Shifting Noise On 1st To 2nd Shift

[grimreapa]

Sup Guys,

Anyone Out There Notice With The 04 330ci's A Pronounced Shifting Noise On The 1st To Second Gear Change. The Car Only Has 500 Miles On It. Is This Something That Will Go Away With Breakin. Is It Just That Everything Is So Tight And Needs To Loosen Up. Anything Woukd Help.

[avalys]

What do you mean by a shifting noise?

And is this a Step, SMG or Manual?

[Moderato]

You need to learn how to time your shifts better and work the clutch/gas and then the noises will go away. Regardless of how well you can drive a manual tranny, the E46's MT really takes some getting used to IMO. UUC claims that the CDV and the SAC (self adjusting clutch) mechanism creates the vague feel of the MT. They are working on an entire new clutch system without the SAC. I might be worth doing whenever the stock clutch dies. After 3.3K miles on my 330i, I've gotten 99% comfortable driving the car, but in the beginning I had problems with smooth, noiseless shifting the same as you.

[grimreapa]

You need to learn how to time your shifts better and work the clutch/gas and then the noises will go away. Regardless of how well you can drive a manual tranny, the E46's MT really takes some getting used to IMO. UUC claims that the CDV and the SAC (self adjusting clutch) mechanism creates the vague feel of the MT. They are working on an entire new clutch system without the SAC. I might be worth doing whenever the stock clutch dies. After 3.3K miles on my 330i, I've gotten 99% comfortable driving the car, but in the beginning I had problems with smooth, noiseless shifting the same as you.


Thanks for the reply I think you are 100% right with the working the clutch and gas better. Every once in a while ill get a few good ones. Cant seem to match the revs that good. Do you have any recommendations? I can never tell what the revs have to be at for the next gear inorder to match it to get the smooth noiseless shifting.
thanks again

[grimreapa]

What do you mean by a shifting noise?

And is this a Step, SMG or Manual?
MANUAL

[Moderato]

Thanks for the reply I think you are 100% right with the working the clutch and gas better. Every once in a while ill get a few good ones. Cant seem to match the revs that good. Do you have any recommendations? I can never tell what the revs have to be at for the next gear inorder to match it to get the smooth noiseless shifting.
thanks again


After you've been driving the car for a few months, everything will come naturally without you even having to think about it. The rpms in 2nd gear are almost exactly the same as your mph. i.e. 2K rpms = 20mph. At least it's like that with my stock rear 2.93. The other gears you have to just learn where they are supposed to be. Aside from learning what rpms your at in any given gear, I would suggest to try driving for a few days, without looking at the tach. Learn to feel the changes and that will help you to improve. Only use the tach when you feel you really must. For example if you're on a level road, you can use the tach to match the revs on every upshift, but what if you're going up hill? The timing will be different because the car will lose speed much faster, and your exact level road shift will now be jerky. If you do it by feel you won't have as much of a problem. Also if I want to make sure I'm getting a smooth shift I will slip the clutch a little, especially on the 1 - 2. edit - Make sure you're not flooring the gas pedal while you're doing this, or it will put too much wear on the clutch. Only very lightly feather the gas pedal if necessary. Just keep driving you'll get it.

[grimreapa]

After you've been driving the car for a few months, everything will come naturally without you even having to think about it. The rpms in 2nd gear are almost exactly the same as your mph. i.e. 2K rpms = 20mph. At least it's like that with my stock rear 2.93. The other gears you have to just learn where they are supposed to be. Aside from learning what rpms your at in any given gear, I would suggest to try driving for a few days, without looking at the tach. Learn to feel the changes and that will help you to improve. Only use the tach when you feel you really must. For example if you're on a level road, you can use the tach to match the revs on every upshift, but what if you're going up hill? The timing will be different because the car will lose speed much faster, and your exact level road shift will now be jerky. If you do it by feel you won't have as much of a problem. Also if I want to make sure I'm getting a smooth shift I will slip the clutch a little, especially on the 1 - 2. edit - Make sure you're not flooring the gas pedal while you're doing this, or it will put too much wear on the clutch. Only very lightly feather the gas pedal if necessary. Just keep driving you'll get it.

THANKS A MILLION. I AM SURE I WILL HAVE MANY MORE QUESTIONS FOR YOU THAT YOU CAN ANSWER AS I GET MORE MILAGE UNDER MY BELT. I JUST WANNA PREVENT THE CLUCH FROM WEARING OUT ON ME. I KNOW THIS CAN BE EXPENSIVE, AND I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE THAT RUFF SHIFTS ISNT WEARING IT MORE.

THANKS
STEVE

[AndDown]

Sup Guys,

Anyone Out There Notice With The 04 330ci's A Pronounced Shifting Noise On The 1st To Second Gear Change. The Car Only Has 500 Miles On It. Is This Something That Will Go Away With Breakin. Is It Just That Everything Is So Tight And Needs To Loosen Up. Anything Woukd Help.

had a chance today to drive a 330iZHP at the local Ultimate Drive, and I noticed that the shifter felt more notchy than the 5 spd in my 325i. I believe that the transmissions come from two different manufacturers? :dunno: The shifting sound was definitely different and more noticable, so maybe what you're experiencing is normal for the 330i's.

[grimreapa]

had a chance today to drive a 330iZHP at the local Ultimate Drive, and I noticed that the shifter felt more notchy than the 5 spd in my 325i. I believe that the transmissions come from two different manufacturers? :dunno: The shifting sound was definitely different and more noticable, so maybe what you're experiencing is normal for the 330i's.

That is exactly what I noticed also. My friend has a 2003 5 spd 330 and his seems smoother and less notchy. I think it may just be the new 6spd. Thanks for the reply

[MA330CIC]

After you've been driving the car for a few months, everything will come naturally without you even having to think about it. The rpms in 2nd gear are almost exactly the same as your mph. i.e. 2K rpms = 20mph. At least it's like that with my stock rear 2.93. The other gears you have to just learn where they are supposed to be. Aside from learning what rpms your at in any given gear, I would suggest to try driving for a few days, without looking at the tach. Learn to feel the changes and that will help you to improve. Only use the tach when you feel you really must. For example if you're on a level road, you can use the tach to match the revs on every upshift, but what if you're going up hill? The timing will be different because the car will lose speed much faster, and your exact level road shift will now be jerky. If you do it by feel you won't have as much of a problem. Also if I want to make sure I'm getting a smooth shift I will slip the clutch a little, especially on the 1 - 2. edit - Make sure you're not flooring the gas pedal while you're doing this, or it will put too much wear on the clutch. Only very lightly feather the gas pedal if necessary. Just keep driving you'll get it.
:stupid:

It takes time. I've got 3600 miles and no problems now. Drive without looking at tach. Listen to engine and then shift. I look at tach only if I'm over 5000 RMP (which is rare). In a few more months, it will all seem natural. I had a manual for many years but my last car was an automatic, so I had to re-educate my feet. Flow is fine now. Good luck :thumbup:

[grimreapa]

Will someone that is proficient in a manual plese describe for me to the best of there ability in words the correct methods to go from a stop to 4th gear with out going over 3000 rpms and making the shifts as smooth as possible. still cant seem to get it right, only sometimes. Thanks

[Fast Bob]

Will someone that is proficient in a manual plese describe for me to the best of there ability in words the correct methods to go from a stop to 4th gear with out going over 3000 rpms and making the shifts as smooth as possible. still cant seem to get it right, only sometimes. Thanks

Why limit yourself to 3000 RPMs?This will not make you a smoother driver....and here`s why:On the 1-to-2 shift, the RPMs drop 42% (shifting @ 3000, dropping to 1740 in 2nd), leaving you Waaaay down in the powerband....i.e., not at all conducive to smooth driving. Try raising your shift points to 3500-4000 and I think you`ll see a nice difference. If you study a gear-ratio chart, you`ll notice that after 3rd gear, the ratios get much closer together....the result being much smoother transition between gears because the RPMs don`t fall off as much as in the lower three gears. Here`s a chart for the 330i:

I 4.35
1-to-2= 42% RPM drop
II 2.50
2-to-3=33% drop
III 1.66
3-to-4=26% drop
IV 1.23
4-to-5=18% drop
V 1.00
5-to-6=15% drop
VI 0.85


Regards,
Bob

[grimreapa]

Why limit yourself to 3000 RPMs?This will not make you a smoother driver....and here`s why:On the 1-to-2 shift, the RPMs drop 42% (shifting @ 3000, dropping to 1740 in 2nd), leaving you Waaaay down in the powerband....i.e., not at all conducive to smooth driving. Try raising your shift points to 3500-4000 and I think you`ll see a nice difference. If you study a gear-ratio chart, you`ll notice that after 3rd gear, the ratios get much closer together....the result being much smoother transition between gears because the RPMs don`t fall off as much as in the lower three gears. Here`s a chart for the 330i:

I 4.35
1-to-2= 42% RPM drop
II 2.50
2-to-3=33% drop
III 1.66
3-to-4=26% drop
IV 1.23
4-to-5=18% drop
V 1.00
5-to-6=15% drop
VI 0.85


Regards,
Bob

Thanks a million bob, I have an 04 330ci so this should work out fine. I will be sure to ask u if I have anymore ?'s after I try this out.

[grimreapa]

by the way how did u know the percentages fast bob, and if i shift at those percentages which will vary with rpms my shifts should be good right? I want to avoid burning the clutch as much as possible also.This is al new to me so ull have to forgive me

[Fast Bob]

by the way how did u know the percentages fast bob, and if i shift at those percentages which will vary with rpms my shifts should be good right? I want to avoid burning the clutch as much as possible also.This is al new to me so ull have to forgive me

Grim,
My point was to try to get you to grasp the concept of *why* the gear changes feel the way they do....no need to adhere to any "percentage formulas" or anything like that. Just try revving it a little higher in first, second, and third. Familiarization will come with time and practice, and after a while, will become as natural as breathing....you won`t even realize you`re doing it....vary your speeds, and practice a lot. You won`t burn the clutch as long as you don`t drive with your left foot resting on the pedal. Now get out there and drive!

Regards,
Bob

[grimreapa]

Grim,
My point was to try to get you to grasp the concept of *why* the gear changes feel the way they do....no need to adhere to any "percentage formulas" or anything like that. Just try revving it a little higher in first, second, and third. Familiarization will come with time and practice, and after a while, will become as natural as breathing....you won`t even realize you`re doing it....vary your speeds, and practice a lot. You won`t burn the clutch as long as you don`t drive with your left foot resting on the pedal. Now get out there and drive!

Regards,
Bob

Will do Fast Bob, and thanks again.

[dynosor]

My 330i shifts very smoothly with less effort if I rev it to between 3500 and 4500 RPM in first. You do not have to use all the torque, but my car shifts smoothly even when you do.

Shifting from first to second around 3000 RPM makes my car feel stiff and doesn't feel "right". Everything seems to have been designed to work really well when you rev it a little.

[Moderato]

Last night, I made some kind of connection with my car. It was like Nirvana or something. I was shifting so perfectly at all rpms, rev-matching every downshift so perfectly, all without thinking about it. :D I remember thinking "this is what makes BMW's so great." My car has 3500 miles on it and there is a HUGE difference in how it drives now compared to how "tight" it was when new.

[grimreapa]

Last night, I made some kind of connection with my car. It was like Nirvana or something. I was shifting so perfectly at all rpms, rev-matching every downshift so perfectly, all without thinking about it. :D I remember thinking "this is what makes BMW's so great." My car has 3500 miles on it and there is a HUGE difference in how it drives now compared to how "tight" it was when new.
So then tell us how u did it, cause I sure need help

[operknockity]

So then tell us how u did it, cause I sure need help Practice, practice, practice, and then more practice! It'll take some time, but with enough seat time you'll get the hang of it and find yourself in Nirvana as well. Just don't try to push it too hard and get upset when things don't work out sometimes.

It took a while for me to go from an extemely loose 16 year old Toyota Celica to the bimmer, but eventually those times when things just clicked started coming more often and lasting longer.

[AndDown]

So then tell us how u did it, cause I sure need help


I recall that things seem to shift smoother after the first few thousand miles - probably a combination of my learning curve and the transmission breaking in.