[HD81]

Sorry in advance if this topic has been posted before but I searched and there definitely wasn't one which already existed.

I used to own an 08' n54 e92 335xi 6MT which I traded in for an '11 e92 n55 xi 6AT. Now, because I loved the ability to shift in a manual car, I almost always drove the AT in 'M' mode, shifting the car myself rather than driving it in 'DS' or 'D' mode. What I wanted to know is whether driving in that mode has an adverse affect on the transmission/causes more wear than when driven in 'D' mode. Logically I would assume BMW manufactured the trans with that option so that it can indeed always be driven in that mode without wearing the trans out quicker than 'D' mode but I don't know hence I'm asking the question.

I once asked a service advisor at a dealership and he pretty much said yea it's definitely okay, but he didn't even know the difference between an n54 and n55 so I couldn't take his word for it lol.

I really didn't want to get rid of my n54 6MT but it was my daily driver and I used to sit in a LOT of heavy traffic on my commute to work so I said screw it and ended up trading it in - at the time - for an '11 6AT that I got for a steal so I had to pull the trigger. I definitely miss the n54 though...by now it would've been paid off and still had CPO on it

[weehe126]

I have yet to hear of someone having a problem using the manual mode. I use it about 75% of the time, so hope that wouldn't cause a problem. Have you looked in to getting the alpina flash? It makes the manual mode really shine.

[HD81]

Originally Posted by weehe126

I have yet to hear of someone having a problem using the manual mode. I use it about 75% of the time, so hope that wouldn't cause a problem. Have you looked in to getting the alpina flash? It makes the manual mode really shine.

Yea I haven't heard of anyone with trans issues but I also never really saw any posts about a lot of people driving in manual mode. I'm hoping a lot more people chime in on this thread.

I actually am looking into the alpina. I sent Alex@alpina a message a couple days ago but no response yet.

[Delta0311]

It's fine to drive in DS and both cars use the same ZF tranny.

[timothy2001]

Would love to hear folks chime in also who have done this extensively.

I bought this car because I just love driving. I was reluctant because I kinda felt they were a bit of a cliche but frankly I don't know of a more "active driving' car on the road that is in this price range.

For some reason I have been babying it a bit and I need to let that go and drive it. Would love to do more paddle shifting.

[924er]

Supposedly if you have the alpine flash it takes away the torque converter there by by making faster shifts. Not my words but that's word on the street.

However I seen 0 reports of this, alpina actually shifts cleaner than stock

[HD81]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

It's fine to drive in DS and both cars use the same ZF tranny.

Good to know but I was actually concerned about driving strictly in 'M' manual mode because I prefer to shift gears at a lower rpm (1500-2500, esp when the oil temp is under 200 degrees Farenheit). I've noticed a slight increase in gas mileage and you feel like you're more in control of the car.

[Knobi]

I got so used to driving in Manual Mode that it is the ONLY way I drive now. Been running the Alpina Flash for over a year now and no problems whatsoever

[HD81]

Originally Posted by Knobi

I got so used to driving in Manual Mode that it is the ONLY way I drive now. Been running the Alpina Flash for over a year now and no problems whatsoever

good to know, thanks for the info man!

[Unklejoe]

M mode is actually better for the transmission. Firmer shifts = less clutch slip = less wear

[shadow191]

How can it take away the TC? TC is a mechanical part. The flash changes the logic in the TCM and can change your shift points and firmness by changing the way the solenoids in your VB move fluid which is what's shifting the transmission. The torque converter doesn't have any impact on the shifts. The valve body is what does that. If you take it apart, you'll see a bunch of solenoids and fluid passages which is what shifts the gears. The TCM controls those solenoids. Not sure if the TCM controls torque converter lock up, but even then, it wouldn't impact the shift.

Originally Posted by 924er

Supposedly if you have the alpine flash it takes away the torque converter there by by making faster shifts. Not my words but that's word on the street.

However I seen 0 reports of this, alpina actually shifts cleaner than stock

[924er]

Originally Posted by shadow191

How can it take away the TC? TC is a mechanical part. The flash changes the logic in the TCM and can change your shift points and firmness by changing the way the solenoids in your VB move fluid which is what's shifting the transmission. The torque converter doesn't have any impact on the shifts. The valve body is what does that. If you take it apart, you'll see a bunch of solenoids and fluid passages which is what shifts the gears. The TCM controls those solenoids. Not sure if the TCM controls torque converter lock up, but even then, it wouldn't impact the shift.

thats just what i heard. i hope the alpina flash doesn't affect longevity of the tranny though i love it

[Andrewe92]

Honestly, the manual mode is pretty much dumb proof .. meaning it doesn't allow you to do certain downshifts..etc. that would harm the motor or trans. personally I have the trans flash on my n55 the shifts are def quicker and the downshifts are wayyyy better, but in terms of any side affects from using it all the time, i doubt it. although imo if you ended up getting the automatic you mind as well drive it normally , I only use manual for some fun lol

[HD81]

Originally Posted by Andrewe92

Honestly, the manual mode is pretty much dumb proof .. meaning it doesn't allow you to do certain downshifts..etc. that would harm the motor or trans. personally I have the trans flash on my n55 the shifts are def quicker and the downshifts are wayyyy better, but in terms of any side affects from using it all the time, i doubt it. although imo if you ended up getting the automatic you mind as well drive it normally , I only use manual for some fun lol

I hear ya on driving an auto normally but I just miss my 6-spd n54 coupe so much and shifting in auto is the only thing that makes it feel like a manual

[Andrewe92]

Originally Posted by HD81

I hear ya on driving an auto normally but I just miss my 6-spd n54 coupe so much and shifting in auto is the only thing that makes it feel like a manual

yeah i feel you.. get the trans flash and try to get a deal that you could reverse the trans flash if you dont like it, cuz its not for everyone regular d mode shifts veryyyy early

[Dozhdbog]

I use D and M mode primarily. D for when the family is with me or I'm puttering along, M for my weekly runs through the mountains.
I sometimes USE DS for passing on highway or generally for spirited driving above 45mph.
In start-stop traffic I tend to shift it into M mode to stop all shifting from 2-3 3-4 4-3 3-2 when I know I'm going to be stopped again in a couple hundred feet.

[JETmn]

Over on N54tech they found a new flash that is as fast or even faster than the Alpina flash and the D mode shifts at 1700 instead of 1400, so D is much better. It sounded like the current one we are using was developed for the N55 and the other may be from the N54 which had slightly slower spool hence the later shift points.

[PR3CI5N]

Originally Posted by HD81

Yea I haven't heard of anyone with trans issues but I also never really saw any posts about a lot of people driving in manual mode. I'm hoping a lot more people chime in on this thread.

I actually am looking into the alpina. I sent Alex@alpina a message a couple days ago but no response yet.

PM me and I'll give you his cell #. If you aren't local he can remote flash your TCU and do any coding you want