In general I feel that my car's acceleration is excellent (2018 F60 JCW, automatic), but I've always felt there is a disappointing lag when starting from a stop, even when driving in sport mode. It seemed a bit inconsistent though, sometimes starting quickly but sometimes seeming to pause for a second before getting moving, and I couldn't understand the inconsistency. I even added a Dinan Sport, which made things a bit faster overall but didn't help that feeling of lag. Then I had a realization: I feel the lag when starting after a quick stop at a stop sign, not when starting from a complete stop after a pause, like at a red light. More importantly, when the lag occurs the car is starting out in second gear! It seems that my quick stops don't allow the transmission to shift all the way down to first.

Is this a well known thing that I'm suddenly realizing, that a quick stop leads to a second gear launch? And is there any way to make the transmission's selection of first gear a bit more aggressive? For now, it seems like the only way to get a consistent quick start from a stop sign is to make sure I pause after stopping, say for a second or so, which feels like I'm giving up a second of time in order to gain a second during acceleration. Sure it's only a second, but it kinda messes with the flow when cruising down a street that has multiple stop signs.

 

I'd use the paddle shifter to get into 1st gear if I'd like to make sure I start there.

 

Maybe come to a complete stop at the stop sign, too? LOL.

 

I’m not sure why BMW does this, but the initial hesitation from a stop complaint spans across both BMW and mini lines. To me, the fix is simple - add a sprint booster/pedal commander/Remus responder. It makes a world of difference.