6 speed manual advice
#1
I have a 2005 545 6 speed manual. This is the first stick shift i have ever owned and driven. Is there a certain RPM that you should shift at when driving in the city? I normally shift at about 2k RPM to try to save gas when im not stomping on it. Is shifting at 2k RPM ok? And when i pull into my garage i dont give it any gas, i just let the clutch out slowly and let the car roll. Is that ok instead of bringing the RPM to like 1k and feathering the clutch?
#2
I like to shift around 3-4k. Shifting at low RPMs to save gas is kind of a myth in my mind. I like to think of it like a bicycle and changing gears. if you're not going the right speed shifting gears actually makes you work harder.
That's how I pull my car in I just let the car roll in.
OH AND WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!
Michael
That's how I pull my car in I just let the car roll in.
OH AND WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!
Michael
Originally Posted by silvergray5456spd' post='636049' date='Jul 30 2008, 11:58 AM
I have a 2005 545 6 speed manual. This is the first stick shift i have ever owned and driven. Is there a certain RPM that you should shift at when driving in the city? I normally shift at about 2k RPM to try to save gas when im not stomping on it. Is shifting at 2k RPM ok? And when i pull into my garage i dont give it any gas, i just let the clutch out slowly and let the car roll. Is that ok instead of bringing the RPM to like 1k and feathering the clutch?
#5
Originally Posted by myfootsmells' post='636051' date='Jul 30 2008, 03:01 PM
I like to shift around 3-4k. Shifting at low RPMs to save gas is kind of a myth in my mind. I like to think of it like a bicycle and changing gears. if you're not going the right speed shifting gears actually makes you work harder.
That's how I pull my car in I just let the car roll in.
OH AND WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!
Michael
That's how I pull my car in I just let the car roll in.
OH AND WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!
Michael
Oh and since this is my first stick shift car, when you bring the RPMs up to say 5k to redline when doing "spirited driving", do you still let the clutch out slowly or do you just let it out quiclky?
Thanks for the info guys!
#6
Originally Posted by silvergray5456spd' post='636065' date='Jul 30 2008, 02:22 PM
Geeez...ive been driving around like grandpa all this time haha.
Oh and since this is my first stick shift car, when you bring the RPMs up to say 5k to redline when doing "spirited driving", do you still let the clutch out slowly or do you just let it out quiclky?
Thanks for the info guys!
Oh and since this is my first stick shift car, when you bring the RPMs up to say 5k to redline when doing "spirited driving", do you still let the clutch out slowly or do you just let it out quiclky?
Thanks for the info guys!
#7
Depends if you want to floor it when you shift? If you floor it you pop the clutch out quickly so you don't burn the clutch. If you're just gradually increasing speed you let the clutch out slowly or the shift will be jerky.
Michael
Michael
Originally Posted by silvergray5456spd' post='636065' date='Jul 30 2008, 12:22 PM
Geeez...ive been driving around like grandpa all this time haha.
Oh and since this is my first stick shift car, when you bring the RPMs up to say 5k to redline when doing "spirited driving", do you still let the clutch out slowly or do you just let it out quiclky?
Thanks for the info guys!
Oh and since this is my first stick shift car, when you bring the RPMs up to say 5k to redline when doing "spirited driving", do you still let the clutch out slowly or do you just let it out quiclky?
Thanks for the info guys!
#8
Members
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 235
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From: Lake Jackson
My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Titanium Silver. Bridgestone 760s on Weds Bavaria II 18" wheels, standard sport pack size. Sport, AT. Latest job - NGK Iridium IX plugs installed.
Work on being smooth and precise with your shifts, never rush and never force the lever into gear. if you feel you missed push in the clutch, match revs and let out smoothly. Downshifting is a little trickier, but concepts are the same, be smooth and precise, match revs and let out the clutch smoothly. Ideally you would shift where the power starts to trail off but that isn't really practical on the street.. I regret getting a Step but I couldn't find a six speed in time.
#9
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 105
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From: Salt Lake City/Ogden UT USA
My Ride: 2007 530i Olivine Green w/ Beige leather interior, 6 spd manual, premium package, comfort access, cold weather package, heated rear seats.
2005 Acura MDX Touring Sage Brush Pearl w/ NAV, running boards, roof rack
1993 325is Calypso Red w/ Parchment leather interior, 5 spd manual. (Sold Nov 06)
I had a 325is before my E60 and shifted at 2500 rpm. In the E60, I've found that shifting at 3500 rpm is best...anything lower than that and the car kind of hesitates when I release the clutch.
#10
Work on being smooth and precise with your shifts, never rush and never force the lever into gear. if you feel you missed push in the clutch, match revs and let out smoothly. Downshifting is a little trickier, but concepts are the same, be smooth and precise, match revs and let out the clutch smoothly. Ideally you would shift where the power starts to trail off but that isn't really practical on the street.. I regret getting a Step but I couldn't find a six speed in time.
Originally Posted by dmahon' post='636337' date='Jul 30 2008, 10:50 PM
I had a 325is before my E60 and shifted at 2500 rpm. In the E60, I've found that shifting at 3500 rpm is best...anything lower than that and the car kind of hesitates when I release the clutch.