Steptronic Question

[Jetmex]

Is the '97 850Ci with Steptronic supposed to have a sport mode like the E39 does when you pull the shifter toward the manual gate? In the E39 it changes the program to a more aggressive shift pattern but still changes gears automatically or you can shift it manually up/down. I can't find a scan of the owners manual to read about one, so I figured I'd ask.



Thanks,
Greg

[Bluesman]

I know it does in my 97 840ci. Just says S on dash and shifts quicker and doesn't go into 5th.

[olinjohnston]

Is the '97 850Ci with Steptronic supposed to have a sport mode like the E39 does when you pull the shifter toward the manual gate? In the E39 it changes the program to a more aggressive shift pattern but still changes gears automatically or you can shift it manually up/down. I can't find a scan of the owners manual to read about one, so I figured I'd ask.



Thanks,
Greg

Doesn't it say "M/S" right on it? (as in Manual/Sport)

In sport mode, you'll see the S in the instrument cluster too.

[Boilermaker]

not sure about more aggressive shift programming but when i move into manual mode the car will still shift automatically if i do not. On my cluster, the D is replaced with the letter M and the gear i'm in. It won't go back down to 1st but will go in 5th.

[Jetmex]

not sure about more aggressive shift programming but when i move into manual mode the car will still shift automatically if i do not. On my cluster, the D is replaced with the letter M and the gear i'm in. It won't go back down to 1st but will go in 5th.

That's what I was thinking... I'm thinking it doesn't have a sport program like the later steptronics (2000 and subsequent E39's). I just wanted to make sure. I was expecting it to say DS in the shift window but it went straight to M3 or what ever gear it needed.

Thanks,
Greg

[toomanyparts]

I have "S" mode. As long as I dont manual shift, It will remain in sport mode.

[e31gixxxer]

My 97 also has sport mode, it raises the revs when engaged and changes at higher revs, compared to normal D, until you tap it up or down, then it then stays in the selected gear, (provided it is not over revved or over loaded, then it auto selects the next appropriate gear). Mine will drive in all gears in sport and displays the gear selected.

The big difference when in manual sport mode is the revs don't drop and the car coast when you lift off the gas. It gives engine braking.
This means, providing the correct gear is selected; you can be in the power when exiting corners etc. with no lag or rolling round and then waiting for the engine to catch up. Almost like a proper stick.

[Bluesman]

This Trans is why I could never go back to a pre steptronic 8. Its the closest we can get to a real gear box without, as we are finding out in another thread, spending thousands for a gearbox swap.

[Jetmex]

It looks like the 850 got the manual only where as the 840 got the manual/sport version... comments?

[olinjohnston]

It looks like the 850 got the manual only where as the 840 got the manual/sport version... comments?

This is correct. I originally thought they both had the "M/S" gate, but I did some official research for you from BMW:

"The new manual shift gate contains the "M" (on the 850CiA) or "M/S" (on the 840CiA) display along with a "+" and "-". Access to the manual gate is accomplished by pulling the gear selector lever to the left when in the "D" position. The selector lever is held in the "M" gate by a detent."

Functional differences of the BMW Steptronic System on 850CiA and 840CiA:
GRBT2496-U08.gif

[Neuance]

It looks like the 850 got the manual only where as the 840 got the manual/sport version... comments?

Unless you have a euro spec early 850, in witch case you get the E/S/M Econo/sport/Maunual. But in this case it is not steptronic. My 1991 j-spec has the e/s/m and when in sport it will downshift and not coast like it does in econo mode.

[Jetmex]

This is correct. I originally thought they both had the "M/S" gate, but I did some official research for you from BMW:

"The new manual shift gate contains the "M" (on the 850CiA) or "M/S" (on the 840CiA) display along with a "+" and "-". Access to the manual gate is accomplished by pulling the gear selector lever to the left when in the "D" position. The selector lever is held in the "M" gate by a detent."

Functional differences of the BMW Steptronic System on 850CiA and 840CiA:
GRBT2496-U08.gif

Thanks... You're the man. I was pouring over classified photos trying to spot it and finally got the photos that showed just that...

Thanks,
Greg

[lawlshane]

Wow, had no idea the M73 didn't get S mode. Any speculation as to why?

[Ahmed303]

Most likely because of how the throttle works on the M62 vs. the M73

[m6bigdog]

Wow, had no idea the M73 didn't get S mode. Any speculation as to why?

I have a 97, 850 (with an 3.23:1 differential upgrade).
I also have a 98, 740i (with an 3.38:1 differential upgrade, OE ratio 2.93:1) and I use the non-Steptronic Sport Mode anytime the car is not on the freeway and the drivability in traffic is greatly improved.

The 2 Sport Mode functions that enhance drivability are the transmission always starts off in 1st gear and it block out 5th gear (OD).
The Manual only 850/M73 Steptronic in Automatic shift mode normally starts off in 2nd gear but it can use its adaption function to engage 1st gear at start off with a quick partial depression of the throttle or a full throttle kick-down to engage 1st but the only way to block an up shift into OD is by using manual gear selection, however I often forget I'm in manual mode and at the next start off the transmission takes off in 3rd gear!!

BMW introduced the Steptronic with the 850/M73, 10/94 and it is possible the Sport Mode had yet to be developed.
The first Steptronic with Sport Mode was introduced on the 840/M62 in 1/96.
While the V12 has more than adequate engine torque for the OE gearing the Steptronic Sport Mode provides some advantages I would like to use on my 850.
Also, the E38, 750 when first released in 5/96, was also without the Sport Mode however, after 5/97, the Sport Mode was added to the 750/M73 Steptronic!! Note: 5/97 was the last build date for the 850 by the way.


Just for reference:
Steptronic Control in the 850/M73 is a GS: 9.22.1 Code: NW and the 750/M73, up to 5/97 also uses the GS: 9.22.1 Code: NW.
FWIW, the GS: 9.22.1 controller is hard coded and not capable of being flashed from the Diagnostic Connector so there is no easy fix.
The 750/M73 after 5/97 uses the GS: 9.22.1 Code: OF and this Steptronic control includes the Sport Mode.
I tried 750/M73, 5/97 Steptronic control in my 850/M73, unfortunately the GS: 9.22.1 Code: NW unit does not function in the 850/M73 (produces a Trans Error).

The only individual that has modified the 850/M73 Steptronic is Firebird however I believe he has only unlocked 1st gear in manual mode, increased the shift point RPMs and stiffened up the shift engagement profile.
The obstacle is Firebird only visit the US occasionally and he will only do the upgrade with a personal install (provides a new module with mods) to check the before and after system diagnostic test.
see post below
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...3#post25913483

What I want is just the 750/M73 Sport Mode since I anticipate it has the option I want without risk if unknowns.

[SanDiego850]

Steptonic shifting is half the fun of driving my car. I'd be lost without it.

[llcarlos]

First gear on my M73 is always unlocked. It's a rare factory feature on my press car ringer.

[tvjake2]

Steptonic shifting is half the fun of driving my car. I'd be lost without it.

+1 - this is a great, fun trans. If you use the "S" setting on the freeway during passing and maneuvering it really livens up the response. Now to get a 3.15 rear end and all will be well in the world.

- - - Updated - - -

I have a 97, 850 (with an 3.23:1 differential upgrade).
I also have a 98, 740i (with an 3.38:1 differential upgrade, OE ratio 2.93:1) and I use the non-Steptronic Sport Mode anytime the car is not on the freeway and the drivability in traffic is greatly improved.

The 2 Sport Mode functions that enhance drivability are the transmission always starts off in 1st gear and it block out 5th gear (OD).

The Manual only 850/M73 Steptronic in Automatic shift mode normally starts off in 2nd gear but it can use its adaption function to engage 1st gear at start off with a quick partial depression of the throttle or a full throttle kick-down to engage 1st but the only way to block an up shift into OD is by using manual gear selection, however I often forget I'm in manual mode and at the next start off the transmission takes off in 3rd gear!!

BMW introduced the Steptronic with the 850/M73, 10/94 and it is possible the Sport Mode had yet to be developed.
The first Steptronic with Sport Mode was introduced on the 840/M62 in 1/96.
While the V12 has more than adequate engine torque for the OE gearing the Steptronic Sport Mode provides some advantages I would like to use on my 850.
Also, the E38, 750 when first released in 5/96, was also without the Sport Mode however, after 5/97, the Sport Mode was added to the 750/M73 Steptronic!! Note: 5/97 was the last build date for the 850 by the way.


Just for reference:
Steptronic Control in the 850/M73 is a GS: 9.22.1 Code: NW and the 750/M73, up to 5/97 also uses the GS: 9.22.1 Code: NW.
FWIW, the GS: 9.22.1 controller is hard coded and not capable of being flashed from the Diagnostic Connector so there is no easy fix.
The 750/M73 after 5/97 uses the GS: 9.22.1 Code: OF and this Steptronic control includes the Sport Mode.
I tried 750/M73, 5/97 Steptronic control in my 850/M73, unfortunately the GS: 9.22.1 Code: NW unit does not function in the 850/M73 (produces a Trans Error).

The only individual that has modified the 850/M73 Steptronic is Firebird however I believe he has only unlocked 1st gear in manual mode, increased the shift point RPMs and stiffened up the shift engagement profile.
The obstacle is Firebird only visit the US occasionally and he will only do the upgrade with a personal install (provides a new module with mods) to check the before and after system diagnostic test.
see post below
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...3#post25913483

What I want is just the 750/M73 Sport Mode since I anticipate it has the option I want without risk if unknowns.

How much has your gas mileage changed after the 3.23 install?

[jayseitz]

it looks like the 850 got the manual only where as the 840 got the manual/sport version... Comments?

yup.....

[m6bigdog]

Not anymore!!!

Just to closeout my EGS upgrade efforts, accomplishments and final discussions on the E31-M73, GS9.22.1 Transmission Control Module EPROM Update for Sport Drive Mode and Manual mode M1 selection:
See URL Below:

850Ci M73 Steptronic M Gate - Upgrade to M/S Gate - Sport Drive Mode - DONE Wonderful
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...DONE-Wonderful