[Bleser]

Hello!

I'm wondering if anyone knows the truth to this option when building an F30 on BMWUSA's website (Sport Automatic Transmission with Shift Paddles). I realize it adds physical shift paddles, but what about the transmission itself? Does it have specific programming to the shift points or the mode of the car (Sport/Sport+)? The main reason I ask is becuase I wonder if this option can simply be retrofitted after the fact by getting a factory steering wheel with shift paddles and then updating the software to realize they are now available. Or is it something more that I am unaware of?

Thanks!

[tims1138]

On my 2014, the Sport Auto Transmission added faster shift time, at least that's what I was told

[jdong]

It seems like as far as we know, the Sport AT changes are entirely software. However, I have not heard dealers being able to retrofit it, nor can you code it yourself.

The sport AT shifts are noticeably more aggressive, and also allow the car to hold gears instead of auto-shifting at redline.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by Bleser

Hello!

I'm wondering if anyone knows the truth to this option when building an F30 on BMWUSA's website (Sport Automatic Transmission with Shift Paddles). I realize it adds physical shift paddles, but what about the transmission itself? Does it have specific programming to the shift points or the mode of the car (Sport/Sport+)? The main reason I ask is becuase I wonder if this option can simply be retrofitted after the fact by getting a factory steering wheel with shift paddles and then updating the software to realize they are now available. Or is it something more that I am unaware of?

Thanks!

It's programming/software, so adding the paddles after the fact will not duplicate the affect. Well worth the $500. You will spend close to that just trying to add the paddles.

[pocoyo_3]

Even from my limited experience on a test drive I can vouch for the fact that they make the shifts quicker. Not sure if it can be retrofitted but I very much doubt it. I would definitely order with if I could - worth the $500.

[foxmccleod]

You also get a shift boot that looks nicer than the standard plastic. Totally worth the expense (in addition to the faster shifting).

[Mobster1983]

Buy it when you buy the car. It will cost you far more to add after, if you even can.

There is a huge difference when you add the SAT. I would go so far as to say the shifts are just as fast as on my 2008 M6.

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by Mobster1983

Buy it when you buy the car. It will cost you far more to add after, if you even can.

There is a huge difference when you add the SAT. I would go so far as to say the shifts are just as fast as on my 2008 M6.

I concur, the shift response is almost instantaneous.

[stormlv]

Tested the 435i with the SAT and had I not known better I would have said it's a DCT.
It's a really nice option. Ordered it on mine ... I can't wait to get it now

[ipp]

Since it's the same "hardware" as the normal 8AT I'm wondering, if it changes gears faster in normal mode, or in any mode? And if it changes gears faster why isn't it faster? BMW states the exact same numbers for acceleration and consumption and so on.

When you had Sport Auto on the E60 the difference was: paddles, throttle blip on downshift, sport button (similar to sport mode today) and off cause the nicer lever.

[ArchJR]

In Sport+ mode the shifts on my 328i with the SAT feel as crisp as in my partner's M3 with the DCT. That said, I rarely use the paddles. When I want to downshift, entering a turn or to pass, it takes me longer to tap the left paddle 3 - 4 times and wait for the response, than if I just let the transmission decide on its own once I get on the gas. If I was to race the car, keeping the revs up in lower gears, then the paddles would be essential. It's also a good way to see my commuting average drop from 28 MPG to 22 MPG.

[jzcrna]

for $500 it's a no-brainer. Most important option.

there is a local CA who doesn't order the lot cars with sport auto, thinks people don't care.

I guess the average person probably doesn't.

[ZheHbKa]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

It's programming/software, so adding the paddles after the fact will not duplicate the affect. Well worth the $500. You will spend close to that just trying to add the paddles.

+1

[drob23]

Hmm, I thought it changed the transmission cooling hardware also.

Was just thinking - mods - is there any way to sticky a "F3x Options Overview" where you highlight most optioning questions - DHP, xdrive, msport suspension on xdrive, HK vs stock system etc. These threads seem to pop up frequently. Some good info in the older ones.

[Bleser]

Thanks all. Really appreciate the information provided here. If ordering new, it would be a no-brainer. However, I'll be buying used, so I was tryign to gauge the importance of the potential cars having this option. Sounds like it is another one to add to the "must have" list.

I'd think this option would be standard on the M-Sport package. You would think anyone ordering that setup would want shift paddles and the sportiest default setup. But, BMW.

[pocoyo_3]

I agree, it should be standard with the M-Sport Line if not the Sport Line as well. The only reason I would imagine they don't want to do it is because it would either have to eat the $500 cost (to keep the price for the Line the same for manual / auto), or have a different price for the Line depending on whether it is a manual or auto.