BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92) - View Single Post - Manual in M3 compared to non-M3

andret · 03-19-2010, 08:33 AM

I currently have a E90 325i 6MT. This vehicle was designed for economy not performance. Hence in the manual, the gear ratio's are much taller to encourage early gear changes. also, the clutch had a delay valve installed (until i removed it) which was supposd to gently engage the clutch for smoother gear changes.

now i am almost certain that i will order a manual M3, i am curious if anyone has any experience in directly comparing the transmission of a manual non-M3 E90/92/93 with a manual M3 E90/92/93.

I have read on forums that the gear ratios are different, the final drive ratio is different, and the clutch action is more direct. all this would lead to a more pleasant driving experience for the spirited manual driver.

it would be great if someone could provide an evaluation of the differences between the two.

03-19-2010, 08:33 AM	#1
andret Private First Class 19 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 6MT ZCP Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	Manual in M3 compared to non-M3 I currently have a E90 325i 6MT. This vehicle was designed for economy not performance. Hence in the manual, the gear ratio's are much taller to encourage early gear changes. also, the clutch had a delay valve installed (until i removed it) which was supposd to gently engage the clutch for smoother gear changes. now i am almost certain that i will order a manual M3, i am curious if anyone has any experience in directly comparing the transmission of a manual non-M3 E90/92/93 with a manual M3 E90/92/93. I have read on forums that the gear ratios are different, the final drive ratio is different, and the clutch action is more direct. all this would lead to a more pleasant driving experience for the spirited manual driver. it would be great if someone could provide an evaluation of the differences between the two.
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