Read this if you have an automatic and drive it in manual!

[sbottum622]

If you drive your automatic in manual mode, MAKE SURE the sport button is still on. Sorry if this has already been posted, but if you keep the sport button off, the shifts will be significantly slower. Try driving with it off, shift from 1st to 2nd, then turn it on, and shift to 3rd and you will see what I mean! The shifts in sport manual mode are much quicker!

 

[sbtwister]

Interesting observation. I have "sport" on all the time, but I'll have to try with the button off.
Lift off on the gas between "shifts" or keep foot on the gas?

 

[Xiaxio]

I always drove it in manual mode with sport on. It was always:

open door>close door>put on seatbelt>turn key>press sport button>give 1-2 small revs>and leave

That was honestly what I did in that exact order everytime. I loved driving my z4 in manual mode with sport on. It made my decelerations with just enough throttle have an amazing gurgle and pop sound so long as the peddle was held at a certain amount.

 

[srhutch]

Are most zeds in the USA autos?

 

[Jasey]

Are most zeds in the USA autos?

Most cars in the States are autos

 

[Midhurstman]

As I have installed paddle shift in my 2003 E85 3.0i auto, I always have the sport button on when using the paddles, as opposed to just cruising in auto. The difference in shift time seems even more pronounced.

 

[srhutch]

Are most zeds in the USA autos?

Most cars in the States are autos

I know most cars are, but what about zeds oke:

 

[Bumpy]

Interesting observation.
Lift off on the gas between "shifts" or keep foot on the gas?

Very good question.
Shifting with the paddles
In my experience I have found that keeping your foot on the gas seems to be the best way.
Blipping the throttle with the automatic trans just seems to confuse the Zed.

I do wish the gear indicator on the dash would not revert back to "D" when you cruise at a constant speed for any length of time.

 

[jimbo1958]

Always used to drive my SMG on the paddles.

 

[jaxZ4]

Always used to drive my SMG on the paddles.

Same here with SMG - where if you momentarily lift off ( not blip) the throttle you get a smoother change. By leaving your foot firmly planted it's a little more abrupt but entirely acceptable if you want to press on.

Never really used the auto mode in the SMG and it will not revert back to auto / D mode unless you ask it to.