[MR2]

I'm completely perplexed by this indicator. No matter what gear I'm in, the up arrow besides the gear digit in the instrument cluster always comes on, even when the rpm is no higher than 2500.

The only times the up arrow goes away is when I am crawling below 10 mph. The owner's manual provides no help on this.

Can someone provide an explanation for this? Am I overlooking some setting? This is my first BMW, so I'm still learning to deal with the iDrive system.

[beren]

I ignore it. From what I can tell it is trying to get you into the most fuel efficient gear, which generally is 6th. I have not paid attention to it when in M1/M2 performance modes to see if it behaves differently. My Porsche shift indicator is pretty much the same.

[RobM2]

Originally Posted by MR2

I'm completely perplexed by this indicator. No matter what gear I'm in, the up arrow besides the gear digit in the instrument cluster always comes on, even when the rpm is no higher than 2500.

The only times the up arrow goes away is when I am crawling below 10 mph. The owner's manual provides no help on this.

Can someone provide an explanation for this? Am I overlooking some setting? This is my first BMW, so I'm still learning to deal with the iDrive system.

It is meant for fuel efficiency not performance.

Consider it a reminder that you can upshift when cruising on a highway etc.

[stashstein]

You can turn it off

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by beren

I ignore it. From what I can tell it is trying to get you into the most fuel efficient gear, which generally is 6th. I have not paid attention to it when in M1/M2 performance modes to see if it behaves differently. My Porsche shift indicator is pretty much the same.

+1. Yep, it is this.