[Paddy]

Hi All,
I'm trying to learn heel-toeing rev-matching in the new 330i, however I'm having trouble finding a comfortable seating position. I have driven a SUV for the last 10 years and I like to be in an erect (don't get any ideas!!) position when I drive.
I find that when I adjust the drivers seat in the 330i to a position I feel most comfortable...
a) Knee is still bent a little when clutch pressed in all the way.
b) backrest is almost vertical
c) seat is far enough forward so I can comfortably hold steering at 9/3 or drive with left hand holding top of wheel.

The problem is that when I try and heel/toe, my right foot
1. Bumps against bottom of steering wheel, because I have to move it over left a bit, I have to move it over because normally I can move fron to foot from gas to brake without moving heel off floor, however if I try and push brake and put heel on gas without moving foot over, my heel just hits the side of the firewall and won't even touch the gas. (Big feet, probably the cause of this)
2. Feels like I'm twisting my whole leg to get the ball of the foot on the brake and the heel on the gas.

I think if I lowered/pushed back the seat that the leg action might get easier, but then I'd be in a uncomfortable seating position.

Any tips from you experienced drivers out there....


BTW: I'm so used in my other vehicles to knowing when to shift based on the sound of the engine, the E90 is so damn quiet, this is also causing me a problem. I guess I gotta rely more on the tach?

[HRC]

I really can't help much regarding the seating position, but as far as your right foot position, you don't have to use the *ball* of your right foot for the gas, or your *toe* for the brake. Place your foot between the gas and the brake so that half of your foot is touching both pedals.

Then practice rocking your foot over to the right side as you apple the brakes.

My first time I was having difficulty using the ball of my foot because that's the way I had to do it in my Honda Prelude. The BMW's pedals are placed right so there is no need to try and bend your right foot in crazy angles.

EDIT: As for hearing the engine to shift, instead of listening, go by *feel*.

Danny

[BMW0]

I found heel to toe difficult in the E90 as well, but I know practice makes perfect!

[Paddy]

Originally Posted by HRC

I really can't help much regarding the seating position, but as far as your right foot position, you don't have to use the *ball* of your right foot for the gas, or your *toe* for the brake. Place your foot between the gas and the brake so that half of your foot is touching both pedals.

Then practice rocking your foot over to the right side as you apple the brakes.

My first time I was having difficulty using the ball of my foot because that's the way I had to do it in my Honda Prelude. The BMW's pedals are placed right so there is no need to try and bend your right foot in crazy angles.

EDIT: As for hearing the engine to shift, instead of listening, go by *feel*.

Danny

Thanks for the Tip, I'll try the foot rocking on the drive home.

[ben1364]

I recommend a good high performance driving school. The BMW CCA as well as one of several commercial schools should be able to help hone your skills. You might wish to look in the classified section of AutoWeek magazine and check with your local CCA chapter.

[visor]

Some websites for your reference:

Driving position:http://www.turnfast.com/tech_driving..._seating.shtml

Heel-toe: (but don't use heel-toe, instead use the left half of your right foot for the brakes and the right half for the gas blipping)
http://www.turnfast.com/tech_driving..._heeltoe.shtml

[paullo]

Originally Posted by BMW0

I found heel to toe difficult in the E90 as well, but I know practice makes perfect!

Tell me about it! A friend of mine insisted I practice before the next auto-x / track day and I've been killing myself (my right foot mostly) trying to sort it out... patience & more practice i guess

[Paddy]

Originally Posted by Paddy

Thanks for the Tip, I'll try the foot rocking on the drive home.

Tried it, definitely this is the way for me to go. Traffic was a bit heavy so I couldn't really get a good run at it, but looks promising.
Practice practice....

Thanks for the tips/advice everyone.

[HRC]

Originally Posted by Paddy

Tried it, definitely this is the way for me to go. Traffic was a bit heavy so I couldn't really get a good run at it, but looks promising.
Practice practice....

Thanks for the tips/advice everyone.

Glad it worked for you! You'll get really good and smooth as you put some mikes behind you.

Danny