E46 M3 manual box....vs. 325?
Discussion
A couple of quick questions...
I've never driven an E46 M3 in manual - is the M3 manual gearbox "throw" and "slotting into gear" the same/similar as the E46 325i? I sometimes found my 325i to be a bit wooly and was wondering if the M3 gearbox 'feel' is the same?
Also is there a decent kit that can be bolted on to improve the M3 gearbox from stock?
Cheers
I've never driven an E46 M3 in manual - is the M3 manual gearbox "throw" and "slotting into gear" the same/similar as the E46 325i? I sometimes found my 325i to be a bit wooly and was wondering if the M3 gearbox 'feel' is the same?
Also is there a decent kit that can be bolted on to improve the M3 gearbox from stock?
Cheers
I've had manual 'boxes in all my M3s and also a manual 330i.
The M3 gearboxes are notchier than the normal E46. The throw is fairly long as the gearstick itself is also quite long. I've chosen to fit the shorter clubsport weighted gearknob to my M3. Makes a difference to the feel of the shift, but doesn't shorten the throw. Short shift kits are all good and well, but it won't speed up the shift itself.
Overall, the M3 feels more mechanical than the standard E46.
The M3 gearboxes are notchier than the normal E46. The throw is fairly long as the gearstick itself is also quite long. I've chosen to fit the shorter clubsport weighted gearknob to my M3. Makes a difference to the feel of the shift, but doesn't shorten the throw. Short shift kits are all good and well, but it won't speed up the shift itself.
Overall, the M3 feels more mechanical than the standard E46.
Thanks Matt - having had 2 SMG boxes I'm erring towards a manual as I'm told it adds to the experience!
My 996 box is quite crisp once the oil is warmed up...does the M3 box stay notchy once the gear box oil is up to temp?
Once I tell my other half that I'm going after my 3rd M3 in 7 years she'll kill me - see you also live in the midlands...might need a room to rent shortly !!!
My 996 box is quite crisp once the oil is warmed up...does the M3 box stay notchy once the gear box oil is up to temp?
Once I tell my other half that I'm going after my 3rd M3 in 7 years she'll kill me - see you also live in the midlands...might need a room to rent shortly !!!
steve singh said:
does the M3 box stay notchy once the gear box oil is up to temp?
there is a significant change in the feel of this gearbox between hot and cold and the gearbox oil can have a big impact on this. Mine can be stubborn when cold, often requiring a double de-clutch 1st to 2nd gear. No probs when warm; feels precise and gears are easy to engage.Buzzmeister said:
steve singh said:
does the M3 box stay notchy once the gear box oil is up to temp?
there is a significant change in the feel of this gearbox between hot and cold and the gearbox oil can have a big impact on this. Mine can be stubborn when cold, often requiring a double de-clutch 1st to 2nd gear. No probs when warm; feels precise and gears are easy to engage.
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