what driving mode for extream mountains

oldtexasdog · 10-13-2023, 09:10 AM

I was going to take my 2020 M550 on a weekend trip/rally, 50 of us) to the Smokies for a all day drive that will include the "Tail of the Dragon"
What would be the best mode for the day? Comfort, Sport, Sport+? I plan on using the paddle shifter a lot for downshifts to control downhill speed. Is this a good idea?
I just had the oil and all filters changed along with the full BMW check out at the dealership.
I am a old timer with a lot of driving experience but not with a spirited car like this and wish to have a good but safe time. Promised the wife I would not scare her

iamcc88 · 10-13-2023, 09:46 AM

I’ve been on tail of the dragon and you’re going to spend almost the entire time between 2nd and 3rd gear. You could probably do the whole road without ever leaving 2nd.

It’s a blast and if I were there with my M550 I’d be in sport plus mode just for the pops and bangs and then I’d use manual mode to keep the car in 2nd.

Neusser · 10-13-2023, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldtexasdog

I was going to take my 2020 M550 on a weekend trip/rally, 50 of us) to the Smokies for a all day drive that will include the "Tail of the Dragon"
What would be the best mode for the day? Comfort, Sport, Sport+? I plan on using the paddle shifter a lot for downshifts to control downhill speed. Is this a good idea?
I just had the oil and all filters changed along with the full BMW check out at the dealership.
I am a old timer with a lot of driving experience but not with a spirited car like this and wish to have a good but safe time. Promised the wife I would not scare her

If you care a bit about fuel economy, but want responsiveness and appropriate gear selection in auto mode, go std. sport mode with the gear lever moved to the left to put the ZF box in sport as well.

Sport plus is very thirsty, and I don't usually bother with it when I do Alpine or Landstrassen here in the Fatherland. It is good for dealing with idiots in some situations, though.

BMW012 · 10-13-2023, 04:26 PM

sport plus is a bit jittery, try sport as well.

oldtexasdog · 10-16-2023, 07:36 AM

Thanks all! Just got back and it was a gas!! I did not know my BMW could perform like it did. Stayed in sport+ using the paddles and it stayed around 4 to 6 k RPM the whole way.

NGT2 · 10-16-2023, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldtexasdog

Thanks all! Just got back and it was a gas!! I did not know my BMW could perform like it did. Stayed in sport+ using the paddles and it stayed around 4 to 6 k RPM the whole way.

You’ll have to give us a detailed review. Glad you had a great time! Did you find somewhere to stay that you were happy with?

oldtexasdog · 10-17-2023, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGT2

You’ll have to give us a detailed review. Glad you had a great time! Did you find somewhere to stay that you were happy with?

The Dragon Rally Team had set up a discount room at 2 hotels in Knoxville but they were available for only one night due to everyone coming to see the autumn leaf color change in the mountains. I found a nice hotel in Lenoir TN a Hampton Inn for 2 nights . I was about 15 or 20 min away from The 129 HUB where it all started from. They had professional photographers taking our pic's all the way and the shots were included in the price. Overall I will do it again next year when they have their annual BMW only Rally and it should be a bit less expensive as it is not at the same time as the color change which is High Season in the mountains.

NGT2 · 10-17-2023, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldtexasdog

The Dragon Rally Team had set up a discount room at 2 hotels in Knoxville but they were available for only one night due to everyone coming to see the autumn leaf color change in the mountains. I found a nice hotel in Lenoir TN a Hampton Inn for 2 nights . I was about 15 or 20 min away from The 129 HUB where it all started from. They had professional photographers taking our pic's all the way and the shots were included in the price. Overall I will do it again next year when they have their annual BMW only Rally and it should be a bit less expensive as it is not at the same time as the color change which is High Season in the mountains.

I might have to check that out. Pretty far from me, but worth looking into at least.

iamcc88 · 10-17-2023, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGT2

I might have to check that out. Pretty far from me, but worth looking into at least.

When my dad and I went to Tail of the Dragon we rented a cabin nearby and it was a blast! Although plan time to drive OTHER roads in the area as well because the Tail is great but it gets busy and the lesser known roads can be a lot more fun when you’re out there all by yourself.

oldtexasdog · 10-17-2023, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamcc88

When my dad and I went to Tail of the Dragon we rented a cabin nearby and it was a blast! Although plan time to drive OTHER roads in the area as well because the Tail is great but it gets busy and the lesser known roads can be a lot more fun when you’re out there all by yourself.

There were folks there from just about every state. 60 in total.

smacky · 10-17-2023, 03:30 PM

I'm about to head to Gatlinburg tomorrow from NC. I doubt I'll be hitting the Tail in my RAV 4 rental but maybe next time I'll drive down in the M550 and give it a shot.

No one mentioned the "Adaptive" mode? I always wondered how "smart" it was to realize the type of driving I'd be doing based on the road. Maybe GPS? Highway vs residential?

10-13-2023, 09:10 AM	#1
oldtexasdog Private First Class 64 Rep 166 Posts Drives: 2020 M550I X Drive Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	what driving mode for extream mountains I was going to take my 2020 M550 on a weekend trip/rally, 50 of us) to the Smokies for a all day drive that will include the "Tail of the Dragon" What would be the best mode for the day? Comfort, Sport, Sport+? I plan on using the paddle shifter a lot for downshifts to control downhill speed. Is this a good idea? I just had the oil and all filters changed along with the full BMW check out at the dealership. I am a old timer with a lot of driving experience but not with a spirited car like this and wish to have a good but safe time. Promised the wife I would not scare her Last edited by oldtexasdog; 10-13-2023 at 09:22 AM..
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10-13-2023, 09:46 AM	#2
iamcc88 Private First Class 247 Rep 188 Posts Drives: NA Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: NE iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW M550i [0.00]	I’ve been on tail of the dragon and you’re going to spend almost the entire time between 2nd and 3rd gear. You could probably do the whole road without ever leaving 2nd. It’s a blast and if I were there with my M550 I’d be in sport plus mode just for the pops and bangs and then I’d use manual mode to keep the car in 2nd.
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10-13-2023, 04:26 PM	#4
BMW012 Major 1008 Rep 1,177 Posts Drives: 2023 M550i CBM/Ivory Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2025 X6 BG/Silverstone [0.00] 2023 M550i CBM/Ivory [0.00]	sport plus is a bit jittery, try sport as well.
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10-16-2023, 07:36 AM	#5
oldtexasdog Private First Class 64 Rep 166 Posts Drives: 2020 M550I X Drive Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Thanks all! Just got back and it was a gas!! I did not know my BMW could perform like it did. Stayed in sport+ using the paddles and it stayed around 4 to 6 k RPM the whole way.
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10-17-2023, 03:30 PM	#11
smacky Lieutenant 486 Rep 522 Posts Drives: 5er Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: US iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00]	I'm about to head to Gatlinburg tomorrow from NC. I doubt I'll be hitting the Tail in my RAV 4 rental but maybe next time I'll drive down in the M550 and give it a shot. No one mentioned the "Adaptive" mode? I always wondered how "smart" it was to realize the type of driving I'd be doing based on the road. Maybe GPS? Highway vs residential?
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