Hello everybody!

I have a question for you few diesel E60 owner members, who have manual transmission in your car.
I like my manual very much, the feeling that I'm controlling the car 100%! All my cars have been manual, and I don't know about the next .

But how do you change? On which rpms? Are your changes fast or are you doing it gently every time?
My changing habbits change with the mood .

But feels like I can't learn to change smoothly from 1st gear to 2nd. Car often jerks after releasing the clutch. Any tips?
By the way, does anyone know if there's a shortener kit for "gap of gear changes"? Sorry I don't know what's the real name in English...

 

My wife has a 120d that I drive from time to time. The difference between 1st and 2nd is quite extreme and the torque available in 1st is huge, so I've found that in order to shift smoothly from 1st to 2nd, I tend to keep the clutch dipped slightly right through 1st, and change rapidly into 2nd once the car is in motion. Alternatively, if you're feeling brave, you could forego 1st completely and learn to pull away in 2nd - it's not all that tricky with BMW diesels.

As far as shift patterns go, I tend to shift at between 2,500 to 3,000 rpm unless I'm pushing very hard, which is rarely the case. Often I miss 3rd gear too, going directly from 2nd to 4th.

 

Thanks!

I change quite the same way, and I have thought too about trying to use 2nd gear from stop. I guess I just have to try it.
Got to try your other tip too !
Any others?

 

I have an 08 535i with 6sp.

I would not start off in 2nd from a stop. Rolling, ok.

I usually start in 1st, and get to 2nd as soon as the car is underway. Hammer 2nd through 4th and skip 5th. Straight to 6th, if getting up to cruising speed.

Shift points for me would be... 1-2 (2500), 2-3 (3500), 3-4 (3500), 4-5(or6) (~3200).

Don't know if the difference of the "d" vs "i" is what you were looking for. Don't have experience with "d"s.

 

AFAIK, the 335d or 535d only come with automatics...

 

Thank you for your input.
There's a difference between diesels and petrol versions especially on torque. My 530d has 500Nm of torque from 1800rpms. So it's possible to start off in 2nd gear. And I believe gear reductions are different too between d's and i's.

 

I have a 08 535 6spd manual as well, I thought I was the only one! Before this I had an Lancer Evo IX and an S2k.. the shifters in those cars felt way firmer and sportier.. I really wish I can find a short shift kit for this car.. AFAIK NOBODY makes one! OF course they are available for EVERY other 5 series but not for our 535's. I guess gotta go with a really short, heavy, countersunk knob for now till someone comes out with a SSK.

 

Dont the automatics always start in the second gear in D-mode???

 

I agree that the car can be a bit jumpy between 1st and 2nd gear. For driving in the city, I think an automatic would have been better. But it's nice to be in total control for more inspired driving. When I drive more relaxed I try to follow the gear change indicator.

 

Hey this worked quite well ! Thanks for the tip!
But does it give excessive stress to the clutch? After all, it's only that short moment to get the car in motion, like you said.