Button under gas pedal???

[xi guy]

Forgive me if this is a dumb question, I'm a newbie alright!!!

I remember by buddy got a brand new 318i in 1987 that was really hot. I remember we noticed there was a little button under the gas pedal. I guess when floored, the button
is depressed and something is triggered. What is (was) the function of this button? Do BMW's still have this button? Please advise...

THanks![???1]

 

[PuShAkOv]

Not sure what it does, but I can almost guarantee that they do not have that anymore. Now system computer can tell if the peddle has been floored or not, and adjust traction, engine and other components to the "race mode". Future models will also put the car in an alert collision mode; since when you race your chances of getting hurt are increased . I guess older models did not have those luxuries and they needed to have a sensor of when the car is floored.

 

[VANCE]

kick it down to the next lower gear

 

[mallards]

they still have that "button" ... it may not be a button anymore but something clicks on my 03'

its called a kickdown point and it tells the car to go full throttle and go to the lowest gear possible (on autos) for best accel.

Ben

 

[MrElussive]

Most automatic transmission cars have that button. I can't remember what it's for, but it's either: kicks down to the lowest gear possible and does wide-open throttle (full acceleration), or holds the current gear and does wide-open throttle.
Pushakov, your BMW should have it as well.

 

[mallards]

it does both on auto's ...

and obviously only goes full throttle on manuals

Ben

Most automatic transmission cars have that button. I can't remember what it's for, but it's either: kicks down to the lowest gear possible and does wide-open throttle (full acceleration), or holds the current gear and does wide-open throttle.
Pushakov, your BMW should have it as well.

 

[yogi799]

whatever it does, it makes me feel good

 

[PuShAkOv]

 

[andreyiv]

I don't feel such a huge difference for some reason or maybe I just didn't notice it. BTW on the auto trans, how do I switch it into sports mode, I remember it has something to do with the position of the gear selector, anyone know for sure?

 

[Abdoman]

To put the car in sports mode you put the gear selector in position 4 (if you have a 5 speed transmission) or 3 if you have a 4 speed transmission.

 

[yogi799]

really? does every new E46 3-series have that sport option? that'd be awesome - never tried that

 

[andreyiv]

Thanks Abdoman.

 

[codex57]

Err, to put it in sport mode on at least a 2003 model with automatic, you just slide it over to the left from where it was in Drive. Then, your transmission display should read "S D" instead of just "D" That's sport mode. Tap the shifter up and down to change gears and put it into "manual" mode.

 

[Average Jae]

my friend had that "btn" on his 325, can't remember the year, but it was on the e36 plat. it is only on autos, and we used to call that btn, the "turbo" btn, because as mentioned aove, it does seems to kick down a gear, like turning OD off, and well gives you full throttle, (it should since you have to floor the accel to hit the btn in the first place)

i saw them on all the auto models at my dealer, but it seems to be a bimmer only thing and an auto tranny only thing. (not there on my manual ride)

 

[bmwrocks]

Codex you are describing the Steptronic auto tranny. For all of you who do not have the Steptronic (older models before it was available), read about it on BMWs web site.