DS mode
 

This is a completely different vehicle in sport drive mode (the shifter, not the button). Not necessarily using the manual to shift gears up and down (which I've not dared to do during break-in) but just shifting it left to DS mode. My question is, does this harm the engine long term (I presume manual shift can if you repeatedly rev it incorrectly over years)? Second [dumber] question - does it actually eat up more gas because it seems it's just allowing higher revs per gear.

I've got 290 miles on it right now. It just feels so much looser on DS than regular D. As if the car's completely broken in and all its power is available at the slightest tap of the gas pedal.

Concerning engine brake-in: on all the cars that I've broken the engine in (e39 540i/6, e46 M3, e60 M5) I've always pushed the car, putting the engine through its paces, but never redlining the engine. I've also maximized engine braking, which is what most engine builders will tell you is the best way to break in an engine, resulting in better seated rings, etc. My cars have always dynoed strong, towards the upper range. (these were with stock motors)

So I see no harm in driving in DS mode during break in. Engines that have been pushed, but not abused, tend to be looser and make more power. I have 68k+ miles on the M3 (with a lot of track miles)and it has been supercharged for the last 5k and shows no sign of wear or slowing down. In fact it recently put down 406 rwhp (which I hope will be even higher with the new rev limit).

Concerning gas mileage: yes, running the motor up in revs will burn more gas. No question. On the track my M3 gets ~6mpg and rarely sees anything less than ~5k rpms.

Will it hurt it? No. Will you get more wear? probably?
And yes, you burn fuel like crazy in DS.

Oh good, I don't feel bad when I redline the X3 once in a while. When I gotta pass on those country roads.........gotta muster up all 184 horses! :p

I feel like it's wear and tear on the automatic gearbox though. It already goes thru a lot of hill-holding (AT program) and manual engine braking (via manual mode) in Charlottesville, which is at the foot of the Appalachain mountains.

so? You will have your E46 M3 by the time it goes. :thumbup: :D

I64, one fine road.

i actually stumbled upon DS mode today. i might need to read the manual. very interesting.

if i remember correctly, the manual says do not exceed 100 mph or utilize the kick down feature within the first 1500 miles of use. take that for what it is worth. old school theory generally says drive it like you own it in the style you will always drive it. from here on out it is simply, you break you buy it.

I dunno. I feel like driving this one into the ground. Plus, it's hard to give up the fact I can stuff my bike AND a bag of golf clubs in the trunk. Plus, trading for an E46 M3 won't really be that much "newer" now would it? Plus, a handful of kids already have them buzzing around campus.........saw a Interlagos Blue ZCP one get pulled over for speeding on campus the other day. (Kids thesedays...........)

E92 M3? good luck finding one of those.

soo....your obsession is over? don't be making excuses...We know you want it..... :nanana: ;)

Does the M3 have "DS" mode w/ SMG?

It has Dynamic Drive, which sharpens up throttle, and steering. I've experienced it before; the person I rode with hit the Sport button while accelerating in 1st (his was manual), and it shot forward even faster, like a sudden burst of power.

Nah, my obsession isn't over. I'm just realistic. But I can only have one, and M cars are a handful of maintenance when they age, something my parents wouldn't understand.