BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Drivetrain, ECU Software Modifications
 
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-28-2008, 02:06 PM   #1
footie
Major General
footie's Avatar
No_Country
1072
Rep
8,008
Posts

Drives: i4M50
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: No where fast

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Ultimate guide to 6MT

Ultimate guide to 6MT

This thread is for you members with manual M3s to post comments on ownership with the traditional 3 pedal transmission from BMW. Please post comments that not only explain what is exciting about living with the system but also what annoys you about the system, as after all this thread's purpose is to help would be customers pick the right transmission for them.

Feel free to write as little or as much as you like but please keep to the facts of what's good and bad and please put a summary of the plus and minus points at the end of each post.

Thanks for your support.

Footie.
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2008, 05:40 PM   #2
Gemcoska
Sleepy Member, wishing I was on the road.
Gemcoska's Avatar
34
Rep
280
Posts

Drives: 2008 BMW M3
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Redondo Beach, CA

iTrader: (0)

Weirdly enough I wish the clutch was heavier. I get a little bit of rebound when I mis clutch. Its only day 2 driving the car, so I probably just have to get used to a light clutch and all that HP!

I love the 6th gear!!!

The throw seems a little long in between gears but I haven't tried slamming the gears yet since I'm still 986 miles from the end of break-in. I just figured it would be a short shift.

Much easier to get into reverse than my old 325is.

All in all, 6MT is the perfect way to enjoy this car.
__________________
2003 Ducati '996
2008 M3: Sparking Graphite, Red Fox Standard, 19s, Premium pkg, Tech pkg, Premium Enhanced Sound, HD Radio, Heated Front Seats.
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2008, 05:49 PM   #3
J08M3
Major General
J08M3's Avatar
United_States
285
Rep
6,007
Posts

Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NEW YORK

iTrader: (8)

Personally I like having a clutch. Although DCT may be faster and the new cool thing to have, and possibly the way of the future. I like the feel of shifting gears in a MT car. I don't really see the need to shift gears any faster/or smoother than I already can in this car, this car is plenty fast already for the street. Plus less people ask to drive it.. still surprises me how many people can't drive a car with a MT.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2008, 12:44 AM   #4
schnell325
Bored at work....
schnell325's Avatar
Canada
887
Rep
5,378
Posts

Drives: 2016 F82 M4 GTS//2022 M235iGC
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Comox Valley

iTrader: (8)

Likes:
1. excellent gear ratios.
2. 3rd gear is beautiful....pulls from 30 kph all the way to, well, a nice sized speeding ticket.
3. smooth delivery once you master the fly by wire throttle.
4. reverse is easy to get into.
5. the pedals are just right for heel-toe down-shifting for me.
6. sounds weird, but the transmission just "feels" strong.
7. low rpms at highway speed limits.

Dislikes:
1. the clutch is a little too light for my taste.
2. throws are a tad too long relative to my ssk'd 325i and former STi.
__________________
Grey Matter:2008 E92 M3:608/425. SG/PS SOLD!
Dark Matter:2015 F80 M3:495/505. SOLD!
Anti Matter :2016 F82 M4 GTS
What next?!? A 2022 M235i GC- I must be getting old

Last edited by schnell325; 05-29-2008 at 02:30 AM..
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2008, 01:36 AM   #5
footie
Major General
footie's Avatar
No_Country
1072
Rep
8,008
Posts

Drives: i4M50
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: No where fast

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Guys,

Thanks for the early responses and they are all appreciated but may I provide a link to the post left by one of the member on the M-DCT as how I feel best informs potential customers.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...45&postcount=6

Once again thanks for your help.

Footie.
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2008, 02:41 PM   #6
footie
Major General
footie's Avatar
No_Country
1072
Rep
8,008
Posts

Drives: i4M50
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: No where fast

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by schnell325 View Post
Likes:
1. excellent gear ratios.
2. 3rd gear is beautiful....pulls from 30 kph all the way to, well, a nice sized speeding ticket.
3. smooth delivery once you master the fly by wire throttle.
4. reverse is easy to get into.
5. the pedals are just right for heel-toe down-shifting for me.
6. sounds weird, but the transmission just "feels" strong.
7. low rpms at highway speed limits.

Dislikes:
1. the clutch is a little too light for my taste.
2. throws are a tad too long relative to my ssk'd 325i and former STi.
Thanks schnell325,

This is the kind of responses needed.
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2008, 06:44 PM   #7
clutch_rocket
New Member
clutch_rocket's Avatar
United_States
1
Rep
15
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 M3, Jet Black
Join Date: May 2008
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

There is nothing like a real maual transmission and like J08M3 said who cares if the DCT is a touch faster you have way more controll than some dinkey computer. The only real complaint I have with the system is the throw between gears you'd think an M whould have a real short distance.But then again I'm comming of a short throw on an 1983 323I
__________________
If you even look at the engine it'ell kill you-Jeremy Clarkson(M3 CSL)
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2008, 06:49 PM   #8
!Xoible
Banned
United_States
823
Rep
46,029
Posts

Drives: ....
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: .

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2008 M3  [4.00]
2007 335i  [9.00]
2008 528i  [8.00]
2006 Infiniti - G35 ...  [8.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by schnell325 View Post
Likes:
1. excellent gear ratios.
2. 3rd gear is beautiful....pulls from 30 kph all the way to, well, a nice sized speeding ticket.
3. smooth delivery once you master the fly by wire throttle.
4. reverse is easy to get into.
5. the pedals are just right for heel-toe down-shifting for me.
6. sounds weird, but the transmission just "feels" strong.
7. low rpms at highway speed limits.

Dislikes:
1. the clutch is a little too light for my taste.
2. throws are a tad too long relative to my ssk'd 325i and former STi.
thanks for saving me some typing
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2008, 08:19 PM   #9
Epacy
Reincarnated
Epacy's Avatar
245
Rep
4,227
Posts

Drives: 02 Maxima SE
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by footie View Post
Guys,

Thanks for the early responses and they are all appreciated but may I provide a link to the post left by one of the member on the M-DCT as how I feel best informs potential customers.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...45&postcount=6

Once again thanks for your help.

Footie.
Not so sure about that.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2008, 11:52 AM   #10
swamp2
Lieutenant General
swamp2's Avatar
United_States
609
Rep
10,407
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Diego, CA USA

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by southlight View Post
What do you have to say about MT?
Quote:
Originally Posted by schnell325 View Post
Likes:
1. excellent gear ratios.
2. 3rd gear is beautiful....pulls from 30 kph all the way to, well, a nice sized speeding ticket.
As great as 3rd and the overall ratios are in the 6MT they are closer spaced and 3rd in particular is geared substantially better for acceleration in the M-DCT. Bring on the flames... Just trying to be purely factual here.
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2008, 02:12 PM   #11
swamp2
Lieutenant General
swamp2's Avatar
United_States
609
Rep
10,407
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Diego, CA USA

iTrader: (3)

Look guys, like I stated, purely factual. No argument nor inflamatory nor false statements have been made. Everyone is way too sensitive here (a bit like the M3 vs. 335i debates). I find it immensely ironic that footie wishes to limit this thread to comments from 6MT owners only and he is not one of them. As well since he began the thread I was adhereing to his wishes that I not participate. However, south, a very long term memeber and one I respect very much asked me directly what I had to to say, so I complied.

There is no degeneration here, no negativity, no battles nor arguments. Simply a comment from me based on something someone likes very much about 6MT that they may like substantially better in the other option.

Footie likely woud not but I strongly encourage folks who have any experience with either 6MT or M-DCT to chime in in the corresponding M-DCT thread to any relevant advantages with 6MT.

Cheers.
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2008, 02:25 PM   #12
footie
Major General
footie's Avatar
No_Country
1072
Rep
8,008
Posts

Drives: i4M50
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: No where fast

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
What can I say, but.
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2008, 02:27 PM   #13
Epacy
Reincarnated
Epacy's Avatar
245
Rep
4,227
Posts

Drives: 02 Maxima SE
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by swamp2 View Post
Look guys, like I stated, purely factual. No argument nor inflamatory nor false statements have been made. Everyone is way too sensitive here (a bit like the M3 vs. 335i debates). I find it immensely ironic that footie wishes to limit this thread to comments from 6MT owners only and he is not one of them. As well since he began the thread I was adhereing to his wishes that I not participate. However, south, a very long term memeber and one I respect very much asked me directly what I had to to say, so I complied.

There is no degeneration here, no negativity, no battles nor arguments. Simply a comment from me based on something someone likes very much about 6MT that they may like substantially better in the other option.

Footie likely woud not but I strongly encourage folks who have any experience with either 6MT or M-DCT to chime in in the corresponding M-DCT thread to any relevant advantages with 6MT.

Cheers.
Incase you missed it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Epacy View Post
Let it go Swamp.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-18-2008, 01:56 PM   #14
slikk66
Private
slikk66's Avatar
22
Rep
94
Posts

Drives: 2013 F10 535i M-Sport
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: burbank, ca

iTrader: (0)

Im liking the MT very much, one thing I can't seem to do is a full power shift from 1st-2nd above 6500 RPM or so. That is: never lift gas, just lift my left knee and kick the clutch as I slam the gear. At around 3500-5k, 1st-2nd is no problem, and 2-3 never is a problem even at 8k.. but i finally had to give up on 1-2 in that manner and settle for IN-SHIFT-OUT.

Man i did a couple of really mean mis-shifts =/ Anyone else having same problem?

Also, I haven't driven a M-DCT but my 2-3 shift is pretty damn fast.. cant imagine it can do it much faster.
__________________
BMW History (what's with the gray?):
2003 330 CI - Sterling Gray / Blk Leather - 5 MT
2005 330 CI ZHP - Sparkling Graphite / Blk Alcantara - 6 MT
2008 E92 M3 Coupe (FINALLY) - Space Gray / Blk Leather - 6 MT
2013 F10 535i M-Sport - Space Gray / Blk Leather
Appreciate 0
      06-18-2008, 02:08 PM   #15
lucid
Major General
lucid's Avatar
United_States
374
Rep
8,033
Posts

Drives: E30 M3; Expedition
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

What happened to this thread? First time I'm reading it, and it looks like the aftermath of some kind of war, with disjoint posts?

Anyway, just here to express the observation that at 3200 miles the tranmission feels MUCH smoother. I suspect it will keep on getting better for another 5000 or so?
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-18-2008, 05:03 PM   #16
!Xoible
Banned
United_States
823
Rep
46,029
Posts

Drives: ....
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: .

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2008 M3  [4.00]
2007 335i  [9.00]
2008 528i  [8.00]
2006 Infiniti - G35 ...  [8.00]
any thread that revolves around transmission is bound to die and lose it's purpose on the first page
Appreciate 0
      06-25-2008, 02:15 PM   #17
AJBoston
Private
United_States
7
Rep
99
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Boston, MA, USA

iTrader: (0)

My thoughts on the 6MT so far:
  • At 2,000 miles, it's noticeably smoother and more precise than when new... it actually seemed smoother immediately after the 1,200mi fluid change, and has continued to get smoother since
  • I wish the throw was about 30% shorter
  • 3rd is the money backroads gear, allowing a speed range from down around 40 to well in excess of any U.S. speed limit
  • Heel-toe rev matching on downshifts is hard for me to execute well in "Normal" throttle mode because I have to tap in quite a bit of pedal travel and put my foot in an unnatural position
  • "Power" throttle mode gives me the best mix of throttle response and smoothness in most driving situations
  • Shift feel ranks somewhere in between the rubbery feel of an Audi S4/S5, and the machined precision of a Boxster S
  • Let's be honest, the ladies dig a guy who can manhandle 414hp through a six-speed ;-)
Appreciate 0
      06-26-2008, 10:25 AM   #18
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
New Motto

"6MT, no lag, no waiting!"
__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
Appreciate 0
      06-26-2008, 10:27 AM   #19
BRDHNTR
Ground Pilot
BRDHNTR's Avatar
United_States
41
Rep
548
Posts

Drives: e92 BMW M3
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Waverly, PA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2002 M3  [0.00]
2008 e92 M3  [0.00]
I love how people talk about 3rd gear to be "well in excess of any U.S. speed limit" or it will get you a "nice sized speeding ticket". The fact is that in the wrong state on the wrong road; 3rd gear can get you arrested!

Luckily I have never been caught while in the business part of 3rd gear, especially since I never worried about this when I was 16-18 in my first car where 3rd gear took me up to 120mph.
__________________
"The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with DSC." - BMW Owner's Manual

Appreciate 0
      07-24-2008, 12:00 PM   #20
Herms
First Lieutenant
26
Rep
395
Posts

Drives: '15 M235i
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LA. CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ///Mantis View Post
thanks for saving me some typing
+1
Appreciate 0
      07-24-2008, 12:45 PM   #21
!Xoible
Banned
United_States
823
Rep
46,029
Posts

Drives: ....
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: .

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2008 M3  [4.00]
2007 335i  [9.00]
2008 528i  [8.00]
2006 Infiniti - G35 ...  [8.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon View Post
"6MT, no lag, no waiting!"
unless im driving
Appreciate 0
      07-24-2008, 01:16 PM   #22
KonigsTiger
Racying Dynamics
KonigsTiger's Avatar
118
Rep
4,391
Posts

Drives: E92M3 RS46 Club Sport, others
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Dweller

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by slikk66 View Post
Im liking the MT very much, one thing I can't seem to do is a full power shift from 1st-2nd above 6500 RPM or so. That is: never lift gas, just lift my left knee and kick the clutch as I slam the gear. At around 3500-5k, 1st-2nd is no problem, and 2-3 never is a problem even at 8k.. but i finally had to give up on 1-2 in that manner and settle for IN-SHIFT-OUT.

Man i did a couple of really mean mis-shifts =/ Anyone else having same problem?

Also, I haven't driven a M-DCT but my 2-3 shift is pretty damn fast.. cant imagine it can do it much faster.
Do you guys recomend power shifting? I´ve never done this!!! Does it help?

I´m also still getting used to heel-toe rev matching on downshifts. I find it hard as well but when I get it right, its fabulous.
__________________
==================================================
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:28 AM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST