Manual Transmission

Rather Dashing · 06-27-2005, 07:28 PM

I know i might sound like a sissy but this is going to be the first car that i will own that will be manual. I went from my mothers volvo 850 (straight 5 turbo) to a ford focus (straight 4) to now an e90 on order.

I've been practiceing lately on my girlfriends 2002 mustang (v6) and i'm not too bad at it anymore, but 1st gear on it is brutal. Seems like i really have to put lots of gas to not stall out when putting it in first and reverse. I also have to let the clutch out at least 75-85% of the way before i feel anything catch.

Since that is so far the only car i've driven stick how is the experience in my new e90 going to be? I really scared of stalling out or bucking really bad in the dealership (embarassing) or even worse doing some damage to my brandy new car.

So to get to the nitty gritty, does anyone have any manual driving tips on the new e90 other than drive my girlfriends car more to get more comfortable with stick before grinding my bmw.

Thanks and be nice, everyone had to learn stick at one time or another

fredtoo · 06-27-2005, 09:18 PM

When I learned to drive a stick, it was in an old muscle car.
I stalled it starting up a small hill, crossing an intersction.

In a panick, I restarted the car, and gave it a lot of gas while letting out the clutch.
I smoked the tires across the whole intersection.

Don't do that

Dani · 06-27-2005, 09:58 PM

I learned on a manual and will never own anything else (owning a car like the E90 in an automatic - even steptronic, is just wrong in my opinion so good for you). I think the E90 is easier than other cars. Fisrt of all if you are on a hill and you let up at all on the clutch it will lock in place and not role backwards where in other cars you have to balance the clutch at just the right spot. I also think it shifts smoothly although the gears are farther apart than I would like. Best advice I can give for starting in first is let up on the clutch slowly and let the car tell you when to give it gas. Hope this helps!

David328M-Sport · 06-27-2005, 10:02 PM

Ask your BMW dealer to let you drive one of their manual e90s now and then again shortly before you take delivery of yours. This may be a good practice test opportunity for you if nothing else.

My old e36 and my current e46 (not for much longer) was/is 5sp manual(s). Both have fairly ordinary clutches and because they are not a 'muscle' car, the clutch operation is nice and easy - or maybe I'm just used to it, even if my e46 doesn't engage gear until my foot has lifted up on the clutch pedal towards the top. The clutch valve that is the talk of the forum can either assist or hinder you in gear changes, depending on how you release the clutch pedal.

All in all, not too bad but I am moving on to the steptronic for my e90, just because I feel for me it's time for a change after 13 years of BMW manual gearboxes.

You should be fine with your new car. Enjoy!

bookman2 · 06-27-2005, 10:10 PM

At very good study tool for learning the ins and outs of manual transmissions (how to drive them as well as how they work) can be found at this web site: www.standardshift.com.

jbl16 · 06-27-2005, 10:29 PM

Try practicing launching without using any gas, on a level surface. Just release the clutch slowly until where it engages and the car should start moving slowly. After you get the feeling of getting the car moving without the gas, try using a little gas until you get a smooth start. Thats how my dad taught me and how i taught my lil' bro, it worked for us

AudiA4 · 06-27-2005, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbl16

Try practicing launching without using any gas, on a level surface. Just release the clutch slowly until where it engages and the car should start moving slowly. After you get the feeling of getting the car moving without the gas, try using a little gas until you get a smooth start. Thats how my dad taught me and how i taught my lil' bro, it worked for us

jbl16 - How have you liked your Cadillac CTS? I really like that car all the way around, and strongly considered a used CTS-V before getting my e90.

jbl16 · 06-28-2005, 12:23 PM

The car has been great all around, if it were within my budget i would seriously consider a V, test drove one and it has awesome power

. My CTS is the first year model which brought a 3.2L engine 220hp, this is the only complaint about the car, a year after I bought mine they switched over to the 3.6L vvt 260hp engine, which is much nicer. I felt i got screwed over by cadillac

. Handling is great, however you really cant compare the cts interior to a bmw interior and also the construction on the bimmers feels and looks more solid. Only problem I've heard about the V's is the dreaded wheel hop, which I even experience in my car when doing hard launching some times (5speed manual), I can only imagine its much worse with 400hp under the hood.

Jason P · 07-01-2005, 07:57 PM

Hey RD, this will be my first manual tranny too. I’m kind of anxious about picking the car up. I don’t want to look like a jackleg and stall the car in the dealer lot. But if I do it, well, who cares? There will be a learning curve. That’s a fact.

I know that it will take a little transition to get used to a stick, but I’ve driven them a few times in the past and I’m pretty confident that the initial frustration (extreme short-term) will lead to an overall driving experience that can’t be duplicated from an automatic.

I’m looking forward to the experience. I ordered my 325i 6p about a week ago. There is nothing wrong with the auto, but this will be my first performance car and I decided that if I wanted an auto, I should get a GMC Truck (Unless I lived in LA . . . then I would get a helicopter . . . no matter what the cost)

.

Let me know how everything works out for you when your car arrives.

stressdoc · 07-01-2005, 09:40 PM

In a galaxy far away, a long time ago, when I learned to work a clutch, the key was to find the 'friction' point by letting up the clutch just until it starts to grab, and holding it right there -- do not let it out further -- while giving it a little more gas -- not too much -- until the car is rolling, and then slowly letting it out all the way. The beginner's mistakes are to let it up all the way too quickly, or to apply too much gas before getting some 'grip'. Try not to rev past 2k until you get used to where the friction point is. Once started shifting into 2nd etc. is relatively easy.

Jason P · 07-01-2005, 11:53 PM

Stressdoc, Thanks for the advice!

I’m pretty sure I understand the physics involved with driving a manual, but it will take time to make the switch. All advice is helpful.

I’ve been trying to visualize myself running a stick. I still have 5-7 weeks to get ready.

I ordered my 325i five days ago.

I have had zero regrets about ordering the 6 speed. Never once have I regretted ordering a Steptronic. And that is no disrespect to the Steptronic! Personally, I just felt it was right, for me, to go manual. To each, their own.

My biggest apprehension is actually coming to a stop. But I plan on practicing on my buddies S10 stick to get myself ready. This is going to be a GREAT experience. I CAN NOT WAIT until I get my 6 speed. I CAN NOT WAIT!!!

TwinPowerF30 · 07-02-2005, 12:58 AM

what's the best way to downshift in order to have a long lasting transmission? always rev match or just normal downshifting is fine?

I always rev match in my current car...

quackman · 07-02-2005, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weiweiwei

what's the best way to downshift in order to have a long lasting transmission? always rev match or just normal downshifting is fine?

I always rev match in my current car...

Well if you don't revmatch, then you are going to get an unpleasant jerking motion.

TwinPowerF30 · 07-02-2005, 01:50 AM

is that bad for the gears/syncros/engine/tranny?

ward · 07-02-2005, 03:21 AM

I'm glad some of you guys are learning a manual

maybe the manual won't die after all

silverado · 07-02-2005, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weiweiwei

what's the best way to downshift in order to have a long lasting transmission? always rev match or just normal downshifting is fine?

I always rev match in my current car...

Good question. I never did when slowing down because it seems kind of a waste of time when your objective is to slow down. Is it bad for the clutch?

jbl16 · 07-02-2005, 10:05 AM

I believe you should try to rev match when possible, that jerk u feel when u don't, probably puts stress on the drive shaft and transmission as it forces the engine to increase rpm.
It also feels like crap specially for your passengers when you dont downshift properly.

YYdoodle · 07-02-2005, 12:46 PM

I agree with jbl16, if you feel a jerk when you downshift that means the flywheel and the drive shaft are spinning at different speeds so when you apply the clutch there will be a bit of extra stress. Good idea to learn to rev-match properly anyway so ride will be comfortable for you and passengers when you downshift.

Rather Dashing · 08-09-2005, 06:21 PM

Got my car on Monday (8-8-2005) and I love it! Thanks for all of your advice it is really helpful. So far so good on the manual, only stalled out once or twice so far but am still pretty nervous when driving around because im not the quickest when going into first yet, but still, I'm glad I choose to get the manual!

fredtoo · 08-09-2005, 06:25 PM

Good job!

Give it a few hundred miles, and you will be shifting like a pro.

davinet78 · 08-10-2005, 06:58 AM

there is more driver involvment in a manual than an auto so thats why i have gone for manual

egtlover74 · 08-10-2005, 07:20 AM

E90 manual is so easy to start on 1st gear. I had some difficulties with shifting smoothly but after 1000 miles, I am very comfortable with it. I know for fact that it is easier to start in e90 than on a mustang.

06-27-2005, 07:28 PM	#1
Rather Dashing Enlisted Member 4 Rep 31 Posts Drives: 325i Man/Ti/Sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pearl River, NY iTrader: (0)	Manual Transmission I know i might sound like a sissy but this is going to be the first car that i will own that will be manual. I went from my mothers volvo 850 (straight 5 turbo) to a ford focus (straight 4) to now an e90 on order. I've been practiceing lately on my girlfriends 2002 mustang (v6) and i'm not too bad at it anymore, but 1st gear on it is brutal. Seems like i really have to put lots of gas to not stall out when putting it in first and reverse. I also have to let the clutch out at least 75-85% of the way before i feel anything catch. Since that is so far the only car i've driven stick how is the experience in my new e90 going to be? I really scared of stalling out or bucking really bad in the dealership (embarassing) or even worse doing some damage to my brandy new car. So to get to the nitty gritty, does anyone have any manual driving tips on the new e90 other than drive my girlfriends car more to get more comfortable with stick before grinding my bmw. Thanks and be nice, everyone had to learn stick at one time or another
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06-27-2005, 09:18 PM	#2
fredtoo First Lieutenant 15 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 325 328 350 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: nj iTrader: (0) Garage List 1986 328 [0.00] 2006 325 [0.00]	What not to do. When I learned to drive a stick, it was in an old muscle car. I stalled it starting up a small hill, crossing an intersction. In a panick, I restarted the car, and gave it a lot of gas while letting out the clutch. I smoked the tires across the whole intersection. Don't do that
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06-27-2005, 09:58 PM	#3
Dani Major 51 Rep 1,022 Posts Drives: 2006 325I Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I learned on a manual and will never own anything else (owning a car like the E90 in an automatic - even steptronic, is just wrong in my opinion so good for you). I think the E90 is easier than other cars. Fisrt of all if you are on a hill and you let up at all on the clutch it will lock in place and not role backwards where in other cars you have to balance the clutch at just the right spot. I also think it shifts smoothly although the gears are farther apart than I would like. Best advice I can give for starting in first is let up on the clutch slowly and let the car tell you when to give it gas. Hope this helps!
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06-27-2005, 10:02 PM	#4
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	Ask your BMW dealer to let you drive one of their manual e90s now and then again shortly before you take delivery of yours. This may be a good practice test opportunity for you if nothing else. My old e36 and my current e46 (not for much longer) was/is 5sp manual(s). Both have fairly ordinary clutches and because they are not a 'muscle' car, the clutch operation is nice and easy - or maybe I'm just used to it, even if my e46 doesn't engage gear until my foot has lifted up on the clutch pedal towards the top. The clutch valve that is the talk of the forum can either assist or hinder you in gear changes, depending on how you release the clutch pedal. All in all, not too bad but I am moving on to the steptronic for my e90, just because I feel for me it's time for a change after 13 years of BMW manual gearboxes. You should be fine with your new car. Enjoy! __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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06-27-2005, 10:10 PM	#5
bookman2 Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2006 330i SP, PP Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	At very good study tool for learning the ins and outs of manual transmissions (how to drive them as well as how they work) can be found at this web site: www.standardshift.com.
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06-27-2005, 10:29 PM	#6
jbl16 Private First Class 19 Rep 199 Posts Drives: '13 E92 M3 ZCP DCT Join Date: May 2005 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	Try practicing launching without using any gas, on a level surface. Just release the clutch slowly until where it engages and the car should start moving slowly. After you get the feeling of getting the car moving without the gas, try using a little gas until you get a smooth start. Thats how my dad taught me and how i taught my lil' bro, it worked for us __________________ '13 E92 M3 ZCP DCT Prev:'06 E90 330i ZSP, '12 Mustang 5.0, '15 VW GTI
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06-28-2005, 12:23 PM	#8
jbl16 Private First Class 19 Rep 199 Posts Drives: '13 E92 M3 ZCP DCT Join Date: May 2005 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	The car has been great all around, if it were within my budget i would seriously consider a V, test drove one and it has awesome power . My CTS is the first year model which brought a 3.2L engine 220hp, this is the only complaint about the car, a year after I bought mine they switched over to the 3.6L vvt 260hp engine, which is much nicer. I felt i got screwed over by cadillac . Handling is great, however you really cant compare the cts interior to a bmw interior and also the construction on the bimmers feels and looks more solid. Only problem I've heard about the V's is the dreaded wheel hop, which I even experience in my car when doing hard launching some times (5speed manual), I can only imagine its much worse with 400hp under the hood. __________________ '13 E92 M3 ZCP DCT Prev:'06 E90 330i ZSP, '12 Mustang 5.0, '15 VW GTI
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07-01-2005, 07:57 PM	#9
Jason P New Member 0 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Manual Hey RD, this will be my first manual tranny too. I’m kind of anxious about picking the car up. I don’t want to look like a jackleg and stall the car in the dealer lot. But if I do it, well, who cares? There will be a learning curve. That’s a fact. I know that it will take a little transition to get used to a stick, but I’ve driven them a few times in the past and I’m pretty confident that the initial frustration (extreme short-term) will lead to an overall driving experience that can’t be duplicated from an automatic. I’m looking forward to the experience. I ordered my 325i 6p about a week ago. There is nothing wrong with the auto, but this will be my first performance car and I decided that if I wanted an auto, I should get a GMC Truck (Unless I lived in LA . . . then I would get a helicopter . . . no matter what the cost) . Let me know how everything works out for you when your car arrives.
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07-01-2005, 09:40 PM	#10
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	In a galaxy far away, a long time ago, when I learned to work a clutch, the key was to find the 'friction' point by letting up the clutch just until it starts to grab, and holding it right there -- do not let it out further -- while giving it a little more gas -- not too much -- until the car is rolling, and then slowly letting it out all the way. The beginner's mistakes are to let it up all the way too quickly, or to apply too much gas before getting some 'grip'. Try not to rev past 2k until you get used to where the friction point is. Once started shifting into 2nd etc. is relatively easy.
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07-01-2005, 11:53 PM	#11
Jason P New Member 0 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Manual Stressdoc, Thanks for the advice! I’m pretty sure I understand the physics involved with driving a manual, but it will take time to make the switch. All advice is helpful. I’ve been trying to visualize myself running a stick. I still have 5-7 weeks to get ready. I ordered my 325i five days ago. I have had zero regrets about ordering the 6 speed. Never once have I regretted ordering a Steptronic. And that is no disrespect to the Steptronic! Personally, I just felt it was right, for me, to go manual. To each, their own. My biggest apprehension is actually coming to a stop. But I plan on practicing on my buddies S10 stick to get myself ready. This is going to be a GREAT experience. I CAN NOT WAIT until I get my 6 speed. I CAN NOT WAIT!!!
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07-02-2005, 12:58 AM	#12
TwinPowerF30 Captain 38 Rep 643 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	what's the best way to downshift in order to have a long lasting transmission? always rev match or just normal downshifting is fine? I always rev match in my current car...
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07-02-2005, 01:50 AM	#14
TwinPowerF30 Captain 38 Rep 643 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	is that bad for the gears/syncros/engine/tranny?
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07-02-2005, 03:21 AM	#15
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	I'm glad some of you guys are learning a manual maybe the manual won't die after all
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07-02-2005, 10:05 AM	#17
jbl16 Private First Class 19 Rep 199 Posts Drives: '13 E92 M3 ZCP DCT Join Date: May 2005 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	I believe you should try to rev match when possible, that jerk u feel when u don't, probably puts stress on the drive shaft and transmission as it forces the engine to increase rpm. It also feels like crap specially for your passengers when you dont downshift properly. __________________ '13 E92 M3 ZCP DCT Prev:'06 E90 330i ZSP, '12 Mustang 5.0, '15 VW GTI
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07-02-2005, 12:46 PM	#18
YYdoodle Captain 115 Rep 666 Posts Drives: E92 M3 fanatic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	I agree with jbl16, if you feel a jerk when you downshift that means the flywheel and the drive shaft are spinning at different speeds so when you apply the clutch there will be a bit of extra stress. Good idea to learn to rev-match properly anyway so ride will be comfortable for you and passengers when you downshift.
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08-09-2005, 06:21 PM	#19
Rather Dashing Enlisted Member 4 Rep 31 Posts Drives: 325i Man/Ti/Sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pearl River, NY iTrader: (0)	Got my car on Monday (8-8-2005) and I love it! Thanks for all of your advice it is really helpful. So far so good on the manual, only stalled out once or twice so far but am still pretty nervous when driving around because im not the quickest when going into first yet, but still, I'm glad I choose to get the manual!
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08-09-2005, 06:25 PM	#20
fredtoo First Lieutenant 15 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 325 328 350 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: nj iTrader: (0) Garage List 1986 328 [0.00] 2006 325 [0.00]	Good job! Give it a few hundred miles, and you will be shifting like a pro.
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08-10-2005, 06:58 AM	#21
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	there is more driver involvment in a manual than an auto so thats why i have gone for manual __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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08-10-2005, 07:20 AM	#22
egtlover74 Photographer 40 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 335is Coupe Join Date: May 2005 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	E90 manual is so easy to start on 1st gear. I had some difficulties with shifting smoothly but after 1000 miles, I am very comfortable with it. I know for fact that it is easier to start in e90 than on a mustang.
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