I am a newbie and have just bought my first bimmer and dream car (330ci 6th gear). I have driven stick for several years on and off but never in a performance car and have some questions about shifting technique.
What are the max speeds for each gear above which it is unsafe to downshift.
What is the optimal rpms to ensure a smooth upshift. I have been led to believe that I should always be above 2500 rpms and ideally above 300 rpms and that in general the higher I go the cleaner the shift. Yet there are times that even at 3500 rpms it is not a smooth shift.
I have been told that I should pause for a second between upshifts to allow for a smoother shift.
I have also worked on the theory that except for first gear and coasting to a stop that the engine should not be under 2000 rpms and if it is my gear selection is too high
Finally besides riding the clutch are there any other sure fire ways to screw up my engine and or transmission.
I seldom use 5th or 6th gear and find that hanging around 3000rpms gives me my best power. I know that it will screw up my fuel consumption but will increase my fun. Is there any problem with this
It might sound like I have no business being in such a car but in reality when I feel the incredible torque I have in each gear I have become quite the mad man and am loving the car
Thanks
What are the max speeds for each gear above which it is unsafe to downshift.
What is the optimal rpms to ensure a smooth upshift. I have been led to believe that I should always be above 2500 rpms and ideally above 300 rpms and that in general the higher I go the cleaner the shift. Yet there are times that even at 3500 rpms it is not a smooth shift.
I have been told that I should pause for a second between upshifts to allow for a smoother shift.
I have also worked on the theory that except for first gear and coasting to a stop that the engine should not be under 2000 rpms and if it is my gear selection is too high
Finally besides riding the clutch are there any other sure fire ways to screw up my engine and or transmission.
I seldom use 5th or 6th gear and find that hanging around 3000rpms gives me my best power. I know that it will screw up my fuel consumption but will increase my fun. Is there any problem with this
It might sound like I have no business being in such a car but in reality when I feel the incredible torque I have in each gear I have become quite the mad man and am loving the car
Thanks