Indicator shifting lights

bimmerfrk · 07-01-2013, 08:46 AM

Hi,

I have probably a dumb question that I tried to search for but could not find the answer to. How do I use the lights that tell you when to shift on top of the right tach.

The manual says they are activated in sequential mode but I have no clue what that mean. I Tried manual and d mode but they don't light up. What am I missing. Is there a button to turn them on or something?

Just got the car and wont use this function much but would still like to know it works as my wife will also be driving the car and the lights would help her a bit I think.

///Montreal3 · 07-01-2013, 08:51 AM

There's an option in the iDrive menu to turn them on/off. The lights only come on as you close in on redline in manual (S) mode.

bimmerfrk · 07-01-2013, 08:56 AM

What if my car does not have idrive. I did not feel I wanted it as I did not have it in my 328?

Arben72 · 07-01-2013, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerfrk

What if my car does not have idrive. I did not feel I wanted it as I did not have it in my 328?

It's under the control menu, accessed through the steering wheel lever.

///Montreal3 · 07-01-2013, 09:03 AM

A quick google search for "How to activate shift lights in an M3 with no iDrive" revealed to me that you use the "BC" button and scroll toggle on the left stalk to activate it and that the full procedure is documented in your owner's manual.

VMcV3y · 07-01-2013, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Montreal3

There's an option in the iDrive menu to turn them on/off. The lights only come on as you close in on redline in manual (S) mode.

Hmmm. I'm not sure that's accurate. Seems like I've seen the shift-lights when in D5 and stomping on the pedal.

Guess that I'll have to undertake the burden of taking the M3 to an on-ramp later today and test this again. The effort that we have to go through just to validate blinky lights on the car. (might have to try this a few times just to be sure).

- V

.

bimmerfrk · 07-01-2013, 10:32 AM

Thanks guys. I will play around with it and see what occurs. Still feeling the car out just got it on Saturday and don't drive on weekdays. So we are taking it slow and building a relationship.

Don't tell my wife :-0

///Montreal3 · 07-01-2013, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VMcV3y

Hmmm. I'm not sure that's accurate. Seems like I've seen the shift-lights when in D5 and stomping on the pedal.

Guess that I'll have to undertake the burden of taking the M3 to an on-ramp later today and test this again. The effort that we have to go through just to validate blinky lights on the car. (might have to try this a few times just to be sure).

- V

.

From the manual:
"To achieve the best possible acceleration in sequential mode when using a sporty driving style, the Shift Lights in the instrument cluster indicate the best shift point just before the maximum engine speed is reached."

I could still be wrong, I never drive in D mode. I just can't see why shift-prompting lights would illuminate in D mode when the transmission shifts by itself.

VMcV3y · 07-01-2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Montreal3

From the manual:
"To achieve the best possible acceleration in sequential mode when using a sporty driving style, the Shift Lights in the instrument cluster indicate the best shift point just before the maximum engine speed is reached."

I could still be wrong, I never drive in D mode. I just can't see why shift-prompting lights would illuminate in D mode when the transmission shifts by itself.

You're right. After extensive two on-ramp tests, shift-lights do not appear.

I wonder if the twin/triple turbo will do it?

- V

.

TTG · 07-01-2013, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerfrk

What if my car does not have idrive. I did not feel I wanted it as I did not have it in my 328?

Just to make sure..... you have DCT right?

mdosu · 07-01-2013, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Montreal3

A quick google search for "How to activate shift lights in an M3 with no iDrive" revealed to me that you use the "BC" button and scroll toggle on the left stalk to activate it and that the full procedure is documented in your owner's manual.

so what you're saying is.... Google > M3post experts?

mdosu · 07-01-2013, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTG

Just to make sure..... you have DCT right?

He's talking "D" and "manual mode"...so yeah, sounds like it. lol

mdosu · 07-01-2013, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerfrk

Thanks guys. I will play around with it and see what occurs. Still feeling the car out just got it on Saturday and don't drive on weekdays. So we are taking it slow and building a relationship.

Don't tell my wife :-0

well, aren't you in the 1200 break-in peroid? So you shouldn't be going up that high anyways on the RPMs

edit, nevermind, i see you have a 2011 model..so likely you have a pre-owned car over 1500 miles.

mdosu · 07-01-2013, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Montreal3

From the manual:
"To achieve the best possible acceleration in sequential mode when using a sporty driving style, the Shift Lights in the instrument cluster indicate the best shift point just before the maximum engine speed is reached."

I could still be wrong, I never drive in D mode. I just can't see why shift-prompting lights would illuminate in D mode when the transmission shifts by itself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VMcV3y

You're right. After extensive two on-ramp tests, shift-lights do not appear.

I wonder if the twin/triple turbo will do it?

- V

.

what I don't get is, why the 6MT cars didn't get lights...I mean come on! We're actually really shifting the gears here!

WarrantyTracker · 07-01-2013, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VMcV3y

Hmmm. I'm not sure that's accurate. Seems like I've seen the shift-lights when in D5 and stomping on the pedal.

Guess that I'll have to undertake the burden of taking the M3 to an on-ramp later today and test this again. The effort that we have to go through just to validate blinky lights on the car. (might have to try this a few times just to be sure).
.

Based on my repeated experience this weekend, once you get them switched on through Idrive or the control stalk, they work. They don't even start lighting up until you are very high into the tach.

They are perfect if I am busy trying to get a good line and keep my eyes up, in which case I don't have time to keep looking down at the tach (because I suck as a driver). It prompts me when to watch for the redline shift point. If it goes all the way to redline, the momentary fuel cut-off messes with my momentum.

I can't imagine driving like that on the street around here.

bimmerfrk · 07-03-2013, 08:45 AM

Yea I tried it last night you have to turn the option on through the stalk. Works perfect, but will not work in D mode.

Thanks for the help guys!

zamboni · 08-31-2013, 12:11 AM

I've tried in M mode & turn on all option and still can't get eh shift light to work.

e1000 · 08-31-2013, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VMcV3y

You're right. After extensive two on-ramp tests, shift-lights do not appear.

I wonder if the twin/triple turbo will do it?

- V

.

Why would you want them to work in D mode?

CrucialScott · 08-31-2013, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Just got the car and wont use this function much but would still like to know it works as my wife will also be driving the car and the lights would help her a bit I think.

The shift lights are used to obtain the maximum RPM out of the engine when shifting gears, when it flashes red you are just about to touch the redline and need to shift quick time!

I think you are confused as unless your wife drives with the back end sideways 110% throttle everywhere then the lights will not help her at driving (just probably scare her half to death if you tell her to make sure it goes red before she shifts ha).

Under normal driving on the road i don't even have my shift lights programmed on (they are on the M-Button for fun times). You shouldn't really be getting into the shift light area on publics roads...

I think you are getting the shift lights confused with the 6MT owners that have an arrow that appears on the dash to tell them what the correct gear the car thinks it should be in for fuel economy etc...

meko · 08-31-2013, 07:32 AM

Wondering if the lights can be coded in for 6MT. It would seem possible. Any coding guys know?

Cool Steel · 08-31-2013, 08:43 AM

The location of the shift lights might be throwing you off, it did with me..... When your tach swings to the shift light location - the lights will not come on. The location is not a marker, the shift lights will not come on until you reach high revs at like high 7k to 8,300 rpm....

zamboni · 08-31-2013, 12:04 PM

Just found this youtube video and the light won't kick in until it reached 8K RPM.

07-01-2013, 08:46 AM	#1
bimmerfrk Lieutenant 591 Rep 534 Posts Drives: Ferrari Red F83 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tristate Area iTrader: (0)	Indicator shifting lights Hi, I have probably a dumb question that I tried to search for but could not find the answer to. How do I use the lights that tell you when to shift on top of the right tach. The manual says they are activated in sequential mode but I have no clue what that mean. I Tried manual and d mode but they don't light up. What am I missing. Is there a button to turn them on or something? Just got the car and wont use this function much but would still like to know it works as my wife will also be driving the car and the lights would help her a bit I think. __________________
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07-01-2013, 08:51 AM	#2
///Montreal3 Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: ///Montreal iTrader: (0)	There's an option in the iDrive menu to turn them on/off. The lights only come on as you close in on redline in manual (S) mode.
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07-01-2013, 08:56 AM	#3
bimmerfrk Lieutenant 591 Rep 534 Posts Drives: Ferrari Red F83 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tristate Area iTrader: (0)	What if my car does not have idrive. I did not feel I wanted it as I did not have it in my 328? __________________
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07-01-2013, 09:03 AM	#5
///Montreal3 Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: ///Montreal iTrader: (0)	A quick google search for "How to activate shift lights in an M3 with no iDrive" revealed to me that you use the "BC" button and scroll toggle on the left stalk to activate it and that the full procedure is documented in your owner's manual.
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07-01-2013, 10:32 AM	#7
bimmerfrk Lieutenant 591 Rep 534 Posts Drives: Ferrari Red F83 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tristate Area iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. I will play around with it and see what occurs. Still feeling the car out just got it on Saturday and don't drive on weekdays. So we are taking it slow and building a relationship. Don't tell my wife :-0 __________________
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07-03-2013, 08:45 AM	#16
bimmerfrk Lieutenant 591 Rep 534 Posts Drives: Ferrari Red F83 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tristate Area iTrader: (0)	Yea I tried it last night you have to turn the option on through the stalk. Works perfect, but will not work in D mode. Thanks for the help guys! __________________
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08-31-2013, 12:11 AM	#17
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1128 Rep 5,554 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	I've tried in M mode & turn on all option and still can't get eh shift light to work. __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
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08-31-2013, 07:32 AM	#20
meko First Lieutenant 179 Rep 387 Posts Drives: E92 M3 - 535i Sport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (3)	Wondering if the lights can be coded in for 6MT. It would seem possible. Any coding guys know? __________________
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08-31-2013, 08:43 AM	#21
Cool Steel Banned 10 Rep 358 Posts Drives: M3 E92 ZCP DCT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: A galaxy far..far..away iTrader: (0)	The location of the shift lights might be throwing you off, it did with me..... When your tach swings to the shift light location - the lights will not come on. The location is not a marker, the shift lights will not come on until you reach high revs at like high 7k to 8,300 rpm....
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08-31-2013, 12:04 PM	#22
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1128 Rep 5,554 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	Just found this youtube video and the light won't kick in until it reached 8K RPM. __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
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