128i automatic- quickest approach to 60 MPH

[JTBMW1]

I was wondering the best approach to accelerate off the line to 60 MPH in a 128i automatic- with sport package and paddle shifters.

Just punch it off the line in conventional automatic mode? Or use the manual shifting option on the shifter, shifting up near red line, or use the paddle shifters, shifting near red line?

The car does not have a sport mode button option.

I am taking it easy on it since it's still in break in period right now although I am wondering once it breaks in the best approach to maximize acceleration. This is my first automatic car ever- and it also has paddle shifters and manual mode shifting options- which I have never used before. All of my cars up to this point have been manuals- and I have owned a lot of different cars! I wanted to try something different this time and went with the automatic!

[Greenkirby21]

It probably doesn't matter since you are flooring it, but I would presume the manual mode since you can select first gear. The other modes start in second gear

[froop]

If it's anything like the 6AT in my 135i then fastest would be to put it in DS mode without using paddle shifters and let it upshift for you.

On normal D mode it starts on 2nd but on DS I'm pretty sure it starts on 1st.

[tccox]

On my 2012 128 with steptronic it starts in second even in DS mode. I'm guessing fastest 0-60 would be in manual where you can start in first.

[Top Gon]

I would put it in manual mode or even ds, hold the brake down hard then put Ur foot on the gas and build the revs up to about 2k rpms. to launch, let off the brake and modulate throttle based on wheelspin. I wouldn't make a habit out of it though. only use it for track /drag strip.

[fwmcb]

DS Mode

[Wandasboy]

Having recently purchased a 128i with Steptronic, I'm a bit frustrated with the shift points. (Yeah I know - should have gotten a manual.) D shift point settings are really low, so car cruises at 1500 rpm or less - seems sluggish. Put it in DS and it runs to the redline unless you are really light on the gas. My prior car was a Honda Accord V6 with auto, and the shift points were perfect for spirited driving. For the 128, it's either Sleepytime or Drag Strip time. Wish the shift points were adjustable - but now I'm using M mode and shifting myself. Starts off in M2 and works fine.

[JTBMW1]

I don't see where the car starts off in second gear- at least mine does not appear to. The Steptronic and has 6 speeds- correct? So I count the shifts and it shifts 5 times from a standing still start to cruising speed provided I am fully stopped, meaning it has 6 forward speeds. If I am on a roll and do not come to a full stop, it stays in second for sure and shifts only 4 times. What am I missing? First gear seems very low by the way, the car is very quick off the line from a standstill and rev's and shifts to second quickly.

And if the car does start off in second gear when stopped, what is the purpose of first gear if it not used?

[froop]

Originally Posted by JTBMW1

I don't see where the car starts off in second gear- at least mine does not appear to. The Steptronic and has 6 speeds- correct? So I count the shifts and it shifts 5 times from a standing still start to cruising speed provided I am fully stopped, meaning it has 6 forward speeds. If I am on a roll and do not come to a full stop, it stays in second for sure and shifts only 4 times. What am I missing? First gear seems very low by the way, the car is very quick off the line from a standstill and rev's and shifts to second quickly.

And if the car does start off in second gear when stopped, what is the purpose of first gear if it not used?

I'm not sure about yours but in mine if I'm standing still and shift from D to DS I can feel the car shift down into first and vice versatile if I shift it back to D. Also, if you were to floor the throttle down to the click button then the car will automatically shift down to 1st regardless of what drive mode you're in.

1st is good for acceleration but not for fuel consumption. That would be the reason why it's not really used in normal D mode.

[Wandasboy]

I agree - think it's used in DS and not in D. I have found in M that shifting to M2 before starting off works just fine. M1 is just so short that it's pretty much unusable for me.

[Deadshot]

anyone time their 128i from 0-60? Just curious what times you have gotten.

[JTBMW1]

I am curious on the 0-60 as well. I have read road test reports from the magazines that it is a lack luster 6.7 seconds, considerably slower than 5.9 sec. for the manual 6 speed. Having driven many cars that accelerate to 60 in 6.9, 6.4 and 6.1, my 128i feels that it is quicker than the claimed 6.7. Although this is my first automatic ever and perhaps it just feels quicker.........

[mattygmb]

I've found it works best not laying into the throttle (DS), at first, so as to avoid the traction control activating, then increasing throttle after clearing that first little bit.

Based on feel, I'd say faster than 6.7 seconds... never timed it though. Always having way too much fun driving.

[Isdaako]

Someone get out there and do this! I've had a passenger use a stopwatch and it's in the 6's somewhere but accuracy would be better with one of those dash mounted gizmos.