Xoutpost.com - Do you guys drive in standard "D" or "S" mode?

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- - Do you guys drive in standard "D" or "S" mode? (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/59551-do-you-guys-drive-standard-d-s-mode.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5rolls

S on the highway nearly all the time - D around town most the time.

Never heard that the trans kills itself if it runs in top (6th in my case) gear. That doesn't sound right, it's not going to fail because you drive it in either D or S.

If you are concerned about the trans, get an extended warranty, drive the way you like and forget about it.

:iagree:

"S" pretty much all of the time, but my tranny has been rebuilt too.

It may be that no one has actually tracked information as to weather
"Sport mode's reluctance to shift into 5th gear, will thus preserve the transmission's life".

I believe most people look for their comfort zone and get with it.
Me?? Sometime I just look for an excuse to put in "S" then jump
on it just for fun. I really don't think about the transmission's life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmani

thanks for the link. I just read through the threads and the one thing that I never saw anyone write about was Sport mode's reluctance to shift into 5th gear, thus preserving the transmission's life. Just curious about whether people believe this to do true of not

In my 3.0's case, D and S are not too different, and I have really not been able to tell the difference while cruising at hwy speeds of 70-80 mph... I have left it in both D and S at those speeds, and they both are in the 5th (final) gear, with the same responsiveness either way.

While driving at lower speeds, however, S seems to be keeping the rpm's higher (up to about 3500-3700 it seems with 'normal' throttle inputs) while D shifts at about 2500-3000 rpm range with similar throttle input.) They both seem to start from a red light in gear 2, again with 'normal' throttle input (not punching it.)

The difference between the two modes in my X5's case (can't speak for 8 cyl. cars), is rather minimal and nothing like the difference in my wife's 07 328i. In fact, when test driving the 328i, the only reason we didn't get a manual 328 was discovering the S mode's responsiveness and how it maintains higher revs even at 'normal' throttle inputs. In our X5's case, I would have preferred a similar difference between the two modes, but I am assuming the extra weight and the transfer case stuff probably had something to do with the S mode's milder settings.

D mode in city..S mode in Highway...

D mode for up-shifts
Manual for down-shifts

barely use S mode:dunno:

edit: sorry for resurrecting old post! Was researching subject and just realized last posts date...:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by X Foomph (Post 594513)

Generally I drive around town in D mode and find that sufficient as far as gears changing at the right moment goes.

But give me any excuse to do the 30k run up a nearby mountain range and I'm there with bells on, like last Sunday. On my approach to the base of said mountain range where twisties and rather steep narrow hill roads begin, I throw the X into S mode and therein begin to really enjoy what is at our disposal. I'm sure those with the V8's would enjoy this a tad more but my 3.0i still has me grinning like a goat sucking on a lemon.

In essense the beast awakens as it seems to know the road ahead along with my intentions and reaches down in anticipation for a lower gear when I approach tight corners and aids in pushing the old girl out of them and speeds me on to the next one. It's at this moment in particular that I confirm what a great machine I bought and also struggle to remove the grin off my face.

Their are only 2 spots to pass whilst in ascent/decsend and if you end up behind old uncle Bob and the wife going on their Sunday drive then it's all over, so one must pick ones moment carefully to commence the run. This road and beyond into the back valley is highly preferred by motorbike enthusiasts as well and you find yourself being passed by them as they check their newly installed throttle control. Unfortunately a few of them either kill or seriously harm themselves on this particular road each year. Their are steep drop offs for most of this run.

I'm sure I'm right but only hope that all the members here have three things.
1. Somewhere similar to stamp the accelerator to the floor and use that kickdown for what it was intended.
2. Plough that front end into a tight corner at speed whilst using a superb set of brakes, and
3. The inclination and desire to enjoy the X5 in S mode apart from on a motorway.

Now, where are my keys ??

:) I know a similar road to do exactly the same... i loved the grin part and the part where the X knows when to lower the gear when you approach a curve ... isn't it brillant? But i have noticed that many of the members usually drive their X in town or on highways, i think we are lucky to have a lot of mountains where we live

I use D most of the time, but find S really helps on the twisty back roads as it keeps the engine more ready for overtakes when you find a straight!

Isnt "S" and manual mode uses more fuel rather than regular D mode?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pisendar (Post 768097)

Isnt "S" and manual mode uses more fuel rather than regular D mode?

yes, but it is more fun!