CDV; 1st to 2nd is a problem

[JCtx]

Tranny will get better after a few thousand miles, but will never be Porsche smooth. Even Honda manuals are notchy on the 1-2 shift, but less than BMW for sure. And all Tremecs are quite notchy too. Nature of the beast.

Bottom line is you'll always have to devote more time to the 1-2 shift (milliseconds more). Don't rush it and you'll never have an issue. Not a big deal at all for most of us. If you want the quickest shifting time, should have gotten a DCT. But the pleasure of driving a manual is well worth is unless you're racing competitively IMO.

Even with its idiosyncrasies, I rate the M3 a 9 out of 10 (10 being best available, not perfect), just behind Porsche (10). And the M3 has better feel than Porsche, which feels rubbery as hell, but still precise. After switching to RP Synchromax fluid, I'd actually give it a 9.5, due to that slight notchiness in 2nd and 5th. Those wanting quick shifts might rate it lower, but that doesn't bother me. Good day.

[OC ///M]

Now on my third 6MT e92, here are my thoughts on this:

• make sure the car and transmission are nicely warmed up before attempting the money 1-2.
• syncros seem to line up better at higher rpm on the 1-2 shift.
• There is definitely a technique to hit it right.
• Use this running-in period to break-in the tranny by exercising the gears at varying rpms...yes, it's a little noisy in the beginning.
• If broken-in properly prior, the initial diff fluid change does help.
• 6MT rewards far outweigh this one quirk.

[gemini330zhp]

Just learn how to drive the car again. All your M3s were SMG and DCT I am not surprised you are complaining about a driving a manual M3. It just needs to break in and it will drive fine. Besides you need to get used to your new car.

[gemini330zhp]

Originally Posted by OC ///M

Now on my third 6MT e92, here are my thoughts on this:

• make sure the car and transmission are nicely warmed up before attempting the money 1-2.
• syncros seem to line up better at higher rpm on the 1-2 shift.
• There is definitely a technique to hit it right.
• Use this running-in period to break-in the tranny by exercising the gears at varying rpms...yes, it's a little noisy in the beginning.
• If broken-in properly prior, the initial diff fluid change does help.
• 6MT rewards far outweigh this one quirk.

[bishop4142]

Thank you for all the good and honest feedback. The 1200 service is coming up this week and hopefully it helps. Other then that I guess I'll have to get use to it...

[SenorFunkyPants]

I can sympathize with you...I had a loaner MT while my DCT was in for a service and I didn't find it to be a great experience at all, the transmission is recalcitrant and quite unrewarding.
I suspect that the principle problem most have with the 1-2 shift (at any rpm) is trying to shift too quickly.

[xquisit]

Interesting thread

I don't even know how to drive manual well, and was hoping to save up for my first car with MT (yes an M car).

I'm not sure what to be worried about, but it seems the 1->2 shift is not a huge deal from the posts I've read.

[GreasyGinzo]

People who have problems with 1-2 shift in this car can't drive stick or they are getting ahead of their skills

[gthal]

Originally Posted by GreasyGinzo

People who have problems with 1-2 shift in this car can't drive stick or they are getting ahead of their skills

Sorry but you are wrong. There are a lot of skilled MT drivers here who complain about the first to second shift as being notchy and problematic on many M3s. If yours isn't that way then good for you but don't judge others and their abilities based on 1-2 gear shift complaints and issues. It is a real issue for many cars.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by piloto

There's no CDV in the M3's clutch.

ARE you sure? I thought ALL BMW's used a CDV in the 6MT hydraulic clutch circiut/line. ?



Acording to RealOEM.com for an e92 M3...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...08&hg=21&fg=10

part #13 in the bellow photo... Lock Valve... # 21522283914



This same part is also used in a 325iX touring. All other BMW's use a CDV.



I did not see any e9x M3 listed in the imfamous Zeckhausen FAQ.

http://www.zeckhausen.com/CDV.htm

Has anyone taken their "lock valve" or CDV out of their car and had a look for the (little) jet inside of it? Why is it that "other" M models have used a CDV but not the e9x M3's ???


Dackel

[richardg]

my 1-2 shift is just fine. It's my 4-5 that's a pain in the ass. Probably user error. Don't know why I can't seem to get 4-5 right when I am trying to get my hypermile on at 45 mpg around town

[Titanium Silver]

You might want to practice more or get your car checked out at the dealership. I've heard about people having trouble with the 1 - 2 shift with the 6 MT.

When I first got the car it took a few days to get a smooth 1 - 2 shift, but it had nothing to do with the throw between gears. It is a little jerky getting used to the higher engagement point of the clutch.

Now, shifting is fast and smooth between all gears.

If you have a difficult time actually getting the shifter from 1st into 2nd gear, there might be something wrong with shifter/transmission. If the shift is jerky, it will just take some practice.

Good luck.

[IPvFletch]

Please keep us updated, this will be good to know what happens. Esp. if it's the initial oil only...

[signes]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

ARE you sure? I thought ALL BMW's used a CDV in the 6MT hydraulic clutch circiut/line. ?



Acording to RealOEM.com for an e92 M3...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...08&hg=21&fg=10

part #13 in the bellow photo... Lock Valve... # 21522283914

Attachment 554488

This same part is also used in a 325iX touring. All other BMW's use a CDV.



I did not see any e9x M3 listed in the imfamous Zeckhausen FAQ.

http://www.zeckhausen.com/CDV.htm

Has anyone taken their "lock valve" or CDV out of their car and had a look for the (little) jet inside of it? Why is it that "other" M models have used a CDV but not the e9x M3's ???


Dackel

There is a picture around here from a few years ago where somebody removed it and there was no valve, so no CDV.

[a burrito]

There is no denying that the 1-2 shift on the m3 is notchy.

To improve this car in clutch feel and shifts, change your knob to the zhp knob and take out the clutch spring.

[Blk07335i]

I know this sounds funny but for me the way I hold the gear shift knob makes a big difference. I grab it so my palm is flat on the top of the knob. Try experimenting with different grips and also try shifting at higher RPMs. Not always practical but it does help.

[onnex]

it gets better. really hated the MT when I first got it, but at 3500 miles it's already much smoother. half from breaking-in and half from just adjusting to it. just be a little patient with it in the beginning

[GT3 Tim]

A bad synchro will cause that problem, especially at high rpms.

Most likely, it's user error. However, I had a 3rd gear synchro go bad in my GT3. The only time it would surface was when I was "getting on it".

If the problem persists, have it checked out.

[goldminer]

Originally Posted by signes

There is a picture around here from a few years ago where somebody removed it and there was no valve, so no CDV.

Scroll through the link:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...&highlight=CDV

In particular read post #6.

[gixxer_kidd]

I don't understand why everyone is doubting the OP and saying it's user error. This is my 3rd m3 (2 e46s and currently e92) all 6 speeds. The 1-2 shift has always been notchy in these cars.

There's a 13 page thread that discusses it over here:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ight=1st+grind

[chmura]

I test drove a M3 6MT and I did not find anything wrong. I even went WOT from 1st to 2nd gear and nothing.

I also tend to believe its more the person driving then the actual car.

I ordered a 6MT.

[ManAndMachine]

Do a couple of track days and it will improve big time..These transmissions are built to take a pounding and need to be broken in properly.Street driving is not going to cut it for at least 10K miles.If you want quick results,hit the track and let her rip