Performance driving tips for the 335i with Tiptronic

Richardo · 10-09-2007, 01:10 AM

I'm looking for some advice on the best way to drive a 335i with AT paddle shifters in tight turns. I'm going on my first autocross with the new car this weekend and would like to learn what others have found.

I just got past the break-in period on my July-build 335i (all-stock with AT, paddles, sport and premium package + engine strut brace) and finally had a chance to really drive it the past weekend. There's a nice isolated stretch of country road near my house with a series of several consecutive 90 degree turns in a left-right-left-right pattern each separated about 1/4 mile apart. It was a Sunday afternoon with no traffic anywhere. After I got the hang of it, the car drove beautifully

.

Here's what I learned after negotiating the turns a few times:

1. Driving in D or DS automatic mode was awkward. It often shifted at just the wrong time, causing me to be a gear away from where I really needed to be to negotiate the turn properly.

2. Using the paddles manually in DS mode worked brilliantly -- I think it worked even better than I would have done in a manual transmission. I seemed to get the best results downshifting at about 3,250 RPMs and upshifting arround 5,750.

3. DSC off + DTC on worked very well. It gave me enough wiggle room to power oversteer when needed while still keeping me comfortably away from the fences.

One relevant post I found was 'My 2nd track day' by CaptOz (see http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84339). He found that: '...one push of the DTC...offers the best performance/safety margin for me. I placed my step into DS mode and used the paddles to hold gears as required. I loved it'.

Any other advice? Thanks.

FirstClass · 10-09-2007, 02:36 AM

Shift higher. I forget what the curve looks like but torque is pretty flat isn't it?

Richardo · 10-10-2007, 12:59 AM

Good advice, thanks. Regarding torque, it's virtually flat at 300 ft-lbs from 1400 to 5000 rpms.

DrDomer · 10-11-2007, 09:25 PM

I think those used to driving a manual would find shifting with the stick to be more natural, but I love the paddle shifters as well. Nice to be able to keep both hands on the wheel. I never paid any attention to upshifts, just downshifts (roughly 3K RPM).

Richardo · 10-13-2007, 01:42 AM

Thanks -- seems like we're in agreement regarding the best downshifting point. By the way, I got a KBC TK8 Snell 2005 rated helmet yesterday at one of the local motorcycle shops for only $120, and it looks and fits pretty well. I'll let you all know how the driving goes this weekend.

Richardo · 10-16-2007, 10:05 PM

Wow; if you haven't autocrossed your 335i yet, you should ASAP!! What a blast!! I just ran this weekend and did well (won the FS stock class

). Got my best results with traction control completely off (and I tried all three settings). I really love this car.

10-09-2007, 01:10 AM	#1
Richardo Private First Class 16 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 335i AT sport Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Performance driving tips for the 335i with Tiptronic I'm looking for some advice on the best way to drive a 335i with AT paddle shifters in tight turns. I'm going on my first autocross with the new car this weekend and would like to learn what others have found. I just got past the break-in period on my July-build 335i (all-stock with AT, paddles, sport and premium package + engine strut brace) and finally had a chance to really drive it the past weekend. There's a nice isolated stretch of country road near my house with a series of several consecutive 90 degree turns in a left-right-left-right pattern each separated about 1/4 mile apart. It was a Sunday afternoon with no traffic anywhere. After I got the hang of it, the car drove beautifully . Here's what I learned after negotiating the turns a few times: 1. Driving in D or DS automatic mode was awkward. It often shifted at just the wrong time, causing me to be a gear away from where I really needed to be to negotiate the turn properly. 2. Using the paddles manually in DS mode worked brilliantly -- I think it worked even better than I would have done in a manual transmission. I seemed to get the best results downshifting at about 3,250 RPMs and upshifting arround 5,750. 3. DSC off + DTC on worked very well. It gave me enough wiggle room to power oversteer when needed while still keeping me comfortably away from the fences. One relevant post I found was 'My 2nd track day' by CaptOz (see http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84339). He found that: '...one push of the DTC...offers the best performance/safety margin for me. I placed my step into DS mode and used the paddles to hold gears as required. I loved it'. Any other advice? Thanks.
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10-10-2007, 12:59 AM	#3
Richardo Private First Class 16 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 335i AT sport Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Good advice, thanks. Regarding torque, it's virtually flat at 300 ft-lbs from 1400 to 5000 rpms.
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10-11-2007, 09:25 PM	#4
DrDomer Major 43 Rep 1,349 Posts Drives: 2004 330ci ZHP, 1999 Miata Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	I think those used to driving a manual would find shifting with the stick to be more natural, but I love the paddle shifters as well. Nice to be able to keep both hands on the wheel. I never paid any attention to upshifts, just downshifts (roughly 3K RPM). __________________ Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves. ~Albert Einstein
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10-13-2007, 01:42 AM	#5
Richardo Private First Class 16 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 335i AT sport Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Thanks -- seems like we're in agreement regarding the best downshifting point. By the way, I got a KBC TK8 Snell 2005 rated helmet yesterday at one of the local motorcycle shops for only $120, and it looks and fits pretty well. I'll let you all know how the driving goes this weekend.
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10-16-2007, 10:05 PM	#6
Richardo Private First Class 16 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 335i AT sport Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Wow; if you haven't autocrossed your 335i yet, you should ASAP!! What a blast!! I just ran this weekend and did well (won the FS stock class ). Got my best results with traction control completely off (and I tried all three settings). I really love this car.
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