Automatic delay in down shifting.

[Clint755]

I have a '01 330i with steptronic automatic transmission. I get frustrated when I step down on the pedal and it takes a while to down shift and then move. Is there anything that I can do to inprove this delay?

[Darius]

I have the same problem. You have 2 choices. Leart to live with it or get a manual.

[david]

i have a manual, but i've driven the autos...the delay isn't that long, no longer than any other auto...if it is, maybe there is a problem?

[morcheeba]

Dinan has transmission software (http://dinancars.com/html/330_e46/e46-330_clutch_etc.htm) that, among other things, is supposed to make the shifts quicker and harder.

Even the manual is hard to shift quickly, though... it feels like something screwy. But it is very smooth.

[Clint755]

Has anyone done this Dinan transmission software upgrade? If so, did it help on the delay in downshifting?

[Darius]

It did not help. The only thing it did, it changed the up and down shift points a little.

The stock shifting is not bad. You just have to get use to it. It is better than many other auto trannys out there.

BTW the ESS tranny program seems to be very good.

[traffic]

man, every time i drive a different car with auto, i'm constently reminded of how great the bmw step is. the shifts are smooth a quick, but best of all, in sport mode, it shifts almost about where i want it to. most others are great for putting around town or full throttle, but nothing in between...sort of 50-90% throttle applications.

[traffic]

still, i would definitely be interested in quicker shifts when in manual mode. i'm willing to live with a little jerkiness to get it. but i guess that's why they came out with the smg...

[kashif]

why dont you go for the paddle shift retrofit, ok it might not improve your time of shifting but then again its a very nice advantage for cars with step.

i have it on my car it feels awesome, before this i never used to use the manual mode, now i use it so often and its so much fun.