The Throttle "click" and downshifting 6AT

[BMW135pls]

I'm familiar with the behavior that causes the trans to downshift when the throttle is "clicked" all the way down, but there is also a point high in the rev range where the trans won't downshift. I am curious if it's set in stone what exactly this point is, or if it depends on variables.

I'd like to be able to do some straight line pulls most efficiently in the gear that I have selected using Sport Manual mode, but without the dangerous effects of the sudden burst of power caused by the downshift and redlining engine speeds. All it takes is once for that to happen and the car can fishtail going faster than you'd like, and I like my car. Due to this fact, I haven't done much scientific testing, so I hope there's a simple answer.

[6MT_Addict]

This is referred to as 'kick down'. You can push the pedal all the way to the floor (100% throttle). Now if you push further you click the button and engage kick down. The idea is that you're in an emergency situation and need as much power as possible.

Solution for you: stop pushing the pedal so hard and learn more finite pedal control. OR I believing it's BMS that sells a stopper to prevent this button from getting pushed. Regardless, you can give it 100% throttle without clicking this button, learn where the point is that you engage kick down and just keep that lead foot a little lighter lol

[mike@x-ph.com]

Here you go , very easy solution

[BMW135pls]

Ok, are you absolutely positive that going to the KD point without kicking down is in fact 100% throttle for the given gear? I was under the impression that the KD offered an extra boost in top end power as well as the downshift? Reason I ask is that I was told by people who drag these cars that they go past KD to get the best 1/4m times.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by BMW135pls

Ok, are you absolutely positive that going to the KD point without kicking down is in fact 100% throttle for the given gear? I was under the impression that the KD offered an extra boost in top end power as well as the downshift? Reason I ask is that I was told by people who drag these cars that they go past KD to get the best 1/4m times.

No extra boost
It just downshifts.

[6MT_Addict]

Originally Posted by BMW135pls

Ok, are you absolutely positive that going to the KD point without kicking down is in fact 100% throttle for the given gear? I was under the impression that the KD offered an extra boost in top end power as well as the downshift? Reason I ask is that I was told by people who drag these cars that they go past KD to get the best 1/4m times.

What Mike said lol.

They might get better 1/4 mile times due to a more aggressive shift map when kickdown is engaged, there is no over boost function or anything.

[fcman]

Originally Posted by 1AddictsAnonymous

Regardless, you can give it 100% throttle without clicking this button, learn where the point is that you engage kick down and just keep that lead foot a little lighter lol

I never understood why people have a problem with this. If I can make it around a crazy hectic autox course without engaging the kick down surely most people can avoid it doing things like dyno pulls, right? It's pretty obvious where you need to stop your foot as long as your aren't literally stomping down on the pedal.

[Bigiggs]

Or you can go the manual transmission route and control when your car does the "kickdown"

[pj.rodriguez]

Like someone mentioned, just learn to go full throttle without clicking. I've learned and it gets really easy after a while. No need to stomp. Alternatively, the kick down stopper looks like it would help in your case. Kickdown is just the equivalent of down shifting. No increased power.

[BMW135pls]

Originally Posted by pj.rodriguez

Like someone mentioned, just learn to go full throttle without clicking. I've learned and it gets really easy after a while. No need to stomp. Alternatively, the kick down stopper looks like it would help in your case. Kickdown is just the equivalent of down shifting. No increased power.

Not an issue, I already have learned how to go WOT without the click, just until this point I thought that there was some underspoken benefit to clicking it that was deeper than dropping a gear.

[6MT_Addict]

Originally Posted by BMW135pls

Not an issue, I already have learned how to go WOT without the click, just until this point I thought that there was some underspoken benefit to clicking it that was deeper than dropping a gear.

I think we all have hoped this at some point only to discover it's just the transmission. Any reason why you chose an auto over manual? It sounds like your driving habits would be better suited to a stick

[BMW135pls]

Originally Posted by 1AddictsAnonymous

I think we all have hoped this at some point only to discover it's just the transmission. Any reason why you chose an auto over manual? It sounds like your driving habits would be better suited to a stick

I can't foot a clutch, lol. Tried on my friend's V8 Mustang and ended up stalling out a few times in an empty parking lot. Decided I didn't want to go through the pains of learning on such a beautifully crafted machine.

[6MT_Addict]

Originally Posted by BMW135pls

I can't foot a clutch, lol. Tried on my friend's V8 Mustang and ended up stalling out a few times in an empty parking lot. Decided I didn't want to go through the pains of learning on such a beautifully crafted machine.

All good man, I learned on my 135i. I practised on my friends Mazdaspeed3 and another friends 135i. The 1er is much easier to drive compared to the mazda. My test drive was super embarrassing and the owner actually made the comment "Well if you don't buy it, you'll owe me for a new clutch haha"

After buying it, I stalled it about 10 times on the way home (300ish km) and since I've stalled it 3 times, which was all in the first week. You pick it up pretty quick and the BMS clutch stop really really helps with learning that clutch. If it's something you're even remotely interested in still, look up a local driving school and see if they will teach you stick. Coming from a guy who's driven automatics his whole life it's so much more fun (although slower 0-60 over the 2011 DCT models, those just RIP!)