Rudy

Yep. And my rpm range is probably wider than what I originally stated above for the downshift from second to first.

It's all about feel, not an actual rev number. If you're braking fairly heavily, clicking the paddle at 2500 rpm as the tach is dropping will result in the downshift occurring at around 2000 rpm. If you're sort of coasting to a stop, then downshifting to first at 2500 will be excessive and you should probably do it around 2000 or 1800.

Pretty much anywhere between 1500 and 2500 rpm will work but too many other factors determine the exact point for maximum smoothness, etc. so it's hard to pinpoint one "all purpose" number.

These are some of the many issues that become second nature after the SMG learning curve is completed...

markt540i

HAHA why? too complicated for you? SMG is Waaay simplier than a manual...
[/quote]

I just wanted to rile up you SMG guys and restart some good ole controversy.

EBMCS03

I thought so.

CoolTones

HAHA why? too complicated for you? SMG is Waaay simplier than a manual...
[/quote]

I just wanted to rile up you SMG guys and restart some good ole controversy.
[/quote]

Gotta Love It!
Some of the topics on this Forum make me feel like "sibling rivalry"!
My SMG equipped E60 is due to arrive next week. I can't wait!!!
-Tony

rodybmw

When we manually downshift from 2 to 1 as we slow down the car blips the throttle and re-engages the clutch after shifting it into 1st gear, and that's when we feel the jolt. It assumes that we had good reason to do the downshift (e.g. to use engine braking or to accelerate faster), so it blips and re-engages the clutch immediately and is ready to go. However, if we let the car downshift from 2 to 1 as we are coming to a stop it just assumes that we are going to stop, so all it does it dis-engage the clutch and shift to 1, but then it does not re-engage again. This is why it feels smooth. Basically it just takes the car out of 2nd gear and puts it in 1 but will not re-engage the clutch until we accelerate again.

I think this IS mormal and it is doing what it was programmed to do....It also makes sense to me why they chose to do it that way.

545smg

When we manually downshift from 2 to 1 as we slow down the car blips the throttle and re-engages the clutch after shifting it into 1st gear, and that's when we feel the jolt. It assumes that we had good reason to do the downshift (e.g. to use engine braking or to accelerate faster), so it blips and re-engages the clutch immediately and is ready to go. However, if we let the car downshift from 2 to 1 as we are coming to a stop it just assumes that we are going to stop, so all it does it dis-engage the clutch and shift to 1, but then it does not re-engage again. This is why it feels smooth. Basically it just takes the car out of 2nd gear and puts it in 1 but will not re-engage the clutch until we accelerate again.

I think this IS mormal and it is doing what it was programmed to do....It also makes sense to me why they chose to do it that way.
[/quote]

Thanks, RODY

I am doing the same, as my manual downshifts at low rpms are jerky and can't be good for the transmission.

How do you like the B& B exhause - I am researching alternatives as I write this - I have purchased the m sport package (being installed this week!) Looking to dinan mountain view to install the flywheel next week, and had thought to purchase the schnitzer exhaust but I have noticed that there are many of you that have installed the B& B Exhaust.

What do you think? Volume, weight, perfomance gains if any?

drjochen

When we manually downshift from 2 to 1 as we slow down the car blips the throttle and re-engages the clutch after shifting it into 1st gear, and that's when we feel the jolt. It assumes that we had good reason to do the downshift (e.g. to use engine braking or to accelerate faster), so it blips and re-engages the clutch immediately and is ready to go. However, if we let the car downshift from 2 to 1 as we are coming to a stop it just assumes that we are going to stop, so all it does it dis-engage the clutch and shift to 1, but then it does not re-engage again. This is why it feels smooth. Basically it just takes the car out of 2nd gear and puts it in 1 but will not re-engage the clutch until we accelerate again.


But I don't think it normal that the entire car shakes and shudders and I hear a "bang" noise.

drjochen

That's my point. I've found over time that I prefer to downshift to first well before the car feels the need to do so. The shift is always smooth and the other benefit is you're always in the gear you need to be when you need it. If you let the car downshift for you, you run the risk of needing to accelerate just when the car decides to downshift. When that happens, the car won't go when you want it to but will eventually slam into first and lurch you forward, much later than you expected. Keep in mind that the car will automatically downshift only at the last possible moment, right before the car would begin to shudder if it was a traditional manual. You'll soon learn what I'm talking about if and when you approach a red light that turns green before you come to a complete stop or when you come to a stop sign but don't come to a complete stop before proceeding ahead.


I tried to experiment with the rpms and a manual downshift again.
If I do what you suggest (which I am sure works for your car), I get a huge "bobblehead" effect, the entire car jumps 1-2 times, just like when you drop the clutch too fast with a manual going from 2nd to 1st.
Another question is: when you drive in lets say 2nd or 3rd and suddely get off the gas, I feel 2-3 jumps in the car, if I get on the gas again, the same, both accompanied by a metallic clunck in the drivetrain. Does anyone have this? Again, I was told its normal. My previous manual E39 never did any of this....

Rudy

There may or may not be something wrong with your car. Clearly, any "jumping" or jolting isn't normal but one thing you have to keep in mind is that the car still needs to be driven like a manual. I'm sure you know this but I'll say it anyway...sudden movements of the gas pedal, especially sudden lifting of the pedal, can result in jerkiness even on a traditional manual -- especially in the lower gears. That said, there shouldn't be any "sloppiness" in the drivetrain so I can't say for sure that your car is acting normally.

All I know is I seldom have any jerkiness but I usually keep any gas pedal movements smooth and steady -- especially in first and second gears...

JDN

Also, driving in Sport mode will make an SMG less smooth since all controls, especially the right pedal, are more responsive in Sport.