Manual Trans - Optimum RPMS???

[Rustle98]

Hey all,

Just got a new 325Ci with a manual 5-speed. I was wondering what the reccomended rpms were for both cruising and shifting?? I previously had a mitsubishi and never accelerated much over 4000rpms and usually cruised somewhere in the low 3000s. However, my bimmer seems comfortable cruising around 3600 / 3700 rpms with acceleration going well over 4000...

Is there a consensus on what levels to shift and cruise at?

Thanks
Russ

[EcianIce]

generally speaking i think it's best to cruise at lower rpms. ie: 2200 - 2600 or so.

for acceleration, it's mainly preferance i guess. im sure there is some advantage to shifting at certain rpms, but i'm not much for standards. redline sounds good to me.

[white 330ci]

for normal driving i shift around, 3500

[EnvyM3]

Originally posted by Rustle98@Aug 24 2004, 01:03 PM
Hey all,

Just got a new 325Ci with a manual 5-speed. I was wondering what the reccomended rpms were for both cruising and shifting?? I previously had a mitsubishi and never accelerated much over 4000rpms and usually cruised somewhere in the low 3000s. However, my bimmer seems comfortable cruising around 3600 / 3700 rpms with acceleration going well over 4000...

Is there a consensus on what levels to shift and cruise at?

Thanks
Russ

Cruising level 2-3000 Rpm's and when you really want to get at it, bring it right up to 5800 or so then shift. Watch out for the rev limiter though b/c it can really throw you for a loop if it kicks in. If you really punch it from a stop, bring it up to about 5900 in 1st and quickly shift into second and you will notice the tires spin and chirp into 2nd gear. Works even better with the DSC off! Happy driving

[Rustle98]

thanks for the replies!

So its really OK to run the RPMs that high from time to time???
I guess I'm just used to my old car which would NEVER take that!

[EnvyM3]

Originally posted by Rustle98@Aug 25 2004, 09:27 PM
thanks for the replies!

So its really OK to run the RPMs that high from time to time???
I guess I'm just used to my old car which would NEVER take that!

BMW is known as the "Ultimate Driving Machine" and it is actually good for the car to run it hard once in a while. I'm sure if it was all the time it could cause some damage, but I get mine right up there from time to time!