Hey 6MT guys - Anyone have experience with STi?

[ashtaron14]

The STi has a close ratio 6 Speed Box that confirms your every shift with a "shhup".

You typically will not find that type of precision/notchiness in European Saloons, but you will be able to comfortably drive around, and the shifter will be quiet and pleasing. It's just a different felling, way more classy.

[M3PO]

Originally Posted by Z K

I just leave the "power" button off. It changes all the engagement points and makes your life miserable as you're used to using normal all the time anyway.

Having owned all Japanese cars (Civic Si, 240SX, Evo 8, Evo X) with manual transmissions, the M3's 6MT is by far the worst manual I have ever driven. As others have mentioned, it is fine in every day driving but hard when driving fast.

I used to drive with it on all the time. You can get used to it. It was a bitch to learn to drive with it off.

OP, I personally think the 6MT in the M3 is pretty bad. I used to have a 350Z and if you know anything about 350Zs, you know that their transmissions suck. The M3 6MT is nearly identical IMO. I was really disappointed in it but I still prefer to row a manual.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by M3PO

I used to drive with it on all the time. You can get used to it. It was a bitch to learn to drive with it off.

That's fine. As long as you are used to it. I just don't like changing modes as you have to get used to the different throttle mapping.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by hieu1004

I owned a newer WRX and a 2011 STi - both manual transmissions. I had short shifter for the STi but it's stock with the M3, so the comparison for length of throw isn't fair. However, the STi shifter feels a bit more notchy than the M3. The M3 is much more smooth in comparison.

As far as power goes, the M3's V8 power is very linear (w/a very flat usable torque curve) so it does not "feel" as fast as the sudden spool of turbo, but it is definitely fast(er). I admit, having 18psi of boost on call is definitely great, but having a 400+ hp V8 is crazy fun - especially one that revs to 8300! With the STi, I had some suspension upgrades (RCE Yellows & Sways) and it still doesn't come near to the M3's handling characteristics and confidence. The STi is a bit more "raw" while the M3 is a lot more refined. One thing I miss is how easy it is to make power with a turbo, but it's not enough to make me go back.

The cars are very different and you'll just have to test drive one to see for yourself - it is a very different driving dynamic. Be warned, once you test drive one, you might have to buy it.

I concur 100% with this post. I had 4 suby STI's in a row before my M3. 03/06/09/2011 and I wish I keep my 2011 now. I miss the torque, AWD and cheap and easy mods to make it a little track monster. Ugly little bastards, but fun cars for sure! One of the best bang for the buck cars out there for sure.

[M3PO]

Originally Posted by Z K

That's fine. As long as you are used to it. I just don't like changing modes as you have to get used to the different throttle mapping.

I agree, that was my point. It's just preference based on what you've gotten used to.

[DARK_M3]

Originally Posted by M3PO

I agree, that was my point. It's just preference based on what you've gotten used to.

I just leave the key settings on "power" and "normal" now. I like a bit more hard feel (why I bought the car anyway). I'm getting used to it although it's still taking some getting used to when hard driving. Stop-n-go traffic seems like a breeze in the M3 whereas it totally sucked ass in my 370z. I don't really remember the Evo however I'm pretty sure it sucked too. But for hard driving nothing even comes close to the Z with that SRM engaged.

[Nine]

2 STI's here...

Had a 2005 STI for a few years, and a 2008 STI. I also owned an s2000, the s2000 being miles ahead of the STIs transmissions of the respective years.

In my STIs remember shifting mid-intersection , I'm so glad those days are gone. The s2000 had an amazing transmission, I was not impressed by the M3's 6spd...

[mot]

Imo, heel-toe is harder in M3 compared to WRX. I could be doing it incorrectly.

[Captain45]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

I concur 100% with this post. I had 4 suby STI's in a row before my M3. 03/06/09/2011 and I wish I keep my 2011 now. I miss the torque, AWD and cheap and easy mods to make it a little track monster. Ugly little bastards, but fun cars for sure! One of the best bang for the buck cars out there for sure.

Oh don't say that! No doubt an M3 is far superior in performance, build quality and handling but that is one of my fears, that I will miss the torque, boost and lack of a better word...funability (yep just made that up).

Do you have any experience with the 335is's? as far as its torque and exhilaration?

I would keep the STi but basically your last comment sums it all up, its an ugly bastard and doesnt fit well with my profession and the appearance it gives off.

[J!M]

Originally Posted by Captain45

Oh don't say that! No doubt an M3 is far superior in performance, build quality and handling but that is one of my fears, that I will miss the torque, boost and lack of a better word...funability (yep just made that up).

Do you have any experience with the 335is's? as far as its torque and exhilaration?

I would keep the STi but basically your last comment sums it all up, its an ugly bastard and doesnt fit well with my profession and the appearance it gives off.

I went from an 04 STi to an 08 335 to an 08 M3.

The STi was a ton of fun to toss around, and felt really fast around town with the super short first gear. It was great on track, but I got tired of commuting in it after 5 years.

The 335 was a much better daily driver, but not nearly as much fun to push past the limit. Soon after buying it, I decided to not mod it and just save my money for an M3.

The M3 delivers power much differently than the STi. the big hump in the torque curve makes the STi sometimes feel even faster than it is. While the flat torque curve of the M3 can sometimes make it feel slower than it actually is. The M3 is the best compromise car I have owned. It can be a comfortable daily driver, yet still a blast to throw around. My laps at VIR were similar in the 335 and STi. I'm much faster in the M3.

As for the shifters, the M3 transmission isn't great. The feel has a bit of a vaguness to it. On the plus side, it doesn't have the "slop" of the STi transmission. The STi stick could move 1/4" side to side while in gear.

Jim

[John Tanglewood]

Shifter is FAR superior to the STi. I had a WRX and my best friend had an STi (which I drove extensively), and the BMW shifter is like butter compared to the scooby.

[Gfunk720]

The STI shifter is much more direct and notchy. It's more finicky, but much shorter and provides quicker shifts. Especially with some shifter modifications. The clutch pedal is a bit heavier, but much easier to feel the engagement. I still have my 2005 STI, and love the gear box. Has all the Kartboy mods, and a slew of power.

The M3 is much smoother, and will do pretty much anything. The throws are long and a little numb feeling, but in general much more pleasant. You just can't get through the gears like you can in the STI. Still waiting to do any modifications to the M3.

I wanted a SMG car too, but it was too much of a transition from the STI. Needed at least 1 manual car in the fleet.

[Papa_Fresh]

I had an 07 STI stage 3 clutch w/ ST shifter, the m3 has more of a butter clutch with way smoother shifts, go MT i love my m3 clutch but I am putting it stage 2 and ST shifter soon.

[Dgarcia41982]

I can't speak for a sti but i came from a 08 modded evo X 350whp 339tq. The m3 is a little slower but it makes up for it in all around refinement. I don't miss my evo at all. To my my surprise the ///M Handles much better then the evo. Go for it you won't regret it. I have a 6mt. I can't compare it to dct but i don't care because without 3 pedals i feel naked. good luck bro

[the_road_less_traveled]

Originally Posted by bentone

+1, all is good except 1/2. 2nd gear engagement has a strange feel that is tough to describe and difficult to do well. 2/3 and 3/4 make up for it. But in general the entire experience is that your right hand is definitely attached to a V8, as in a recent Vette or GTO. Really interesting experience in a German car, and somehow more pronounced than in an E39 540 or M5. I'm a fan of Subarus and recall that the STI was immediately familiar, although it required less effort (clutch and throw) than most comparable performance cars which can sometimes translate to a lack of feel. Hands down the best shifting car I've driven was my 1M. Buttery perfection with a punch in the chest payoff. No comparison to the E90 soundtrack, but that's for another thread...

Ive seen several comment on the 1-2 engagement and was wondering if other drivers consistently miss 2nd gear and grind em? Anytime I drive it hard and shift in the upper rpm range, 2nd gear misses are guaranteed. Ive been driving manual transmissions for most of my driving life and never had a car with this problem. Taking it in be looked at Tuesday its so bad.

My question is, does anyone else experience this?

[italyix]

^^
When shifting in the upper rpm range and doing it fast, yes you will grind 2nd unless you give it a second for the synchros to line up.

[smmmurf]

I don't miss my sti one bit. Best decision to get rid of it. I had a blast but after 10 track days and countless mountain runs it was time to move on to something more challenging and better built. My manual m3 is fine. The sti ssk was good and felt more mechanical but had some serious play in the bushings which I understand could have been fixed with kartboy parts. Nothing comes close to the shifter in my s2k though.

[ES_TRADER]

I've driven a 2011 Sti. Power no where near m3 but I certainly like the short throw shifter better and much firmer clutch. The overall feeling of the shifting to me feels much more solid and firmer. Similar to s2k from what I remember. M3 shifter too light for a sports car. Dct is much better suited for this car IMO.

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by Dgarcia41982

I can't speak for a sti but i came from a 08 modded evo X 350whp 339tq. The m3 is a little slower but it makes up for it in all around refinement. I don't miss my evo at all. To my my surprise the ///M Handles much better then the evo. Go for it you won't regret it. I have a 6mt. I can't compare it to dct but i don't care because without 3 pedals i feel naked. good luck bro

Every time I drive my wife's car, I go for the clutch at a stop light the first few times. What can I say, I like driving with my feet...

Can others chime in with the mods they've done that they think improve the "feel" of our transmission?

I've never ground gears in mine, thankfully, but I have missed shifts, and I warn anyone who drives mine to take their time with gear changes.

Previous list (all manual, but not exactly impressive): '86 Camry, '91 Accord, '88 Acura Legend (loved this car), '05 Mazda 3s hatch. Yes, I've moved up considerably...