RPMs a little high?

[GnarlyCow]

I am pretty sure this is normal on this car, but I just wanted to be sure.

I have a 2001 325Ci and when I am driving on the highway (at around 130km/h -- standard cruising speed), my RPMs are hovering at almost 4000. This to me seems a little high to be running constantly. This is my first manual car and I guess I've been spoiled with overdrive automatics where I can go 140km/h and still be at around 2300 RPM.

I just want to make sure this is normal.

[OneLuckyPuppy]

Absolutely normal, 5th gear (or 6th in some models) is not an overdrive. This is also why you can accelerate on the last gear.

[CiscoKid]

its normal on every car except american cars

[GnarlyCow]

Thanks for clearing that up. I just upgraded my car from a Buick P.O.S. to a BMW 325Ci. Quite the jump I'd say.

[Braymond]

130km/h... that's close to 80mph right? mine is at 3k at the speed. You have an upgraded differential. Most likely it came out of an automatic 3 series. With that you gain acceleration, but you loose economy when cruising... sorry, but that sucks for you

[cakman2]

6th gear is a fuel efficiency gear, I am pretty sure you cannot redline in 5th before hitting the governed speed limit.

[heifetz17]

5th gear is good for fuel economy, too. Older cars don't have governors, I think that started in '94 or so, so you can redline in 5th gear. I also upgraded from a Buick POS to a 325. And whether it's an overdrive gear or not, you can still accelerate in it. Overdrive doesn't mean you can't accelerate.