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Thread: My 97 840ci is not shifting into sport mode

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
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    Whitestone, NY
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    1997 BMW 840ci

    My 97 840ci is not shifting into sport mode

    Just noticed when I was on the highway yesterday that the steptronic trans was not shifting into sport mode.
    Car just stays in Drive mode (D) and does not go into Sport Drive (SD).

    Any help would be welcome.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    San Ramon, CA
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    1,421
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    850Ci, M5, Model-S P85D
    Quote Originally Posted by tziangas1 View Post
    Just noticed when I was on the highway yesterday that the steptronic trans was not shifting into sport mode.
    Car just stays in Drive mode (D) and does not go into Sport Drive (SD).

    Any help would be welcome.
    The sport mode is enabled by the Gear Shift Step switch in the center console attached to the gear shift mechanism, see attached ETM page for the Gear Shift Step circuitry.
    So why is Sport Mode is not being enabled? Could be many issues and some would have no visual indication of the failure.
    I would first pull the shift boot up to see if you can hear the micro-switches click when the shift lever is gradually tilted, see Training Manual PDF.
    The next step would be to inspect the switch assembly to make sure it is properly mounted, controlled by the shift lever (tilt and up/down shift switches) and that the electrical connector is fully engaged.

    However the best and definitive electrical test is to use a BMW DIS and run the transmission diagnostic.
    Good Luck..
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
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    Whitestone, NY
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    1997 BMW 840ci
    Do you know if the switches are available for purchase or do I need to purchase the whole shifter assembly.

    Thanks

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    850Ci, M5, Model-S P85D
    Quote Originally Posted by tziangas1 View Post
    Do you know if the switches are available for purchase or do I need to purchase the whole shifter assembly.

    Thanks
    I have yet to find the manual/step switch assembly in the EPC.
    However, before you tried to just replace the switch, I would inspect the manual/step switch wiring and make every effort to diagnose the actual problem as it could be something as simple as a broken wire or loose connection.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
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    99 840ci Sport Indv
    INPA Diagnostics can be handy as they can report the live data from the gearbox such as the main shifter position and the Steptronic switch positions.
    Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i


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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
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    Whitestone, NY
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    1997 BMW 840ci
    Quote Originally Posted by m6bigdog View Post
    I have yet to find the manual/step switch assembly in the EPC.
    However, before you tried to just replace the switch, I would inspect the manual/step switch wiring and make every effort to diagnose the actual problem as it could be something as simple as a broken wire or loose connection.
    Thanks for the help, after much inspection the switch is bad. Seems that the shifter is available but does not include manual switch (according to the BMW service dept, it was discontinued).

    Was able to find on eBay used. Let you know what happens.

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