Hi guys

I've just bought a new 335I sedan two weeks ago and am blown away by this car. Its performance and handling is right out of this world- to say that I am impressed is an understatement. Just two questions:

Someone told me that the steptronic auto starts from 2nd gear when in Drive mode and the only to get it to start in 1st gear from a standing start is to put it in Sport mode. From what I can see, it certainly seems to start in 1st gear in Drive when doing a standing start- at least with a moderate to heavy pedal. Could anyone clarify? I don't feel that I should have to drive it in Sport mode all the time, just to have it start from 1st gear....

The other question regards running-in- is 1600Kms (or 1000 miles) adequate for running in this car. The BMW manual suggests 2500kms with nothing over 4500rpm which is almost impossible in this car!

One last question- how does anyone keep their license when driving this thing!!!!- it is a seriously quick car.

This is correct. It starts in 2nd gear in Drive and 1st in Sport. By doing this BMW can get better MPG when reporting. Next time start slow in drive,you will notice a slight hesitation but not in sport. No biggie either way.

I think you are mistaken on DS mode. I believe it is still 2nd gear start, but it allows you to rev closer to max before shifting. If you want a true 1st gear start and manual control - put the car in DS mode and manually shift down to 1st at a stop. Then you'll be in full manual control under you put it back into D mode.

This is correct. It starts in 2nd gear in Drive and 1st in Sport. By doing this BMW can get better MPG when reporting. Next time start slow in drive,you will notice a slight hesitation but not in sport. No biggie either way.

So the hesitation I get in "D"rive is normal? I thought it was weird that it reved sort of high before catching a gear... and felt "tight" coasting to a stop at slow speeds.

To confirm, this is normal? Maybe I should actually try the steptronic manual once and see the difference, huh? :)