[sl0m0]

What are people's plans and experience so far for making this transmission more engaging? SSK, cdv delete etc. What options are you guys going with?

[DBV]

I'll most likely be going with the Future Classic SSK and CDV Delete, add to that the BMS Clutch Stop (loved it on my F80), and I think it'll be great. I've only dry shifted a G87 sitting in a showroom so far, so I have yet to feel the car. But it already seemed more direct than my F80, but only time will tell. Only 5 months left!

[zero21]

Originally Posted by sl0m0

What are people's plans and experience so far for making this transmission more engaging? SSK, cdv delete etc. What options are you guys going with?

I was thinking about doing CDV this past week, but I've committed to mastering this transmission, and learning it before making adjustments. Why? There are some trips I make that I swear the gearbox is the worst manual I've driven, then there's others where everything just clicks right and it's great. And I think it's more me, than it.

HB touched on this in his feature-length review of the G87 for BMWBLOG. That he's grown into mastering the BMW manual and he likes it. There's character in it.

I actually feel it would be best to wait on mods (I'm not saying I'm right or that you wouldn't notice a substantial difference). I have grown to realize that you won't know until you first use it, then modify it, to actually know what happens with the change. And that "use" comes with a substantial break-in period.

[jordan24c]

I didn't really mind the 6MT on my F22. I had toyed with doing the CDV delete the next time I changed my pads/fluid but then an Altima ran a red light and totaled it

I found a lot more enjoyment in just shifting a little bit slower rather than banging through gears as fast as I could; even on the track it felt like a "natural" pace (I have some vids on the 2addicts forums if you're curious). Who knows, maybe I'll get around to it if we ever get allocations in our region

[sl0m0]

Originally Posted by zero21

I was thinking about doing CDV this past week, but I've committed to mastering this transmission, and learning it before making adjustments. Why? There are some trips I make that I swear the gearbox is the worst manual I've driven, then there's others where everything just clicks right and it's great. And I think it's more me, than it.

HB touched on this in his feature-length review of the G87 for BMWBLOG. That he's grown into mastering the BMW manual and he likes it. There's character in it.

I actually feel it would be best to wait on mods (I'm not saying I'm right or that you wouldn't notice a substantial difference). I have grown to realize that you won't know until you first use it, then modify it, to actually know what happens with the change. And that "use" comes with a substantial break-in period.

Definitely gonna wait till I have it for a bit, just wabt to have a game plan for if it seems to still be needing anything.

[JustinHEMI]

Far down on the list I'm considering is a SSK, but I have to drive my car first. I didn't mind the shifter in my F87 or my Z4MC, and it sounds like it's better in the G87. If that's the case, then I'm not going to worry about it. Like others, I'll likely spend the rest of this driving season learning my car before deciding on any mods related to clutch/shifter.

Then, if I do decide to go for it, I'll install it over the winter while the car is parked.

I may try to find it later, but if you search the G80/82 forums, there is at least one thread where a person expressed regret for installing a SSK because it just didn't give a "wow" factor improvement that he was expecting vs the cost/hassle of installing.

I installed a shifting in my Challenger, so I think I could handle it over a weekend over the winter, but installing a SSK in this car would be much more involved than the Challenger.

I have to decide if the cost/hassle is worth it, and I can't do that until I receive my car and drive it.

Frankly, I think people make much ado about nothing.

[Squidget]

My experience with BMW shifters is: you shouldn't hurry them on the upshift. The inline 6 has a little bit of tach float, so it doesn't spindown instantly. Trying to upshift instantly just upsets the car because the RPMs haven't dropped into the proper range for the next gear.

Put another way, it takes a non-zero amount of time for a motor to spin down to the proper speed for the next gear. If you try to shift faster than that, you are just beating up on your synchros.

Edit: I had a Celica (inline 4) which spun down super fast. In the Celica, I had a habit of keeping a little gas on, to float the tach so I could complete the shift. That was a tough habit to unlearn when I started driving BMWs.

[Squidget]

Note that this does NOT mean SSKs are pointless. SSKs aren't just about pretending you are in the Fast and Furious and abusing your gearbox.

Even if you don't row gears faster, an SSK can feel more precise and notchy, which is pleasureable. Narrower gates can help people who have trouble selecting 3rd and 5th gear.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by sl0m0

What are people's plans and experience so far for making this transmission more engaging? SSK, cdv delete etc. What options are you guys going with?

No plans to make any changes.

Shifter and clutch are fine by me. Been driving the car more which helped me get used to the transmission and clutch.

While it is a bit different at some level from other clutch/transmission combinations it is not bad but rather quite good.

[Click_ID]

Going to tackle my transmission when a rear shifter poly bushing is available along with the SSK when it gets restocked.

The rear shifter bushing is the biggest difference maker IMO, CDV delete #2.

That being said, if anyone knows of someone making a G8X rear shift bushing like the BMS one for the F8X I would buy in a second!

[M2siast]

CDV delete ASAP, before the clutch is worn out due to it. Plus, better shifts and clutch engagement in every drive and gear change.

[GregW / Oregon]

Still getting used to the clutch with the heavier pedal and disengagement happening in a shorter distance at the top of the travel compared to my F82 and two previous M3 coupes. But, just installed the BMS clutch stop, and that does seem like an improvement.

[sl0m0]

So after a few hours with the car I have a few quick questions and comments.

The stutter from 0-1 is expected, but 1-2.... It's discouraging. (Comment)

Ive driven a few other manuals in the past, including an E36. My most recent is a 72 super beetle. (Context)

(Question) will the CDV delete smooth out this stutter? I think I understand that with such a high power engine the CDV helps buffer the pressure, but if I already feather the clutch I think I am creating inconsistency through the CDV. If my understanding is correct than the CDV delete should help right?

Other questions

1. Is the CDV delete really as simple as I see in videos?

2. Is a clutch stop really that effective?

I'm wanting to explore these options before considering other options such as ssk.

[Squidget]

I don't think the stuttering comes from any of these things.

SSKs and clutch stops don't do anything you can't do yourself, by developing a better sense of touch and practice.

CDV delete... some people think it's the second coming, others say there's no real difference. It is an easy mod though. I tried out a CDV years back, I was underwhelmed personally.

I run only stock now. I've pretty well mastered BMW's MT system after driving them for years. With skill and practice, you CAN drive it smooth without mods.

There's a sense of satisfaction in wringing performance out of the transmission and shifting smooth without resorting to... crutches is a strong word, but yeah, crutches.

Purely my 2 cents.

[M2siast]

I’m on the same boat, struggling still. I had done the CDV delete in the 135i and felt it got better, but it wasn’t night and day. It was easier then to remove it (just remove the part from the line and reconnect the line). I’m afraid of messing up the slave cylinder by putting a screw in (watched a YouTube video where the guy messed up and had to remove the whole thing).

So I’ve been trying to master it. I think the more I *try* to be good, the worse the shift is. When I just drive normally it works better. When I’m trying it stutters.

Works worse with heavier shoes and when I’m tired. Definitely weird ratios from 1-2… but it’s been like that in every BMW.

Easier to modulate in Efficient. When in Sport+ just drive like you stole it.

[sl0m0]

Originally Posted by M2siast

I’m on the same boat, struggling still. I had done the CDV delete in the 135i and felt it got better, but it wasn’t night and day. It was easier then to remove it (just remove the part from the line and reconnect the line). I’m afraid of messing up the slave cylinder by putting a screw in (watched a YouTube video where the guy messed up and had to remove the whole thing).

So I’ve been trying to master it. I think the more I *try* to be good, the worse the shift is. When I just drive normally it works better. When I’m trying it stutters.

Works worse with heavier shoes and when I’m tired. Definitely weird ratios from 1-2… but it’s been like that in every BMW.

Easier to modulate in Efficient. When in Sport+ just drive like you stole it.

I think it was a bit smoother today, and was definitely way smoother while pushing the car a little bit.

I noticed the numbness compared to the clutch on my 72 bug is partially why I might not be as precise. I also think a CDV delete is necessary, as it seems to make sense that it has a bigger effect at lower speeds.

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by sl0m0

I think it was a bit smoother today, and was definitely way smoother while pushing the car a little bit.

I noticed the numbness compared to the clutch on my 72 bug is partially why I might not be as precise. I also think a CDV delete is necessary, as it seems to make sense that it has a bigger effect at lower speeds.

I figured it out!!!!!! I’m so excited.

Sport+

First gear, step gently on throttle to get car moving.
10 MPH (16Km/h), shift into second.
Gently apply throttle to your heart’s content.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

I’m sure it’ll work in other modes too. Smooth as can be. I had been using too much of first gear. Just use it to get the car moving slightly from stationary.

Silly, I know. But I’m happy.

Caveat: I was barefoot. Might have helped with feel. It was disastrous yesterday with big running shoes, I had zero feel for the pedals.

[sl0m0]

Originally Posted by M2siast

I figured it out!!!!!! I’m so excited.

Sport+

First gear, step gently on throttle to get car moving.
10 MPH (16Km/h), shift into second.
Gently apply throttle to your heart’s content.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

I’m sure it’ll work in other modes too. Smooth as can be. I had been using too much of first gear. Just use it to get the car moving slightly from stationary.

Silly, I know. But I’m happy.

Caveat: I was barefoot. Might have helped with feel. It was disastrous yesterday with big running shoes, I had zero feel for the pedals.

I have also noticed that kicking off my flip flops has a better effect on feel and how precise I can be.
I have also noticed that more gas helps. This also confirms a CDV delete might help. I won't be able to try this theory for about 2 weeks as the car goes in for ppf soon and time is limited.

[Squidget]

This is why racing shoes have thin soles.