New to Manual Transmissions

[mangostick]

It's definitely a lot different from my previous car (2001 540i/6). I used to be able to rev to 1100 with no issues starting off in 1st, but I find that I have to go between 1500-2000 on this car so I don't stall.

Its mostly because you're motivating twice the amount of drivetrain on a car that weighs about same. I'm assuming your Bimmer had the straight 6 too? They have a nice linear torque curve too so they're naturally smoother off the start.

Not sure if I mentioned yet in this thread or not (I've mentioned it just about everywhere else) adding the diff mount inserts and subframe stiffening bushings makes a massive difference in how the car will motivate off the line. I dont have to get mine over 1300-1500rpm at all to make a nice smooth start where as before I used to have to leave off between 1500-2k rpm. With less flex in the driveline there's less torque lost so more of it can go to motivating the car. I can squish the factory trans mount in one hand.. and I work on computers all day. That should give you a rough Ideer of how soft and squishy the driveline bushes are.

[Marioshiboi]

I think I know what you're talking about here...you just give the throttle a little blip to give the clutch a chance to catch, as the RPMs come down, the clutch pedal comes up and it catches smoothly, with minimal slip...I'd venture to say that's pretty much what everyone kinda does.

+1

[Mikie13]

also seems like i have to wait almost 3 seconds before fully letting the clutch out in 1st to get a smooth start... seems like a really long time. am i wearing the clutch too much?

3 seconds??? That does sound like a lot of wear if you are pressing the clutch in partially during that time...

[Asharus]

Its mostly because you're motivating twice the amount of drivetrain on a car that weighs about same. I'm assuming your Bimmer had the straight 6 too? They have a nice linear torque curve too so they're naturally smoother off the start.

No, it had a 292HP/324TQ V8. Interesting point on that tranny mount bushing. Why did Subaru use such a crappy bushing?

[mangostick]

No, it had a 292HP/324TQ V8. Interesting point on that tranny mount bushing. Why did Subaru use such a crappy bushing?

Nice.. yeah thats quite a bit more torque than the boxer .. the soft trans mount is for noise/vibration reduction. The grp N mount transmits quite a bit more noise into the car, but at the same time doesn't really flex much at all.

[Rambo]

No, it had a 292HP/324TQ V8. Interesting point on that tranny mount bushing. Why did Subaru use such a crappy bushing?

I've always liked those 540i's. I almost bought one instead of my subie. I always thought BMW could have gotten a lot more power out of them, though. They do have a mountain of torque, though. Its like having your own personal hurricane to push you around...

[Asharus]

Indeed, it was a fun car. Punching it in 2nd felt awesome. I'm hoping I can get the same thrill with the WRX. Only 300 more miles until I find out... BTW here's my ex 540i.

YouTube - 2001 BMW 540i/6

[Mikie13]

Indeed, it was a fun car. Punching it in 2nd felt awesome. I'm hoping I can get the same thrill with the WRX. Only 300 more miles until I find out... BTW here's my ex 540i.

YouTube - 2001 BMW 540i/6

Jebus that video almost made me nauseous...hold still damnit

I have always loved those 540i's...I was looking for one with a 6-spd back in 2003-2004 after I totaled my 318i...but just couldn't find one in good shape. LOVE the 7-series wheels especially.

[Drews]

Jebus that video almost made me nauseous...hold still damnit

I have always loved those 540i's...I was looking for one with a 6-spd back in 2003-2004 after I totaled my 318i...but just couldn't find one in good shape. LOVE the 7-series wheels especially.

Mikie...I fear we are too much alike. I actually found a 540i with a 6spd but the dude wanted like 2k over what it was worth. The icing on the cake was he had a Lambo, Ferrari, and several other high dollar toys in his garage. I got him down to 15k and I had a check in my hand for 13k. Then he had the nerve to say "What's a couple grand?" I basically gave him a big "Eff you" speech and left his house. I know the 5 series in and out and the problems they have. For example...his control arms needed to be replaced. I could hear the ball joints clunking on every bump. He told me it was rocks in the hub cap. I asked how the eff do you get rocks in a sealed hubcap? The rear passenger window wouldn't roll up either. He was telling me he would take it in to get fixed if I gave him 15k. I told him that general maintenance doesn't make his car worth 2k over high retail. I was being generous by giving him high retail. Lastly, he didn't even let me drive the car. Which was the ultimate nail in his coffin. I wouldn't buy a car I didn't test drive.

/rantfromanexperiencethathappenedabout6yearsago

[Asharus]

Just be glad you didn't end up buying that car. It's got many impending issues that are just waiting to happen. For example, Valley Pan Gasket leaks, brittle plastic timing chain rails disintegrating, brittle auto leveling plastic headlight adjusters, fragile window regulator (which the car you looked at it had), etc. etc.

[Drews]

Just be glad you didn't end up buying that car. It's got many impending issues that are just waiting to happen. For example, Valley Pan Gasket leaks, brittle plastic timing chain rails disintegrating, brittle auto leveling plastic headlight adjusters, fragile window regulator (which the car you looked at it had), etc. etc.

Yeah I know. Stupid BMWs

[Mikie13]

Mikie...I fear we are too much alike. I actually found a 540i with a 6spd but the dude wanted like 2k over what it was worth. The icing on the cake was he had a Lambo, Ferrari, and several other high dollar toys in his garage. I got him down to 15k and I had a check in my hand for 13k. Then he had the nerve to say "What's a couple grand?" I basically gave him a big "Eff you" speech and left his house. I know the 5 series in and out and the problems they have. For example...his control arms needed to be replaced. I could hear the ball joints clunking on every bump. He told me it was rocks in the hub cap. I asked how the eff do you get rocks in a sealed hubcap? The rear passenger window wouldn't roll up either. He was telling me he would take it in to get fixed if I gave him 15k. I told him that general maintenance doesn't make his car worth 2k over high retail. I was being generous by giving him high retail. Lastly, he didn't even let me drive the car. Which was the ultimate nail in his coffin. I wouldn't buy a car I didn't test drive.

/rantfromanexperiencethathappenedabout6yearsago

I had $15k in hand and was at a used dealer when I found mine...it was a 98 I believe. It had 140k on the clock and the dealer wouldn't move from $17k for it AND it was in need of a new clutch. Shady place, so I walked away.