What is Steptronic Transmission?

L

LiLRhody

New Member
#1
Messages
6
Likes
0
Location
Rhode Island
#1
Hey all,
This is a really stupid question, but what exactly is a steptronic transmission and how long have BMWs had it? I think only the newer models have it, but I have a 94 318i and I've been told that I could drive her like a manual, if you will, by simply pressing a button next to the shifter. I've honestly never noticed that button there before and I don't want to go messing something up! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Luis

 
codex57

codex57

2
#2
Messages
3,476
Likes
0
Location
Lincoln, CA
#2
Not sure when it first was introduced, but it basically let's you slide the knob over and change the gears manually but pushing the knob up or down. You don't push any buttons per se.

On my car, when the knob is in the Drive position, I slide it to the left. Then, I push the knob forward for an upshift and backwards for a downshift. Other years had it reversed, but the idea's the same.
 
selavia

selavia

2
#4
Messages
1,035
Likes
5
Location
Maryland
#4
LilRowdy,

If the little button near your stick selector has the letters "A" and "M" on it (which is what was offfered for the E36) then that is not step steptronic, but it does change the way the transmission shifts. If you have your owners manual it tells you exactly how to use it. I've never had it on a bmw, (I prefer a manual) but I remember reading about it when I read my owner's manual. I'm probably one of the few that read that thing cover to cover. lol. If you don't have an owner's manual, let me know and I'll scan those pages and send it to you. The Camry I used to drive had something similar to this, except they didn't say it quite like that. Toyota called it ECT, and basically by pressing the button, you tell the transmission to shift at a higher RPM and basically it shifts like a manual. Steptronic allows to shift with the stick, this button of yours just sets the mode of your transmission. Good Luck. Sean
 
L

LiLRhody

New Member
#7
Messages
6
Likes
0
Location
Rhode Island
#7
selavia said:
LilRowdy,

If the little button near your stick selector has the letters "A" and "M" on it (which is what was offfered for the E36) then that is not step steptronic, but it does change the way the transmission shifts. If you have your owners manual it tells you exactly how to use it. I've never had it on a bmw, (I prefer a manual) but I remember reading about it when I read my owner's manual. I'm probably one of the few that read that thing cover to cover. lol. If you don't have an owner's manual, let me know and I'll scan those pages and send it to you. The Camry I used to drive had something similar to this, except they didn't say it quite like that. Toyota called it ECT, and basically by pressing the button, you tell the transmission to shift at a higher RPM and basically it shifts like a manual. Steptronic allows to shift with the stick, this button of yours just sets the mode of your transmission. Good Luck. Sean
Click to expand...

Selavia,
Thank you very much for the information, and you're right, I should have read the manual. But then again, who ever reads the manual? Haha. Again, thank you for your help and input.
Luis
P.S. Not to be picky or anything, but its LiLRHODY not ROWDY..lol [:D]
 
B

bmwboy

Member
#8
Messages
236
Likes
0
Location
redwood city, ca
#8
well i believe all yuou do is push the button then push thew lever into 1 amd then 2 and then 3 then 4 thats prob what you have most of the other pictures are for much newer cars. i hopw this helped you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.


Top