Driving an auto for the first time

bod1467

Why are you assuming it is an auto? Is the boss's wife only qualified to drive automatics?

MX5huggy

It might not be a auto.

(based on driving auto X3 (1st generation) X1 and a MINI)
If it is you will have to have press and hold the brake to start the engine, the "key" will go in a slot and there will be a Start Stop button the key wont come out unless in P (park). Unless it has full key less entry then you don't need the key in the slot just on you.

The had brake will be a normal manual one, but you wont need it while driving, the auto box will hold its self on a hill for a hill start.

The accelerator will have a kick down so it will feel like you have pressed it to the bottom, but then press harder and it will probably (depending on road conditions) shift the gear down and you will accelerate harder.

When the gear stick is in D it will be possible to move it to the left this will put it in sport mode (it changes gear at higher revs), you can then use the gear stick as a sequential box (push to go up a gear, pull to go down) there will probably be paddles on the steering wheel to do the same. (It will always revert to auto if you change gear manually and then don't keep changing appropriately, you can't over rev it).

I only really tell you this because if you move the stick to the left you have to move it back to enable access to N R and P.

Finally don't use the indicators its not expected and only causes confusion.

marlot

Tobster86 wrote: »

You can also use 'P' instead of the handbrake for holding the car at junctions/lights, to prevent dazzling the person behind you with your brake lights...

THe problem with this, is that it flashes the reversing lights on, and scares them instead.

Far better to use the handbrake.

InsideInsurance

marlot wrote: »

THe problem with this, is that it flashes the reversing lights on, and scares them instead.

Far better to use the handbrake.

That depends on the auto box. Cant say for BMW but for my car Park is a button and it doesnt show the reverse light when its selected.

EssexExile

Is driving a BMW automatic really this complicated? I've been driving autos since the 70s. Put it in drive, right pedal faster, left pedal slower. Put it in park, switch off, get out. What's a hand brake?

maninthestreet

Are you insured to drive your wife's boss's wife's car? Are you going to be paid for doing this driving??

BeenThroughItAll

Tobster86 wrote: »

You can also use 'P' instead of the handbrake for holding the car at junctions/lights, to prevent dazzling the person behind you with your brake lights.

I find this is slicker than using 'N' and the handbrake, and don't like to stress the transmission and prop shaft by using 'D' with the handbrake (it probably doesn't, but I'm an engineer and it just feels wrong!). Just make sure the car is completetly stationary before selecting 'P'!

Many manufacturers specifically advise against repeatedly putting the car from D-P-D-P-D as it can cause premature wear on gearbox components, and suggest you should leave the car in Drive when stationary in traffic with the engine running.

Tobster86

marlot wrote: »

THe problem with this, is that it flashes the reversing lights on, and scares them instead.

Far better to use the handbrake.

BMWs (or at least my '99 540i) seem to have a time delay before the reverse lights come on. Already considered this!

Can't comment on wear and tear though; mine is no worse for 30,000 miles of me doing this of it's total 98,000. My brother did bust his S-Type though by selecting Park whilst moving.

marcarm

maninthestreet wrote: »

Are you insured to drive your wife's boss's wife's car? Are you going to be paid for doing this driving??

I've checked the insurance, I'm covered through the business policy as the car is registered to his business. I'm covered as the policy covers all business cars for staff and spouses.

I will be paid, he's giving me £150 for doing it, and also paying for my meal while I'm sitting at the O2 while the inlaws are at their concert. So not a bad hourly rate really. I've done similar sorts of things for him before using the company cars.

So an hour to the O2, couple of hours sitting round, hour to gatwick and 2 hours home works out pretty good and as my wife is goin on maternity leave in 8 weeks it's come at a nice time.

I'm only assuming it's an auto as when my wife asked me if I wanted to do it, she told me it's an x5. I looked on autotrader and there were about 400 autos listed and about 20 manuals, so on the balance of probabilities thought it was an auto as not many manuals about. Although I seem to remember when I saw her last she had an x3, my wife is not very good with cars, she knows it's a big car!

marlot

My wife's first drive in my automatic was going well, until she pulled out to overtake on a fast A road. Instead of just pressing the accelerator to speed up, she went to change down manually - and stamped on the (large) brake pedal with her left foot. Fortunately there wasn't another car just behind us!

Moral of the story - tuck your left foot out of the way to begin with.