Why Not Another Gear On E36?

[RedlinedRU]

the only thing i don't like about my e36 is the high revs while on interstate roads. I usually cruise about 80 or so and my tach sits at about 3.5K. I wonder why they didn't add another gear becuause with an exhaust on the car, it sounds like the motor is running a bit fast compared to other cars at the same speeds. good 5th gear pickup though, i can't deny that.

[97alpineM3]

I'f I'm not mistaken.. the whole euro and american difference reasoning.. is mainly due to production and sales market solutions... the company thought that American drivers were.. less performance minded.. and not so much of the avid 130 mph driver... and more of a every day... layed back.. 55mph driven car.. thus the less HP.. and the 5 speed gearbox...

Les

[RedlinedRU]

oh.....well they were wrong about me then.....that sucks

[97alpineM3]

Many people feel the same way... and the sales on these cars shows... reason being.. the birth of the six speed gearbox in the e46 and on....

Les

[kearnyme]

Market Research!?

[Cruzin 323is]

ya, and what about the 7th gear on the m5... lol

best gass milage is between 2 and 3 rpms.. which is about 50-60 mph...

[97alpineM3]

I do 3K at 72mph...

Les

[jllphan]

Actually all is not lost. Zionsville autosport {CLICK HERE} has a 6spd conversion for the e36. These guys are awesome, as they consistently churn out products that address almost every improvement area of the e30 and e36 cars.

Now that I'm doing a fair amount of interstate driving on a regular basis, it'd be nice to have another ratio. But then again, it would probably also spell a few speeding tickets.

[97alpineM3]

That would be nice.... but then I'd have a need to see the top speed... with the new gear...

Les

[Deloriant]

Well rest easy, that $4300 price tag should keep you away from it nicely.

[bitcore]

Originally posted by Deloriant@Nov 14 2004, 02:22 PM
Well rest easy, that $4300 price tag should keep you away from it nicely.

[snapback]230707[/snapback]

lol I know... That really hacks me off

[jrhaile]

get a diff differential... at 80mph in my 315 LSD I only do ABOUT 3k. you can go lower too

[Kevin325i]

Interesting. My car is at about 70 at 3k in 5th with the 3.15. What size are your tires?

[97alpineM3]

18s... I'm not looking for higher end... much more interested in the low torque band... thanks though,

Les