3.0si sluggish off the line?

[vinuneuro]

If we don't get an E70, it'll be because of the trans issue. Pretty silly to have 1st gear that's only used if you manually engage it, or if you have to deliberately drive the vehicle hard at low speeds to get it to engage. You need 1st when you're going from a stop, not after you're already rolling. Unfortunate deal breaker, as it seems the engine is capable of delivering.

As for the hesitation/delay, I didn't feel it at all with the E70 we drove or the 535i but do know what you're talking about since there was a good .5sec delay in our E53.

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

If we don't get an E70, it'll be because of the trans issue. Pretty silly to have 1st gear that's only used if you manually engage it, or if you have to deliberately drive the vehicle hard at low speeds to get it to engage. You need 1st when you're going from a stop, not after you're already rolling. Pretty big deal breaker.

As for the hesitation/delay, I didn't feel it at all with the E70 we drove or the 535i but do know what you're talking about since there was a good .5sec delay in our E53.

Go drive one again, the gear issue is getting blown out of proportion IMHO. It's nowhere near as big of an issue as the X3 tranny issues, and even that problem is blown out of proporation. I've only had my 08 for a week and it's already a non-issue for me, and considering my other ride, that says a lot i think.

[MINIz guy]

When we test drove the 3.0si, I quite liked the second gear starts. The car gently started off, giving a great sense of luxury under normal driving.

With our 3.0i, the starts are jerkier which isn't as comfortable at all.

I see no problem starting in second gear. When you want to start in first gear for a faster start, I would assume you would be driving more agressively anyway, so the car will still downshift into first.

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

The other thing we noticed was that there was a bit of general noise in the cabin. ie. wind, traffic noise compared to our E53 and a 535i we also drove.

I've asked those who have owned both E53s and E70s about the difference in cabin noise. Everyone said their E70 was quieter. I still say the cabin of my E70 is noisier than that of both my E53s. And it's not my wind deflectors. I made Open Road crazy driving other E70s and I still heard the same thing. I got used to it. I really only hear it if I'm with someone carrying on a conversation. The stereo usually drowns it out.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by gresch

Go drive one again, the gear issue is getting blown out of proportion IMHO. It's nowhere near as big of an issue as the X3 tranny issues, and even that problem is blown out of proportion.

Why does it matter if it starts in 2nd? For years we had 3 speed automatics. Now with 6 speed automatics, what is wrong with having a lower gear for the few times you need it?


There are many times I start my 535i manual in second gear. I wouldn't do it on an incline, but very acceptable on a slight decline or downhill, and that is without the benefit of a torque converter like an automatic has.

[BGM]

I would guess that off the line the 3.0 and 4.8 are close to how the e53s were. They are neck and neck to about 20mph or 30mph because of the 3.0 being lighter but the 4.8 is too strong through the rest of the power curve and will pull away.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by ranchhand

All 3 of the BMWs I have owned hesitate when the gas pedal is tromped on.
Can get scary when passing on a two lane road.

Have you owned a V8 or one with N54 engine. Does not happen in my E53 X5. It jumps when I step on gas. Lane changing is a breeze. No hesitation on N54 either.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by JCL

Why does it matter if it starts in 2nd? For years we had 3 speed automatics. Now with 6 speed automatics, what is wrong with having a lower gear for the few times you need it?


There are many times I start my 535i manual in second gear. I wouldn't do it on an incline, but very acceptable on a slight decline or downhill, and that is without the benefit of a torque converter like an automatic has.

That's pretty easy for you to say having an engine that produces peak torque nearly off ideal. At least with the X3, it's only if you try to drive up hills etc. This you feel every time you get going.

First two ratios are: 4.17/2.34. I suspect they're trying to keep the max tow rating, somewhat decent acceleration figure on paper and salvage fuel economy. So basically marketing = one thing, realworld usage= another. Guess what, it's a BMW not a Ford diesel pickup. Not many of their customers are going to use the max the tow rating. I'd rather them use a longer 1st, actually use it and shift a little early. Pretty lame what they've done imo.

BMW has always done a great job out creating a good powerband/usable power out of small displacement I6's, but that's negated with this move. Now it does feel like what you would normally expect a 3.0L na engine propelling 5,000lbs to feel like.

I guess, we should find an 07 or 08 with more miles on it to get a more realistic idea of the situation, although I'm having trouble thinking it'll be a dramatic difference.

[JCL]

Yes, peak torque at 1300 rpm is nice. However, our X3 starts fine in second as well. It has the 265 hp si engine, but is pulling a lot less weight than the E70.

I would definitely try one with a few more miles on it to see if it feels any different.

I don't think they've done it for the tow rating as much as for fuel economy, as you suggested. My thought was just that with six ratios available, plus a torque converter, it isn't necessary to start in first all the time. Starting in second would be a reasonable approach. Not so if it is undriveable, but in principle it makes sense to me.

My point really is that with a flexible engine, six gears are more than enough. I find myself skipping gears in our manuals frequently. Having a low gear for the times you need it seems reasonable.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by JCL

Yes, peak torque at 1300 rpm is nice. However, our X3 starts fine in second as well. It has the 265 hp si engine, but is pulling a lot less weight than the E70.

I would definitely try one with a few more miles on it to see if it feels any different.

I don't think they've done it for the tow rating as much as for fuel economy, as you suggested. My thought was just that with six ratios available, plus a torque converter, it isn't necessary to start in first all the time. Starting in second would be a reasonable approach. Not so if it is undriveable, but in principle it makes sense to me.

My point really is that with a flexible engine, six gears are more than enough. I find myself skipping gears in our manuals frequently. Having a low gear for the times you need it seems reasonable.

I'm not sure how flexible such a small, naturally aspirated engine can be, moving this much weight. You really need the torque when you have no inertia, and using such a long gear to get moving really reduces how much is applied when you need it the most.

It's kind of a wierd situation now. The three vehicles being considered were the E70, MDX and 535i. They decided they want an suv so the 535i is out (). MDX was mediocre, and the X5 was a let down too. Not sure where that leaves them options wise, maybe they'll go back to the 535i.