[cannonspike22]

After navigating throught the forums and searching for the notorious topics about break-in periods, i came across this thread which briefly explained about the kick-down mode, which occurs when you floor the gas pedal beyond the normal pressure. From my knowledge, i heard this mode is available in all mercedes benz, and i know this happens to be true because ive driven various classes of the mercedes and noticed a button that can be pressed down into when the pedal is floored all the way, and noticed an enormous surge in acceleration. i think this is because the ECU system automatically downshifts the gears for a quick acceleration and then upshifts again automatically. nevertheless, i wanted to know whether the e90 has this little nice feature, and whether you can feel this "button" at the bottom when you floor it beyond the usual point?

[E90Fleet]

Yes, all BMW Automatics have it

You can feel it with your foot when you press all the way down

It basically just downshifts ( if you are not revving too high) and gives the engine full throttle

[davinet78]

the sensation of the kick down is really good

[LEDZEP]

Pretty much all cars with automatic transmissions have this mode. When the accelerator is pressed down hard, the trans will downshift to give you more torque for acceleration. You'll also notice this happen at a constant speed if you suddenly start up a steep hill. It's most noticable when you are in overdrive.

[blueStreak]

Just to elaborate a bit, not only does it downshift, but it downshifts to the lowest gear (without exceeding redline) it can which is usually at least 2 gears.

[blueStreak]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

You'll also notice this happen at a constant speed if you suddenly start up a steep hill. It's most noticable when you are in overdrive.

That's not the kick-down mode we are talking about. It's based on pushing the accelerator passed the normal operating range to force the transmission to drop to the lowest gear it can.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by blueStreak

That's not the kick-down mode we are talking about. It's based on pushing the accelerator passed the normal operating range to force the transmission to drop to the lowest gear it can.

Gotcha. Same thing happens, but you're talking about the manual kick-down... my bad.

[cannonspike22]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Yes, all BMW Automatics have it

You can feel it with your foot when you press all the way down

It basically just downshifts ( if you are not revving too high) and gives the engine full throttle

so you can actually physically feel this click of button at the bottom of the accelerator like the ones in mercedes benz? (i guess this applies to only auto trannies?)

[Kimo]

Originally Posted by cannonspike22

so you can actually physically feel this click of button at the bottom of the accelerator like the ones in mercedes benz? (i guess this applies to only auto trannies?)

That's correct. It's simply a toggle switch that looks for 12v continuity. Some older MBs and P-cars start in 2nd gear, and owners actually kluge the kickdown switch with a remote toggle to allow first gear starts.

[Thavash]

Cars have had this since the 80's , I think. I know an old toyota cressida that has it. Beware using it in traffic since if you're not used to it the car can surge forward ( especially with the power of the 330i )

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by Thavash

Cars have had this since the 80's , I think. I know an old toyota cressida that has it. Beware using it in traffic since if you're not used to it the car can surge forward ( especially with the power of the 330i )

Correct, its nothing new

Tough in the old days the rest of the throttle was still physically connected to the engine, now there is no physical connection

[puck724]

quick question for those that have engaged the kick-down...

do you release back to the point of first resistance when you feel the "click" or do you sustain the pressure at the "click".

[ben1364]

Thavash said in part, "...Cars have had this since the 80's..."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Try, from the '50s <g>

[GeoXP]

I'm not sure about the whole button thing anymore in cars made in the last 20 years or so. Wouldn't that be relayed to the ECU through the throttle position sensor now, which would then allow then tell the electronically controlled transmission to downshift? Quite often as well it will sense "wide open throttle" which will also perform other actions such as momentarily cease air conditioner operation to allow for maximum power.

[connermd]

Originally Posted by cannonspike22

so you can actually physically feel this click of button at the bottom of the accelerator like the ones in mercedes benz? (i guess this applies to only auto trannies?)

Yes

[puck724]

another question for kick-down...

will it engage in all three modes(D,DS,M) or will it only engage in the D and DS?

[blueStreak]

Originally Posted by puck724

another question for kick-down...

will it engage in all three modes(D,DS,M) or will it only engage in the D and DS?

All three modes.

[puck724]

thanks bluestreak.

[cl312]

Isn't it so that accelerating from 0 mph in DS-mode is the same as a kickdown acceleration in D-mode? Feels the same... Any thoughts?

[cntlaw]

Oosp! That's right , my 10 yrrs ago 1992 E36 325icoupe (Auto) has got this hidden 'button' underneath the pedal; it is like a thrush of power that gives at least 2 gears down kick down effect.
I never remembered this feature when I was still having my Z3 Auto; so I never tried on my Ex-Z3
Anyway , I am glad to hear that the E90 Auto still has this feature.
But don't use it before you run your new car for 2000km