first gear or second gear??

[newbmwfans]

I have an auto trans
dont know why my car always start with 2nd gear not 1st gear?
it only start with 1st gear when I use manual shifting
just want to ask you guys which one is better for gas? and
which one is better for race

[GMT II]

2nd = better for gas and snow/rain starts
1st = better for race.

[newbmwfans]

thanks GMT II

[ocinek]

This is the real reason. The auto has a more aggressively geared differential than the manual and you are not putting much wear on the slipper clutch by starting in 2nd which is why the car does it. On a manual it is not recommended since the gearing is taller and you will cause excessive wear starting uphill.

[x97Melbourne]

Originally Posted by ocinek

This is the real reason. The auto has a more aggressively geared differential than the manual and you are not putting much wear on the slipper clutch by starting in 2nd which is why the car does it. On a manual it is not recommended since the gearing is taller and you will cause excessive wear starting uphill.

i commonly start in 2nd. 1st is so amazingly fast, i just don't use it too often. i can still, (unintentionally), burn nearly any car off the line even when starting in 2nd. its funny what cars try to "race" me....even if i'm not interested.....even SUVs!!!! its funny to hear their engines rev!!!

the car has so much torque, i don't think starting in 2nd puts any additional wear on the clutch. however, if starting on a hill, i would start in 1st.