M3 for noob at MT?

helgi · 03-10-2008, 06:17 PM

I'm thinking about ordering an M3 with 6MT. However, I'm sort of a noob with manual trannies. Would this be a very difficult drive for me? Thanks

DonM3 · 03-10-2008, 06:26 PM

Would'nt recommend chewing up a brand new e92 m3 gearbox then.

Practise on something else and when competent with the stick then move on to the beast, or alternatively you could go straight for the M-DCT transmission.

nusevad · 03-10-2008, 06:45 PM

Yes, order M-DCT instead.

SS32 · 03-10-2008, 06:48 PM

learn on a rental car. Get something cheap and drive it for a week. I learned on my 325 but its hard to kill a clutch on 185hp...I wouldn't learn on the M

!Xoible · 03-10-2008, 06:51 PM

rent a MT beater, learn on that and order your 6MT

whatever you do, do not learn on the M3... unless ur other daily driver is a Gallardo

M2381 · 03-10-2008, 08:12 PM

What car would you guys suggest learning it on? It's hard these days to to rent a manual car. I'll admit that I'm not the greatest stick shift driver

UltimateBMW · 03-10-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowmoo32

learn on a rental car. Get something cheap and drive it for a week. I learned on my 325 but its hard to kill a clutch on 185hp...I wouldn't learn on the M

Unfortunately, most mainstream rental companies do NOT rent out manual transmission cars anymore. They are ALL automatic now. I guess they just got sick of replacing clutches from people abusing them.

The only exception to this would be some kind of local sports car or luxury rental company. Which would probably defeat the purpose of trying to learn on a cheap low powered car.

JPH · 03-10-2008, 08:29 PM

I am VERY old school when it comes to this. Everyone should know how to drive a manual. It is not only better for understanding how to best shift M-DCT (or similar) transmissions....it is just good for the soul.

Also, if God happens to be an motor sports fan (as I suspect), knowing how to proficiently drive a manual could be required for entry into heaven.

Learn on a beater whether or not you get a manual with the M3.

helgi · 03-10-2008, 08:39 PM

I don't know if I'm a complete noob. But would it be ok if I have driven MT before and not very skilled at it?

JPH · 03-10-2008, 10:34 PM

BMW clutches will wear more quickly if not driven properly. I am sure someone can fill in the details but I do remember reading that the E46 clutch, in general, has less tolerance for wear (clutch plate fries more quickly?) than a standard car clutch. I am sure the same is true of an E92.

dab33d · 03-10-2008, 10:36 PM

ask around and find a friend who may have a MT. this is the path i'm choosing as to teach my GF how to drive Stick for those nights that i've had too many drinks and the risk of a DUI with my e92 would hurt oh so much...

mduval1988 · 03-10-2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPH

I am VERY old school when it comes to this. Everyone should know how to drive a manual. It is not only better for understanding how to best shift M-DCT (or similar) transmissions....it is just good for the soul.

Also, if God happens to be an motor sports fan (as I suspect), knowing how to proficiently drive a manual could be required for entry into heaven.

Learn on a beater whether or not you get a manual with the M3.

Amen

Rick · 03-10-2008, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2381

What car would you guys suggest learning it on? It's hard these days to to rent a manual car. I'll admit that I'm not the greatest stick shift driver

I would recommend learning on a Mini Cooper S. I taught my gf how to drive manual last weekend on a Mini Cooper S in preparation for my m3. There is a local rental company here in Southern Cal called Midway Car rental that rents these for $99/day. I called like 10 different places trying to find manual transmission cars for rent and was about to give up and got lucky with my last call to them. If you are in Southern California and are in need of a stick shift rental, I highly recommend them.. plus the Cooper S is a lot of fun. Good luck.

BTW: I don't plan to let my gf drive the m3 until she practices a few more times

Lots of stalls last time out.

Yonkers · 03-11-2008, 09:27 AM

I used to have a Toyota Corolla GT-S for that was a manual. I got tired of driving in stop and go traffic and ended up with my current BMW 323is. Well, long story short, I don't quite remember how to drive stick anymore. I can but I can't shift smoothly, etc. I even stalled out on a test drive of Audi S5 because I forgot to shift left and up for 1st gear and instead went straight up into 3rd. Totally embarrassing. Felt like such a noob.
So that's why I'm getting an M-DCT. And why I'm kinda hesitant to test drive the demos currently in the dealerships.

SS32 · 03-11-2008, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPH

BMW clutches will wear more quickly if not driven properly. I am sure someone can fill in the details but I do remember reading that the E46 clutch, in general, has less tolerance for wear (clutch plate fries more quickly?) than a standard car clutch. I am sure the same is true of an E92.

I don't know about all that. My car chattered like hell, and I took it in to have it fixed. I autocrossed the hell out of my first clutch, and dumped it a couple of times at 5k. When they tore the clutch down they said it looked completely normal, they had no idea the abuse it had been through. They ended up replacing that, the flywheel, and drive shaft in an attempt to fix my car..it still chatters. But that's not the point. The point is I think my clutch held up really well. Also, the clutch in my E30 was beat to hell before I got it and it still works like a charm.

!Xoible · 03-11-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2381

What car would you guys suggest learning it on? It's hard these days to to rent a manual car. I'll admit that I'm not the greatest stick shift driver

rent an eclipse

cameba5 · 03-11-2008, 01:49 PM

I learned to drive a MT on a 997 Carrera (difficult manual clutch). I am fairly new to having a stick as the M3 is my first personal car with a MT. I stalled only once getting used to it. The MT in the M3 is sawesome, its easy and light and it seems like it would really welcome some hard use. So I wouldnt make that an all important factor unless you have never driven a stick before and have no clue how to do so,,,

!Xoible · 03-11-2008, 01:51 PM

M3's clutch is too light from what i felt so far... i can see why people jerk.

Jinxter · 03-11-2008, 02:07 PM

Buy the M3 MT, This car is a breaze to learn on. Expecally if you have alot of hills in your area (no rollback for 2 or so seconds) the car has a great warranty. If you cant learn to drive this car before you warranty expires then you have other problems. But it truly is easy to drive.

!Xoible · 03-11-2008, 02:15 PM

oh no.....

M2381 · 03-11-2008, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mantis

rent an eclipse

from? The majority of car companies today don't rent out manuals

monsta · 03-11-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinxter

Buy the M3 MT, This car is a breaze to learn on. Expecally if you have alot of hills in your area (no rollback for 2 or so seconds) the car has a great warranty. If you cant learn to drive this car before you warranty expires then you have other problems. But it truly is easy to drive.

unless things have changed in recent years, clutches are not covered under warranty b/c its a wear and tear part, only way its replaced is if its found to be defective....correct me if I'm wrong.

03-10-2008, 06:17 PM	#1
helgi Registered 1 Rep 3 Posts Drives: e92 m3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ny iTrader: (0)	M3 for noob at MT? I'm thinking about ordering an M3 with 6MT. However, I'm sort of a noob with manual trannies. Would this be a very difficult drive for me? Thanks
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03-10-2008, 06:26 PM	#2
DonM3 Captain 8 Rep 629 Posts Drives: AW e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: London iTrader: (1)	Would'nt recommend chewing up a brand new e92 m3 gearbox then. Practise on something else and when competent with the stick then move on to the beast, or alternatively you could go straight for the M-DCT transmission.
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03-10-2008, 06:45 PM	#3
nusevad O! So Sour!! 554 Rep 15,615 Posts Drives: Fast 240z / Slow M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 'Merica! iTrader: (24) Garage List 1971 Datsun 240z [0.00] 2008 M3 [9.60]	Yes, order M-DCT instead. __________________
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03-10-2008, 06:48 PM	#4
SS32 Major 156 Rep 1,429 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	learn on a rental car. Get something cheap and drive it for a week. I learned on my 325 but its hard to kill a clutch on 185hp...I wouldn't learn on the M __________________ V1 DIY - Blinder M45 DIY - Exhaust Cutouts - Removed Clutch Pedal Spring DIY - Fiamm Air Horns
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03-10-2008, 06:51 PM	#5
!Xoible Banned 840 Rep 46,029 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	rent a MT beater, learn on that and order your 6MT whatever you do, do not learn on the M3... unless ur other daily driver is a Gallardo
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03-10-2008, 08:12 PM	#6
M2381 Major 32 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: E92 M3, GTI Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	What car would you guys suggest learning it on? It's hard these days to to rent a manual car. I'll admit that I'm not the greatest stick shift driver
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03-10-2008, 08:29 PM	#8
JPH Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 254 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I am VERY old school when it comes to this. Everyone should know how to drive a manual. It is not only better for understanding how to best shift M-DCT (or similar) transmissions....it is just good for the soul. Also, if God happens to be an motor sports fan (as I suspect), knowing how to proficiently drive a manual could be required for entry into heaven. Learn on a beater whether or not you get a manual with the M3.
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03-10-2008, 08:39 PM	#9
helgi Registered 1 Rep 3 Posts Drives: e92 m3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ny iTrader: (0)	I don't know if I'm a complete noob. But would it be ok if I have driven MT before and not very skilled at it?
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03-10-2008, 10:34 PM	#10
JPH Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 254 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	BMW clutches will wear more quickly if not driven properly. I am sure someone can fill in the details but I do remember reading that the E46 clutch, in general, has less tolerance for wear (clutch plate fries more quickly?) than a standard car clutch. I am sure the same is true of an E92.
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03-10-2008, 10:36 PM	#11
dab33d Private First Class 25 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 AW/FR M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCAL iTrader: (0)	ask around and find a friend who may have a MT. this is the path i'm choosing as to teach my GF how to drive Stick for those nights that i've had too many drinks and the risk of a DUI with my e92 would hurt oh so much... __________________ E92 ///M3 6MT FTW
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03-11-2008, 09:27 AM	#14
Yonkers Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 218 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	I used to have a Toyota Corolla GT-S for that was a manual. I got tired of driving in stop and go traffic and ended up with my current BMW 323is. Well, long story short, I don't quite remember how to drive stick anymore. I can but I can't shift smoothly, etc. I even stalled out on a test drive of Audi S5 because I forgot to shift left and up for 1st gear and instead went straight up into 3rd. Totally embarrassing. Felt like such a noob. So that's why I'm getting an M-DCT. And why I'm kinda hesitant to test drive the demos currently in the dealerships.
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03-11-2008, 01:49 PM	#17
cameba5 Private 8 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 335i E92 & E92 M3 - En Route! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Southeast US iTrader: (0)	I learned to drive a MT on a 997 Carrera (difficult manual clutch). I am fairly new to having a stick as the M3 is my first personal car with a MT. I stalled only once getting used to it. The MT in the M3 is sawesome, its easy and light and it seems like it would really welcome some hard use. So I wouldnt make that an all important factor unless you have never driven a stick before and have no clue how to do so,,,
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03-11-2008, 01:51 PM	#18
!Xoible Banned 840 Rep 46,029 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	M3's clutch is too light from what i felt so far... i can see why people jerk.
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03-11-2008, 02:07 PM	#19
Jinxter Lieutenant 46 Rep 545 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: California iTrader: (2)	Buy the M3 MT, This car is a breaze to learn on. Expecally if you have alot of hills in your area (no rollback for 2 or so seconds) the car has a great warranty. If you cant learn to drive this car before you warranty expires then you have other problems. But it truly is easy to drive. __________________ 08' e92 M3 6MT // Rogue SSK // B&B Tri Flow Exhaust // AA air filter // Mod Carbon Skirt extensions // Amuse Front/Rear Bumper // Amuse Trunk // Gloss Black Grills w/ M colors // gloss black side vents // M5 Stick with IND custom stitched boot // Carbon Firber wrap steering wheel trim // Avant Garde M364 20' (street) // Advan RS 18's (track)
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03-11-2008, 02:15 PM	#20
!Xoible Banned 840 Rep 46,029 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	oh no.....
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