What does BMW gear S1 mean?
2 Answers
BMW gear S1 is the sport mode. If you continue to accelerate, it will shift to S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 gears. Normal gears: Normally, when in D gear, the transmission shifts at 3000 RPM. When switched to S gear, it shifts at 5000 RPM or higher, mainly by delaying the shift to improve the car's acceleration, used for rapid overtaking or experiencing driving pleasure. General automatic transmission: General automatic transmission vehicles have P, R, N, D, S, and L gears. P stands for Parking gear; R stands for Reverse gear; N stands for Neutral; D stands for Drive gear; S stands for Sport gear; L stands for Low gear.
I've been driving a BMW for several years and discovered that the S1 on the gear shift is actually the manual first gear in sport mode. When you push the gear lever to the S position to enter sport mode, you can also manually select gears using the paddle shifters or gear lever, such as S1 which locks in first gear, keeping the engine at high revs in a lower gear. This is particularly powerful when climbing steep hills, as the car has more power to accelerate up, or when descending to use engine braking to help control speed and reduce brake load. I often test it on mountain roads and the effect is impressive, making the handling feel more direct. But don't keep S1 engaged for cruising, as the high revs will spike fuel consumption and potentially harm the engine—it's best suited for short-term scenarios. Beginners are advised to practice switching in an open area to avoid fumbling. BMW's design is truly practical and adaptable to different driving styles, adding more fun to the experience.
