e46 330ci - 5 speed vs 6 speed differences

[menousername]

Hi all

Can anyone explain the differences, if any, of a 5 speed vs 6 speed 330ci ?

I understand being a bit of a heavy car and rev-happy, the power comes at the top end, 3000 rpm upwards

how does the extra gear impact performance. Is it just an economy gear or are the ratios of each lower gear altered and how does that change the driving experience

thanks

[illmonkey]

1st through 5th are the same ratios, 6th is just an overdrive gear for cruising.

[menousername]

ah ok cool,thanks

[a_bread]

If it helps, from what I recall of mine, the gear ratios gave approximately:


1st 6mph/1000rpm
2nd 10
3rd 15
4th 20
5th 25

[leeson660]

As no one else has said it...........

This is the M forum!!