More pain while driving a Steptronic?

michaelthepsycho · 09-22-2010, 09:53 AM

As the title suggests, anyone have more pain (back / leg / anywhere) while driving a Steptronic transmission? I've only switched from a manual for two days and even though it was free (from the auto trans credit), the Steptronic transmission is more of a hassle than the manual (especially in stop-and-go traffic).

sickem · 09-22-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelthepsycho

As the title suggests, anyone have more pain (back / leg / anywhere) while driving a Steptronic transmission? I've only switched from a manual for two days and even though it was free (from the auto trans credit), the Steptronic transmission is more of a hassle than the manual (especially in stop-and-go traffic).

I am confused. why would you experience pain?

renaultf1 · 09-22-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelthepsycho

the Steptronic transmission is more of a hassle than the manual (especially in stop-and-go traffic).

Can you elaborate on this - how so?

DJKhan85 · 09-22-2010, 10:13 AM

Change your seating position. Transmission really shouldn't affect driver comfort.

jmar0351 · 09-22-2010, 10:18 AM

Auto is more of a pain in stop and go traffic? You sir, are the first person I have ever heard say this.

GregTheStig · 09-22-2010, 10:22 AM

You mean like more pain as far as making smooth starts and shifts or something?

michaelthepsycho · 09-22-2010, 10:25 AM

I have a 14 degree scoliosis (a right curvature of the spine). In a MT (no pain at all), letting off the gas slows down the vehicle quite a bit so braking is not required as often and at a stop light it's just neutral. It's really hard to explain with words but the brake pedal position is too "left" in the BMW so I have to either pivot or rotate my right leg to keep pressure at a stop light. Plus, there's no clutch operation to balance out the left / right leg use ratio. I'm bringing this up because a Japanese study has shown that pain can be reduced when going back to the MT. Obviously, that's not going to happen but I am interested if anyone else is in the same situation as me.

GregTheStig · 09-22-2010, 10:33 AM

I kind of get it, I guess that makes some sense. I've never lived with a MT yet, but I get it.

BTM · 09-22-2010, 10:35 AM

Any discomfort I've felt driving an AT has been due to seating position and the crappy standard seats I usually get on non ZSP loaners. I guess it's possible with your condition though, however I don't see how any "healthy" (you know what I mean) person would find one to cause more pain than the other given seats/seating position are equivalent

I think you've answered your own question with your latest post

scrufy · 09-22-2010, 10:58 AM

I have a messed up L4 and L5 Vertebrae and discs from like 15 years ago and stenosis and have some moderate back pain. The kind where sitting in one position starts to hurt down the side of your butt to your ankle. With my AT, I don't see any issue but on a long trip I have had to switch feet and drive both the gas and brake (thats how you spell it to the 10,000 people who seem to think its break lol sry rant off). It wasnt any better for me in my previous car- MT Corvette. The MT was worse because I couldnt just let the side that hurt rest and change seating position - I always had to use both feet.
That was one of the reasons I got rid of the Vette...well that and this poll that refused to stay out of my way...LOL

JuppiOne · 09-22-2010, 11:06 AM

I think I know what OP is saying

For AT, the gas pedal is usually positioned lower then the brake pedal, for safety reason, to avoid confusion between pedals and to avoid accidentally step on the accelerator when trying to brake, may be thats what causing the OP's issue? for MT, the gas pedal is usually the same height as the brake? may be for heel toe driving?

Anyway, not that I recommended it, but may be the OP can put some padding on the gas pedal to "raise" the level up a little so that the brake and the gas pedal are at the same height, of course, this defeated the whole safety thing, and should be use with extreme cautions and of course at OP's own risk.

michaelthepsycho · 09-22-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickch

I think I know what OP is saying

For AT, the gas pedal is usually positioned lower then the brake pedal, for safety reason, to avoid confusion between pedals and to avoid accidentally step on the accelerator when trying to brake, may be thats what causing the OP's issue? for MT, the gas pedal is usually the same height as the brake? may be for heel toe driving?

I think that's dead on what you're saying. I just might try to adjust it so the two pedals are level. I know a lot of cars allow you to lower the brake pedal. Don't know if that's true for BMW.

Brey335i · 09-22-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelthepsycho

I think that's dead on what you're saying. I just might try to adjust it so the two pedals are level. I know a lot of cars allow you to lower the brake pedal. Don't know if that's true for BMW.

I don't think it is. I have never heard of anyone on here being able to adjust their pedals unfortunately

JuppiOne · 09-22-2010, 12:33 PM

I don't think the brake nor the gas pedals are adjustable on our cars, but you can try the ghetto way of strapping a block of wood/plastic/whatever on the gas pedal to make it "taller" to inline with the brake pedal.

But do be careful, don't turn your car into a Toyota gas pedal

TheRox · 09-22-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelthepsycho

As the title suggests, anyone have more pain (back / leg / anywhere) while driving a Steptronic transmission? I've only switched from a manual for two days and even though it was free (from the auto trans credit), the Steptronic transmission is more of a hassle than the manual (especially in stop-and-go traffic).

Maybe you lack lumbar support in your current car

mike-y · 09-22-2010, 12:47 PM

When in traffic, put the AT in DS mode or M (manual shift mode). These modes do give you engine braking when you let off the gas, similar to what happens in a manual.

Cuba · 09-22-2010, 01:35 PM

haha lmao "more pain" im pretty sure you shouldnt experience pain while driving a car.. imo

z4ps · 09-22-2010, 01:36 PM

I leave it on DS.

techlogik · 09-22-2010, 01:39 PM

What?!?! This is insanity!!!!

Second, I've always been a left footed braker in AT...

sickem · 09-22-2010, 01:43 PM

maybe you can wear some clogs

ogun · 09-22-2010, 02:05 PM

Scrufy,

i suffer from the exact symptoms that you describe and had to switch from manual to step because the butt position can become intolerably uncomfortable. I'm sure the OP will find a comfortable position through seat height, length and backrest adjustments.

BenTrovato · 09-22-2010, 02:09 PM

Well considering you have scoliosis, it's tough to get a good response from others experiencing any kind of pain due to an auto transmission since they won't be in the position you are in.

However, if driving MT helps by balancing out your body... why not just stick with it? I'm sure the inconvenience in traffic is worth having less physical pain.

09-22-2010, 09:53 AM	#1
michaelthepsycho Lieutenant Colonel 76 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: 11 Montego Blue E90 335i Step Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	More pain while driving a Steptronic? As the title suggests, anyone have more pain (back / leg / anywhere) while driving a Steptronic transmission? I've only switched from a manual for two days and even though it was free (from the auto trans credit), the Steptronic transmission is more of a hassle than the manual (especially in stop-and-go traffic). __________________ Former car 2011 BMW 335i Step - Montego Blue / Chestnut Brown
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09-22-2010, 10:13 AM	#4
DJKhan85 Major 24 Rep 1,190 Posts Drives: 2011 4dr 6mt Golf GTI Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boston Massachusetts iTrader: (1)	Change your seating position. Transmission really shouldn't affect driver comfort. __________________ 2011 VW GTI 4dr-6mt-Sunroof-Nav-Xenons OLD: 08 335i AW/CR/Poplar 6mt-ZSP-ZPP-ZCW-iPod-iDrive-PDC-Style 230s w/FK 452-Dinan LSD
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09-22-2010, 10:18 AM	#5
jmar0351 Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 279 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X3 M40i [0.00]	Auto is more of a pain in stop and go traffic? You sir, are the first person I have ever heard say this.
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09-22-2010, 10:22 AM	#6
GregTheStig derp 48 Rep 1,203 Posts Drives: a Tuk Tuk Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1)	You mean like more pain as far as making smooth starts and shifts or something? __________________
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09-22-2010, 10:25 AM	#7
michaelthepsycho Lieutenant Colonel 76 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: 11 Montego Blue E90 335i Step Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	I have a 14 degree scoliosis (a right curvature of the spine). In a MT (no pain at all), letting off the gas slows down the vehicle quite a bit so braking is not required as often and at a stop light it's just neutral. It's really hard to explain with words but the brake pedal position is too "left" in the BMW so I have to either pivot or rotate my right leg to keep pressure at a stop light. Plus, there's no clutch operation to balance out the left / right leg use ratio. I'm bringing this up because a Japanese study has shown that pain can be reduced when going back to the MT. Obviously, that's not going to happen but I am interested if anyone else is in the same situation as me. __________________ Former car 2011 BMW 335i Step - Montego Blue / Chestnut Brown
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09-22-2010, 10:33 AM	#8
GregTheStig derp 48 Rep 1,203 Posts Drives: a Tuk Tuk Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1)	I kind of get it, I guess that makes some sense. I've never lived with a MT yet, but I get it. __________________
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09-22-2010, 10:35 AM	#9
BTM Banned 483 Rep 10,309 Posts Drives: A///MERICAN!!! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: A///MERICA!!! iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [7.20]	Any discomfort I've felt driving an AT has been due to seating position and the crappy standard seats I usually get on non ZSP loaners. I guess it's possible with your condition though, however I don't see how any "healthy" (you know what I mean) person would find one to cause more pain than the other given seats/seating position are equivalent I think you've answered your own question with your latest post
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09-22-2010, 10:58 AM	#10
scrufy Zoom Zoom This 12 Rep 694 Posts Drives: The Short Bus Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: So. Cal. iTrader: (0)	I have a messed up L4 and L5 Vertebrae and discs from like 15 years ago and stenosis and have some moderate back pain. The kind where sitting in one position starts to hurt down the side of your butt to your ankle. With my AT, I don't see any issue but on a long trip I have had to switch feet and drive both the gas and brake (thats how you spell it to the 10,000 people who seem to think its break lol sry rant off). It wasnt any better for me in my previous car- MT Corvette. The MT was worse because I couldnt just let the side that hurt rest and change seating position - I always had to use both feet. That was one of the reasons I got rid of the Vette...well that and this poll that refused to stay out of my way...LOL
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09-22-2010, 11:06 AM	#11
JuppiOne Captain 25 Rep 691 Posts Drives: everyone crazy Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: MO iTrader: (4)	I think I know what OP is saying For AT, the gas pedal is usually positioned lower then the brake pedal, for safety reason, to avoid confusion between pedals and to avoid accidentally step on the accelerator when trying to brake, may be thats what causing the OP's issue? for MT, the gas pedal is usually the same height as the brake? may be for heel toe driving? Anyway, not that I recommended it, but may be the OP can put some padding on the gas pedal to "raise" the level up a little so that the brake and the gas pedal are at the same height, of course, this defeated the whole safety thing, and should be use with extreme cautions and of course at OP's own risk.
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09-22-2010, 12:33 PM	#14
JuppiOne Captain 25 Rep 691 Posts Drives: everyone crazy Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: MO iTrader: (4)	I don't think the brake nor the gas pedals are adjustable on our cars, but you can try the ghetto way of strapping a block of wood/plastic/whatever on the gas pedal to make it "taller" to inline with the brake pedal. But do be careful, don't turn your car into a Toyota gas pedal
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09-22-2010, 12:47 PM	#16
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	When in traffic, put the AT in DS mode or M (manual shift mode). These modes do give you engine braking when you let off the gas, similar to what happens in a manual.
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09-22-2010, 01:35 PM	#17
Cuba Cuba 81 Rep 1,676 Posts Drives: 07 328xi Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: PA iTrader: (12)	haha lmao "more pain" im pretty sure you shouldnt experience pain while driving a car.. imo __________________ 07 328xi Monaco Blue\|Premium\|Cold\|Navi\|CA\|LLumar\|Mtec\|DDM\|aFe\|Ambe r-Gone\|Rear Fogs\|Bimmian\|PY-Speed\|OEM\|e92-lighting\|V1\|BavAuto\|Weisslicht\|Cyba\|Beyern\|Falken\| Sonic Tuning\|ECS Tuning\|JL Audio\|Rockford Fosgate
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09-22-2010, 01:36 PM	#18
z4ps Lieutenant 28 Rep 507 Posts Drives: F32 M4 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Socal iTrader: (13)	I leave it on DS.
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09-22-2010, 01:39 PM	#19
techlogik Lieutenant Colonel 70 Rep 1,565 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i Dravit Grey Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	What?!?! This is insanity!!!! Second, I've always been a left footed braker in AT... __________________ 2020 M340i: Dravit Grey Mettalic. Loaded.
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09-22-2010, 01:43 PM	#20
sickem Freude am fahren 71 Rep 1,968 Posts Drives: E90 N54 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Doylestown, PA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [6.50]	maybe you can wear some clogs __________________ Cobb E40 PROtune by Jake@PTF/RR catless DPs/aFe DCI/ETS 5" FMIC/ER CP/Forge DVs/Alpina B3 TCU flash/BMW Perf. Exhaust./BMW Performance Style 313s/M-Tech Rear
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09-22-2010, 02:05 PM	#21
ogun Private 1 Rep 74 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 335i TiAg Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Little Silver, NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 E90 335i [0.00]	Scrufy, i suffer from the exact symptoms that you describe and had to switch from manual to step because the butt position can become intolerably uncomfortable. I'm sure the OP will find a comfortable position through seat height, length and backrest adjustments.
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09-22-2010, 02:09 PM	#22
BenTrovato Driver 37 Rep 1,577 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (4)	Well considering you have scoliosis, it's tough to get a good response from others experiencing any kind of pain due to an auto transmission since they won't be in the position you are in. However, if driving MT helps by balancing out your body... why not just stick with it? I'm sure the inconvenience in traffic is worth having less physical pain.
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