How to prevent mis-shift/over-rev at track?

[wwjd15]

I did my first track day in M3 yesterday. I had problem with shifting because the engine/exhaust sound was so damn quiet and couldn't find the right angle to look at the rev indicator.
Wonder what's the solution for this other than running louder exhaust set up?

[saeedg48]

megan racing exhaust and bmw performance steering-wheel with shift lights.
if you really want to go crazy get an x-pipe too.

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by wwjd15

I did my first track day in M3 yesterday. I had problem with shifting because the engine/exhaust sound was so damn quiet and couldn't find the right angle to look at the rev indicator.
Wonder what's the solution for this other than running louder exhaust set up?

Shift slowly and with deliberate precision. By the time the rev indicator says you're in the wrong gear, or your ears for that matter, you're engine is finished.

You can't make the mistake in the first place.

[rzm3]

Do you have DCT or 6MT?

In either case I think the best solution is to determine a plan for shifting up/down throughout the race track. It's just like how you would have brake markers before turns.

[wwjd15]

Originally Posted by JAJ

Shift slowly and with deliberate precision. By the time the rev indicator says you're in the wrong gear, or your ears for that matter, you're engine is finished.

You can't make the mistake in the first place.

Sorry for not explaining clearly, I only had problem with upshifting.

[wwjd15]

Originally Posted by rldzhao

Do you have DCT or 6MT?

In either case I think the best solution is to determine a plan for shifting up/down on the race track. It's just like how you would have brake markers before a turn.

It's DCT. The power deliveries sooo smooth that I can't figure out where the rev is at without looking at it.

[R A W L S]

The shift warning lights should be the answer. But I've always been frustrated with their location. They are too far below line of site, and they are completely worthless while cornering because my hands get in the way. the performance steering wheel is great but expensive. Anyway, sorry, not much advice here, just commiserating. Best advise was given above concerning identifying shift points along the track. Best.

[LiM3y]

I was thinking about one of these:
http://store.traqmate.com/Shift-I-Shift-Light-s/48.htm
http://store.traqmate.com/Shift-I-Flat-p/500003.htm

[MaxL]

Originally Posted by wwjd15

It's DCT. The power deliveries sooo smooth that I can't figure out where the rev is at without looking at it.

If it's DCT, you cannot mis-shift or overrev. On upshift, you can only bounce of the rev limiter. It is not too bad for the car, probably no harm at all, just slows you down.

I managed to adjust the position of the steering wheel so that the lights are always visible. I can see the lights with peripheral vision without taking my eyes off the track, so it can be done with some practice. In fact, some racers memorize revs at particular points of the track and compare them to adjust braking points etc., and this involves actually seeing the numbers on the tachometer while racing. So try to improve your peripheral vision with training.

[wwjd15]

Thank you guys. I thought there's some sort of LED steering wheel would work with DTC M3's. I guess I should just learn the shifting points at the track.

[LiM3y]

I think the performance steering wheel has shift lights.

[RickyBobby]

I'm suprised at how many people have chimed in here suggesting aids such as shift lights. As a driving coach, I would insist that you use your peripheral vision to monitor your surroundings. Tach and gauges in included!

[Radiation Joe]

Originally Posted by wwjd15

It's DCT. The power deliveries sooo smooth that I can't figure out where the rev is at without looking at it.

I had a huge problem with this the first time I took the 2009 DCT out. I was constantly bouncing off the limiter. The car was just too quiet. It took several sessions for me to figure out my shift points based on memory (Watkins Glen).

The new car seems to be easier to hear. I noticed it was louder than the 2009 the first time I got in it. Hopefully, when I get it to the track, I won't totally embarass myself again. Since this one is a 6sp, I'll have to figure out my shift points all-over again.

[Brosef]

Originally Posted by rldzhao

Do you have DCT or 6MT?

In either case I think the best solution is to determine a plan for shifting up/down throughout the race track. It's just like how you would have brake markers before turns.

totally agree. shift points throughout the course shouldn't change from lap to lap.

[adc]

Originally Posted by Brosef

totally agree. shift points throughout the course shouldn't change from lap to lap.

But they can change from wet/dry, or even when you're experimenting in changing conditions.

I'm from the old school of thought that you should be able to always hear what the engine is doing. I'm installing a louder exhaust - not just for track, the car has amazing sound potential. Hopefully it will be loud enough...

[BRDHNTR]

Originally Posted by Radiation Joe

I had a huge problem with this the first time I took the 2009 DCT out. I was constantly bouncing off the limiter. The car was just too quiet. It took several sessions for me to figure out my shift points based on memory (Watkins Glen).

The new car seems to be easier to hear. I noticed it was louder than the 2009 the first time I got in it. Hopefully, when I get it to the track, I won't totally embarass myself again. Since this one is a 6sp, I'll have to figure out my shift points all-over again.

Yeah, I remember the AW E90 w/ the 'Hello Kitty' sticker on it having problems with that When are you going back up to The Glen?

As for shifting, I have a 6MT, but I have driven the DCT. I can tell you that it is night and day. The 6MT is much easier to shift at redline. With DCT it all seems the same. My friend Chris tracks his E90 w/ DCT and for awhile he just let the car shift itself. Seemed to get rid of that problem