Performance Driving with Automatic

Mountain135 · 04-17-2013, 08:52 AM

I'm a newby owner and loving the 400+ hp. I've owned other fast cars and driven them on the track, but I've always had manual transmissions. I haven't been to the track yet with this car, but wonder how other owners have managed their best performance on the track. My thought is to use manual mode and shift around 5k when the torque begins to fall off. I'm also concerned about the transmission overriding my intentions and downshifting under heavy throttle applications. I suppose one gets used to rolling into the throttle while exiting turns. I know a manual would suit performance driving better, but this car was already nicely modded by the previous owner and I do love the convenience of the auto. See my sig for mods. Thanks guys.

Pig Farmer · 04-17-2013, 07:07 PM

I think you'll find the biggest difference is in the braking zones. Since you have to shift sequentially and don't have the ability to feather the clutch, you may need a couple laps to dial in your down shift points so that you're set up for the corner. Get it wrong and the car can get a bit unsettled. Just err on the side of a taller gear until you get comfortable. If you find that you scrubbed off too much speed in the corner (which is unlikely with the amount of torque we have down low) just roll on the throttle gently until you reach the exit and give it the beans. If it downshifts automatically just be prepared to pull another gear. If you're running a tune you'll never need to drop below 3rd gear even in the tightest sections. Another draw back of the A/T is heat. Bring a fan to cool her down between sessions.

135roundel · 04-17-2013, 10:02 PM

and check out n54tech.com for a diy on a cheap solution to your kick down issue

Mountain135 · 04-18-2013, 08:53 AM

Thanks Pig Farmer. Good info. Regarding kick down,I think I'll learn to modulate pedal travel to keep it in check. Thanks for the diy 135roundel.

Gimlet · 04-21-2013, 06:36 AM

She does amazingly well in just DS. Might be worth a few laps in that mode first so you can get comfortable with the track layout, how quickly you come up onto the corners etc. Then unleash manual mode.

TheSt|G · 04-21-2013, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gimlet

She does amazingly well in just DS. Might be worth a few laps in that mode first so you can get comfortable with the track layout, how quickly you come up onto the corners etc. Then unleash manual mode.

Gimlet · 04-21-2013, 02:40 PM

^^Not sure I understand what is so funny here. The tranny in DS is surprisingly good, and my first few times on the track with this car I left it in DS until I got really comfortable with my lines, breaking zones etc. Sure, it's no manual and you loose that "connected" feeling, which I admitedly miss having driven stick for my first nearly 20 years of driving, but as a compromise, this auto tranny is pretty damn good.

04-17-2013, 08:52 AM	#1
Mountain135 Private First Class 16 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 2008 135 Coupe Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Performance Driving with Automatic I'm a newby owner and loving the 400+ hp. I've owned other fast cars and driven them on the track, but I've always had manual transmissions. I haven't been to the track yet with this car, but wonder how other owners have managed their best performance on the track. My thought is to use manual mode and shift around 5k when the torque begins to fall off. I'm also concerned about the transmission overriding my intentions and downshifting under heavy throttle applications. I suppose one gets used to rolling into the throttle while exiting turns. I know a manual would suit performance driving better, but this car was already nicely modded by the previous owner and I do love the convenience of the auto. See my sig for mods. Thanks guys. __________________ 2008 135i- Sparkling Graphite-Steptronic ESS Stage 3 Flash-BMS Dual Cones-Helix Intercooler-AR Design Catless Downpipe-Berk DP Back Full Street Exhaust-AR Design Oil Cooler-AR Design Catch Can-OS Giken LSD-Bilstein B12 Kit-Whiteline rear sub-frame bushing inserts. 225-255 Direzza Z2.
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04-17-2013, 07:07 PM	#2
Pig Farmer Major 340 Rep 1,293 Posts Drives: E92M Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I think you'll find the biggest difference is in the braking zones. Since you have to shift sequentially and don't have the ability to feather the clutch, you may need a couple laps to dial in your down shift points so that you're set up for the corner. Get it wrong and the car can get a bit unsettled. Just err on the side of a taller gear until you get comfortable. If you find that you scrubbed off too much speed in the corner (which is unlikely with the amount of torque we have down low) just roll on the throttle gently until you reach the exit and give it the beans. If it downshifts automatically just be prepared to pull another gear. If you're running a tune you'll never need to drop below 3rd gear even in the tightest sections. Another draw back of the A/T is heat. Bring a fan to cool her down between sessions. Last edited by Pig Farmer; 04-18-2013 at 06:34 AM.. Reason: Grammar
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04-17-2013, 10:02 PM	#3
135roundel Private 3 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	and check out n54tech.com for a diy on a cheap solution to your kick down issue
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04-18-2013, 08:53 AM	#4
Mountain135 Private First Class 16 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 2008 135 Coupe Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Thanks Pig Farmer. Good info. Regarding kick down,I think I'll learn to modulate pedal travel to keep it in check. Thanks for the diy 135roundel. __________________ 2008 135i- Sparkling Graphite-Steptronic ESS Stage 3 Flash-BMS Dual Cones-Helix Intercooler-AR Design Catless Downpipe-Berk DP Back Full Street Exhaust-AR Design Oil Cooler-AR Design Catch Can-OS Giken LSD-Bilstein B12 Kit-Whiteline rear sub-frame bushing inserts. 225-255 Direzza Z2.
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04-21-2013, 06:36 AM	#5
Gimlet Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 257 Posts Drives: '08 BSM 135i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: In my desk chair - iTrader: (0)	She does amazingly well in just DS. Might be worth a few laps in that mode first so you can get comfortable with the track layout, how quickly you come up onto the corners etc. Then unleash manual mode. __________________
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04-21-2013, 02:40 PM	#7
Gimlet Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 257 Posts Drives: '08 BSM 135i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: In my desk chair - iTrader: (0)	^^Not sure I understand what is so funny here. The tranny in DS is surprisingly good, and my first few times on the track with this car I left it in DS until I got really comfortable with my lines, breaking zones etc. Sure, it's no manual and you loose that "connected" feeling, which I admitedly miss having driven stick for my first nearly 20 years of driving, but as a compromise, this auto tranny is pretty damn good. __________________
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