consumption readout is an option. What page do you see this on?
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11-18-2008, 04:49 AM	#4
123D-M Captain 32 Rep 930 Posts Drives: BMW 123d M-Sport Coupe Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Madrid, Spain iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 Citroen DS19 P ... [0.00] 2009 123D M-Sport C ... [10.00] 2009 Mazda6 [0.00]	All 1ers here have it. I figured it was just standard as it was already on in all the 1ers I have driven. It's a handy feature and makes a big difference to fuel economy. If you can't get it to work I'd call the dealer and confirm that it is actually included on NZ models. __________________ 2009 123D Coupe \| Sedona Red \| Black Boston Leather \| Brushed Aluminium Trim \| Tinted Windows \| M-Sport Package \| 6M \| Comfort Access \| Heated Seats \| Navigation \| Park Distance Front & Rear \| USB \| Bluetooth \| Voice Control \| Efficient Dynamics \| Rain & Light Sensors \| Xenon Lights My blog: http://urbanemusings.wordpress.com/
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11-18-2008, 02:48 PM	#5
sethchan Lieutenant 12 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	Was working on mine when I got it.
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11-18-2008, 07:37 PM	#6
DCD Private First Class 10 Rep 162 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Oh well you guys might not get it in the US, because I was reading about it from the owners manual of my 1er. I don't have my manual in front of me sorry so I don't know what page it's on. I'm dropping in tonight to pick up my Euro plates so I'll ask the guys at the dealership about it then.
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11-22-2008, 02:17 AM	#7
1Ronnie Ronnie 15 Rep 556 Posts Drives: '08 Sedona 128i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	You sure you aren't thinking of the PS3 Gran Tourismo version ... I know my 135i in there has it ... it's also got a great heads up display that shoes the best cornering line !! :smile: __________________ "Lucy" 128i / Sedona Red / Coral Red / Premium Package / Premium Sound
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11-27-2008, 11:30 AM	#8
imported_SeanB New Member 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2008 iTrader: (0)	I have that on my UK car. Its probably because fuel is so cheap in the US, they didn't think you guys would need it.
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11-30-2008, 04:09 PM	#9
mrgoochio 135i Coupe Owner! 46 Rep 1,009 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Gas shot up to above $5USD a gallon (premium) here in Southern California in less than a few years.. in the last 6months-1 year it seemed to have come all the way back down to the low $2.00 range.. the economy is so unstable right now.. __________________ 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Jet Black Sport Pkg. P1 Lemon Boston Leather High Gloss Black Trim Comfort Access System
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12-01-2008, 12:29 AM	#10
dand Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2008 iTrader: (0)	You can witness a description of this function on the 1 series as a part of BMW's EfficientDynamics initiative, a feature they call "gear shift indicator", beginning at about 2:40 here: BMW at the Geneva Motor Show 2008 __________________ 2009 135i \ Alpine White \ Coral Red \ Glacier Silver DSG \ Sport Package \ Premium Package Premium Audio \ Heated Seats \ iPod & USB
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12-01-2008, 01:38 AM	#11
Brady1984 Lieutenant 186 Rep 413 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma iTrader: (0)	When I had a 120d in Germany this spring I used it all the time, I mean getting used to driving a diesel is a little strange as it is. If the 135 has it I know I would use it. __________________ "Most things I worry about never happen anyway" -Tom Petty
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12-01-2008, 02:59 PM	#12
jayparry BMW Performanceer 29 Rep 370 Posts Drives: BSM '09 135i 'tii' Dinan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i 'Tii' [7.00]	Can anyone confirm that there is no way to do this on US vehicles? I have the standard radio and I dont think we have a BC button... just 'menu' ... __________________ 2009 BMW 135i - Premium, Sport, Cold, Comfort, Nav, Active Steering, Premium Sound, iPod/Smartphone BMW Performance - Carbon Fiber trim, Suspension, Front Rotors, Rear Valence, Spoiler, Steering Wheel, Gearshift, Handbrake, Dead Pedal Dinan - stage 2 Engine Program, Intake, Exhaust, Short Shifter and Pedals.
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