Luggy shifting in E92 6MT, any tips?

fongpi · 07-16-2013, 01:45 AM

I'm fairly inexperienced with manual transmissions and have been getting luggy and inconsistent shifts between 1st and 3rd gears in my E92 6MT. Sometimes it's smooth, other times it's not so pimp. Can someone provide some tips on how to get the cleanest smoothest shifts?

For some strange reason, I get the smoothest shift when I let the clutch out, as I shift it into gear (or that's how it feels at least). When I depress the clutch, shift, gas it and THEN let the clutch out, I get clunks.

Thanks in advance!

DOUT · 07-16-2013, 02:22 AM

Make sure the clutch is fully depressed while shifting. You can easily grind your gears/mess with the syncros.
Honestly, the best way to get smooth is to drive a lot in many different situations/areas and build muscle memory in your leg for the clutch movement.
Try getting a clutch stop, it makes it much easier

2nd gear is also pretty funky in almost any 6MT m3

SenorFunkyPants · 07-16-2013, 02:30 AM

Have someone with plenty of MT experience show you?

JoeKixxon · 07-16-2013, 03:11 AM

I came from a Mazda3 MT to a 6MT M3 and had a similar experience with clunky shifts. Especially from 1st to 2nd.

Try shifting with your fingertips rather than your fist, and let the shifter drop into 2nd just before you engage the clutch. Slammin it through the gears is fun, but in light traffic this method gives me the smoothest ride.

I also agree that muscle memory will kick in and you'll automatically (heehee) get better with practice.

Shoney41 · 07-16-2013, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fongpi

I'm fairly inexperienced with manual transmissions and have been getting luggy and inconsistent shifts between 1st and 3rd gears in my E92 6MT. Sometimes it's smooth, other times it's not so pimp. Can someone provide some tips on how to get the cleanest smoothest shifts?

For some strange reason, I get the smoothest shift when I let the clutch out, as I shift it into gear (or that's how it feels at least). When I depress the clutch, shift, gas it and THEN let the clutch out, I get clunks.

Thanks in advance!

From what I am reading I think you get these "clunks" because you are giving it throttle BEFORE letting the clutch out. Until you get better with the timing, try simply completing the shift and then get back on the throttle. Also, you will find that the car shifts better and buckles less once the engine is warmed up. Good luck!

atopa2002 · 07-16-2013, 07:23 AM

The engagement point or the take up point of the clutch is so high that you don't have to fully depress the clutch except when starting the engine.

I use the level of left foot rest panel as a reference point to know the clutch is fully disengage to shift ,this helps to shift faster and there are less clunks

So practice ,don't lift your foot too quickly from the clutch no less than a second, as you become more experienced to will become faster at shifting.

jonasaurus · 07-16-2013, 07:42 AM

As far as clutches go different car makes/models will have different characteristics such as 'bite point'. In the end comes down to practice (as stated above in prior posts).

N1COM3 · 07-16-2013, 08:43 AM

I came from driving a Honda Civic to a M3. And I feel the shifts are smoother on my civic. Lol. (I think I'm just used to it more)

Here are my experiences with a 2013 6MT M3:
- 1st to 2nd isn't smooth and sometimes it is
- after engine has warmed up the shifts are better
- after my break-in service (trans oil change) the shifts got a little better
- shifts are a little better after the swapping to the M5 shift knob
- i feel with the power button on it helps a little bit

I bought the clutch stop a while ago. I havent put it on yet. Ive read somewhere that the 2013 doesn't need it. Can someone confirm this?

thekurgan · 07-16-2013, 08:46 AM

What is your shift rpm? Try raising it if it's < 3500. Are you accelerating when shifting or just cruising? I find the car likes to be under acceleration and the shifts are crisp as well as shifting at a higher rpm.

mdosu · 07-16-2013, 09:34 AM

I'm sorry but your adjectives doesn't make sense to me:

"luggy", "pimp", "clunks"?

Are you just having a hard time finding the clutch's "bite point" to let the clutch in without experiencing jerkiness? It's at a different point in each gear.

fongpi · 07-16-2013, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

I'm sorry but your adjectives doesn't make sense to me:

"luggy", "pimp", "clunks"?

Are you just having a hard time finding the clutch's "bite point" to let the clutch in without experiencing jerkiness? It's at a different point in each gear.

Sorry upon reading the thread the word "clunk" is definitely more descriptive. Clunkiness, is not very "pimp" when there are girls riding shotgun

I just got the car and the only female that has ridden shotgun is my Mom, but I think I'll be ready prime time soon!

JFWM3 · 07-16-2013, 05:30 PM

The friction point and clutch take up on the car is a bit odd.

That said, when I was 16 my Dad used to say drive like there's an egg between your foot and the pedals.

Hope that helps.

W/// · 07-16-2013, 05:45 PM

Do you have the stock knob? If so, get the ZHP. The throws on the stock one was too long for me.

1MOREMOD · 07-16-2013, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fongpi

Sorry upon reading the thread the word "clunk" is definitely more descriptive. Clunkiness, is not very "pimp" when there are girls riding shotgun

I just got the car and the only female that has ridden shotgun is my Mom, but I think I'll be ready prime time soon!

i live at home with my mom too so she can buy some of my mods.

mdosu · 07-16-2013, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

i live at home with my mom too so she can buy some of my mods.

when you take her for a ride in your M3, does her head jerk back and forth? If so, you can't drive a 6MT, and will need practice.

1MOREMOD · 07-16-2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

when you take her for a ride in your M3, does her head jerk back and forth? If so, you can't drive a 6MT, and will need practice.

no usually more of a bob.

mdosu · 07-16-2013, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

no usually more of a bob.

so is she impressed with the ride or the high school chicks are more impressed?

Mr. ///M3 RD · 07-16-2013, 06:56 PM

Just

mdosu · 07-16-2013, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

no usually more of a bob.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. ///M3 RD

Just

are we entertaining you rolf?

1MOREMOD · 07-16-2013, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

so is she impressed with the ride or the high school chicks are more impressed?

mostly high school boys which you might be able to use to your advantage.

mdosu · 07-16-2013, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

mostly high school boys which you might be able to use to your advantage.

interesting...i do use them as drug mule access into local high schools

catherineanh · 07-16-2013, 07:29 PM

you just described the way i drive 6mt perfectly. glad i'm not the only one!

07-16-2013, 01:45 AM	#1
fongpi Jedi Poltergeist 39 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW M3 6MT ZCP Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	Luggy shifting in E92 6MT, any tips? I'm fairly inexperienced with manual transmissions and have been getting luggy and inconsistent shifts between 1st and 3rd gears in my E92 6MT. Sometimes it's smooth, other times it's not so pimp. Can someone provide some tips on how to get the cleanest smoothest shifts? For some strange reason, I get the smoothest shift when I let the clutch out, as I shift it into gear (or that's how it feels at least). When I depress the clutch, shift, gas it and THEN let the clutch out, I get clunks. Thanks in advance!
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07-16-2013, 02:22 AM	#2
DOUT Captain 56 Rep 783 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	Make sure the clutch is fully depressed while shifting. You can easily grind your gears/mess with the syncros. Honestly, the best way to get smooth is to drive a lot in many different situations/areas and build muscle memory in your leg for the clutch movement. Try getting a clutch stop, it makes it much easier 2nd gear is also pretty funky in almost any 6MT m3 __________________ 2021 M3 6MT Brooklyn Grey/Silverstone Previous: 2009 335i ZMP 2013 M3 6MT ZCP Space Grey/Fox Red
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07-16-2013, 02:30 AM	#3
SenorFunkyPants Brigadier General 2511 Rep 4,381 Posts Drives: 2019 M5 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Have someone with plenty of MT experience show you?
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07-16-2013, 03:11 AM	#4
JoeKixxon Captain 715 Rep 746 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Sakhir Orange on Black Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (0)	I came from a Mazda3 MT to a 6MT M3 and had a similar experience with clunky shifts. Especially from 1st to 2nd. Try shifting with your fingertips rather than your fist, and let the shifter drop into 2nd just before you engage the clutch. Slammin it through the gears is fun, but in light traffic this method gives me the smoothest ride. I also agree that muscle memory will kick in and you'll automatically (heehee) get better with practice.
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07-16-2013, 07:23 AM	#6
atopa2002 Lieutenant 204 Rep 542 Posts Drives: Z3M, 2013 e92 M3, F15 X5 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Richmond,VA iTrader: (2)	The engagement point or the take up point of the clutch is so high that you don't have to fully depress the clutch except when starting the engine. I use the level of left foot rest panel as a reference point to know the clutch is fully disengage to shift ,this helps to shift faster and there are less clunks So practice ,don't lift your foot too quickly from the clutch no less than a second, as you become more experienced to will become faster at shifting.
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07-16-2013, 07:42 AM	#7
jonasaurus Brigadier General 76 Rep 3,178 Posts Drives: E90 M3 [Sold] Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	As far as clutches go different car makes/models will have different characteristics such as 'bite point'. In the end comes down to practice (as stated above in prior posts). __________________ ///M3 \| E90 LCI \| Space Grey \| Fox Red with CF Structure \| 6MT \| 260M \| My build
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07-16-2013, 08:43 AM	#8
N1COM3 Private First Class 6 Rep 112 Posts Drives: LMB E92 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Hampton Roads, VA iTrader: (0)	I came from driving a Honda Civic to a M3. And I feel the shifts are smoother on my civic. Lol. (I think I'm just used to it more) Here are my experiences with a 2013 6MT M3: - 1st to 2nd isn't smooth and sometimes it is - after engine has warmed up the shifts are better - after my break-in service (trans oil change) the shifts got a little better - shifts are a little better after the swapping to the M5 shift knob - i feel with the power button on it helps a little bit I bought the clutch stop a while ago. I havent put it on yet. Ive read somewhere that the 2013 doesn't need it. Can someone confirm this?
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07-16-2013, 08:46 AM	#9
thekurgan Bad Lieutenant 233 Rep 3,517 Posts Drives: E90M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	What is your shift rpm? Try raising it if it's < 3500. Are you accelerating when shifting or just cruising? I find the car likes to be under acceleration and the shifts are crisp as well as shifting at a higher rpm. __________________ 02 E39M5 \| TiAg/Schwartz \| Tubi Rumore \| Ultimate Ti Pedals \| E60 SSK \| Jim Blanton 3.45 40/100% \| Coby Alcantara \| StrongStrut STB
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07-16-2013, 09:34 AM	#10
mdosu Banned 314 Rep 8,496 Posts Drives: Double Vanos'd Civic-M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (6)	I'm sorry but your adjectives doesn't make sense to me: "luggy", "pimp", "clunks"? Are you just having a hard time finding the clutch's "bite point" to let the clutch in without experiencing jerkiness? It's at a different point in each gear.
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07-16-2013, 05:30 PM	#12
JFWM3 JFWE92M3 97 Rep 397 Posts Drives: F06 M6 Gran Coupe 6MT Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: D'Town, Michigan iTrader: (2)	The friction point and clutch take up on the car is a bit odd. That said, when I was 16 my Dad used to say drive like there's an egg between your foot and the pedals. Hope that helps. __________________ ____________________________ E92 /// M3 6MT, 997.2 Porsche GT3, B8.5 Audi S4 6MT, WK2 Jeep SRT, 991.2 Targa TechArt 6MT - All Sold F06 /// M6 Gran Coupe Individual 6MT
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07-16-2013, 05:45 PM	#13
W/// Lieutenant General 7515 Rep 12,313 Posts Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (13)	Do you have the stock knob? If so, get the ZHP. The throws on the stock one was too long for me. __________________ Current: 16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT 08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT 07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT 99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
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07-16-2013, 06:56 PM	#18
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 614 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	Just __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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07-16-2013, 07:29 PM	#22
catherineanh Captain 71 Rep 883 Posts Drives: 2014 435xi M Sport Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Montreal iTrader: (1)	you just described the way i drive 6mt perfectly. glad i'm not the only one!
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