How do you get better at driving a manual?
#12
Members
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mills River, NC
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Thumbs up](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif)
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
#13
Members
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Chicago
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 530i
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
For smoothest and fastest downshifting...keep the gas pedal in the same position from before clutch depression and gear change until it's complete. Shift fairly quickly. I know, it sounds strange, but it works well if done right and doesn't jar the drive train at all. I've never had to replace a clutch. Keeping the gas pedal in roughly the same position through the downshift allows a rise in the engine speed to match the lower gear.
For smoothest upshifting...keep the gas pedal depressed somewhat but not as far as for downshifting as described above and shift quickly. Again, very smooth, no jarring. perfect rev-matching. Keeping the gas pedal depressed somewhat prevents the engine speed from dropping so far that it can't catch up to the transmission speed fast enough and saves you from hunting for the right speed.
For starting on a hill...with foot still on the brake raise the clutch pedal to the point where it starts to generate a little friction but not enough engagement to move the car (you'll notice a slight drop in engine speed), then take your foot off the brake and give it gas as you fully engage the clutch. No worries about rolling back or killing the engine. Works like a charm.
Last edited by Bimster530i; 10-23-2012 at 12:42 PM. Reason: more explanation
#14
Senior Members
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2008 AW N52 with sports package & premium package; natural brown interior
MODs:
Orion V2s
3000K H8 Yellow Fogs
Matte Black Kidney Grills
20" Miro 111
Hankook V12 Tires
H&R Sport Springs
Special coding via Simon (dbl flash hazards, digital velocity, etc.)
LED Side Markers from Trinity Autosports
LED License Plate Lights from Trinity Autosports
Carbon Delete
BMC Air Filter
RPI Scoop
RPI GT Exhaust
Future MODs:
Mtech Kit
KW Variant 2 Coilovers
CIC Retrofit
Upgrade Audio System
#16
Contributors
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chippenham, Wiltshire UK
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Your clutch leg should be almost, but not quite fully extended when holding the clutch fully down. This allows your ankle to flex giving better fine control.
Do not look at the rev counter, you need to hear/feel the revs.
Clutch needs to pause, at the bite point on the way up after a gear change, at the same point go on the gas just enough to match engine and road speed.
DO NOT rush gear changes, smooth hand movements = smooth foot movements.
Can you hold the car still on a hill with no brakes, just using clutch?
When you can do this, then creep it forward 3 feet, then hold it still, then roll it back 3 feet, then hold it still. This will help you feel the bite point and realise how sensitive it is, it moves very little to change forward motion to backwards.
Then practice more!
Or come to the UK and I'll give you a free lesson, I teach this for a living :-)
Do not look at the rev counter, you need to hear/feel the revs.
Clutch needs to pause, at the bite point on the way up after a gear change, at the same point go on the gas just enough to match engine and road speed.
DO NOT rush gear changes, smooth hand movements = smooth foot movements.
Can you hold the car still on a hill with no brakes, just using clutch?
When you can do this, then creep it forward 3 feet, then hold it still, then roll it back 3 feet, then hold it still. This will help you feel the bite point and realise how sensitive it is, it moves very little to change forward motion to backwards.
Then practice more!
Or come to the UK and I'll give you a free lesson, I teach this for a living :-)
#17
Members
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Most of the advice here is good... Although it's not an option for most, riding motorcycles will also make you a MUCH better manual transmission driver in general! You think a manual BMW car is sensitive (which it is compared to other cars), hop on a BMW sportbike! The clutch on most high performance manuals is not linear and the friction zone is often very short, so feathering takes a lot of practice to get good at knowing exactly where the friction zone starts and ends and working your way in and out smoothly with just the right amount of gas.
#18
Contributors
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Thousand Oaks, California
Posts: 11,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Very simple.....PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!
![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
#20
Members
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Houston
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 545i 2004, SMG, Sport, Nav, Logic-7, Bluetooth phone retrofit
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Awest91
E60 Discussion
20
09-17-2022 11:05 PM
macantley
E60 Discussion
0
03-31-2015 03:44 PM