[WDE82]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

IMO, it is only preventing what many drivers can't do with correct coordination.

I've never had a BMW MT with CDV prevent me making smooth and comfortable shifts.

It's interesting to me there's resistance here to removing the CDV on the F30 forums yet everyone on previous gens highly recommends the mod.

I think it's probably because the F30 CDV is more difficult to remove. Fewer people here know how bad the CDVs really are than on say the E46, E8/9X forums. CDV delete and a clutch stop were literally the two best mods I ever did to my E82 and I did a lot of shit to it.

[BuiltS85]

The best way to learn is in a large secluded parking lot that sees little traffic. You want to get a feel for the clutch by finding its point of release and engagement. As you release the clutch you should be applying gas until you find the perfect combination for smooth take off from a start. Hope that Helps!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by WDE82

It's interesting to me there's resistance here to removing the CDV on the F30 forums yet everyone on previous gens highly recommends the mod.

I think it's probably because the F30 CDV is more difficult to remove. Fewer people here know how bad the CDVs really are than on say the E46, E8/9X forums. CDV delete and a clutch stop were literally the two best mods I ever did to my E82 and I did a lot of shit to it.

I don't doubt at all, that some drivers find removing the CDV suits their driving style better.

My point is, you can still drive smoothly with it. Whether that requires a different style or skill set, that is open to debate. I've driven E8/E9x models without any feeling the CDV needs removing to drive smoothly. I've also sat with other drivers who clearly have no issue, drive smoothly, at any pace, without looking like amateurs.

BTW, I've also sat with other MT drivers, even with the very best setups, who haven't a clue how to drive a stick.

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

I don't doubt at all, that some drivers find removing the CDV suits their driving style better.

My point is, you can still drive smoothly with it. Whether that requires a different style or skill set, that is open to debate. I've driven E8/E9x models without any feeling the CDV needs removing to drive smoothly. I've also sat with other drivers who clearly have no issue, drive smoothly, at any pace, without looking like amateurs.

BTW, I've also sat with other MT drivers, even with the very best setups, who haven't a clue how to drive a stick.

CDV limits how fast you can actually shift and disconnects your left foot from the clutch on the up stroke so it's not suited for anyone doing anything performance oriented. You can work around it but it's annoying at best and a pretty bad hinderance at worst.

[Pauloxxi]

It is interesting reading people having problems to drive manual transmission cars, when the usage is for a daily driver. You should adequate to the car easily... like combining the revs and removing your feet from the clutch. Start by being careful and enough slow when stepping out of the clutch and go learning the vehicle reaction.
These cars are easy today... you stop in hill, and then you simply move forward. I used to drive and learned on old VW beetle, stopping in a traffic light while climbing a hill, then going "only" forward (not going back)... and smashing someone close to my tail was the real skill... sometimes for short stops would not break, just leave the car in 1st gear and with clutch and gas pedal would find the balance to keep stopped, engine running, and move ahead when time comes.

[sygazelle]

First, cheers to you for posting and admitting you are having trouble. I've read the responses and as always, there are a lot of differing opinions which is great.


Here's my take: If you've had the car 2 years and you are having trouble shifting smoothly, practice is not the issue. There is something going on with your car. The CDV is a likely suspect. There are many posts going back in time where CDV was deleted and the problem with shifting went away.

Do you have a friend that drives MT who can test drive your car? It would be interesting to see if another driver with experience has the same problem. If they do have a problem, the best option is likely to delete the CDV or have it replaced since it could be faulty.

I hope you get it sorted out. You have an amazing car and you should be having fun driving it.

Let us know how it turns out.

[Icarium81]

Essentially you can't drive and for some reason in over 2 years you haven't realized it. If you haven't gotten it by now, you're not going to pick it up with some hints over the internet.

[Livetodrive]

I’m with sygazelle on this one. Perhaps you can have the dealer check your clutch before placing all the blame on yourself.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Icarium81

Essentially you can't drive and for some reason in over 2 years you haven't realized it. If you haven't gotten it by now, you're not going to pick it up with some hints over the internet.

There are dozens if not hundreds of posts over the years about CDV causing the exact problem that the OP has been experiencing.

While it could be that he is simply MT-challenged, after 2 years of driving its hard for me to fathom that anyone couldn't figure it out in that period of time unless there was some kind of a mechanical issue. CDV is a potential culprit.

So, the OP posting here might give him the information he needs to solve his problem, with the exception of your post.

[eluded]

Do you have sensitivity in your left foot? Maybe drive barefoot for a while and see if that helps.

[WDE82]

I'm definitely laughing at everyone who doesn't realize how terrible CDVs are. That is 100% the issue here. Some people are willing to work around it but you shouldn't have to.

[MGT81]

Honestly, I just came out of an E90 manual and I’m having a bit of trouble starting smoothly in my new 6-speed 340. I’ve driven a manual for 17 years too. The clutch stop I had on my E90 made a HUGE difference and my new one is showing up Tuesday, so I’m hoping that’ll help

[paulymu]

I appreciate all the feedback. Will look into trying out as much as possible. In regards to the cdv, i'm going to try and see if i can find a good reliable indy shop around my area to do it.

[dmaxdmax]

OP...I'm in your neighborhood-ish. If you'd like me to try driving your car (same as mine)...and if you'd like to go for a ride with me...maybe I've learned something in my 47 years driving only manuals that can help.

That said, 1st is a little wonky in this, but manageable.

PM if interested.

[PJ Gross]

Originally Posted by dmaxdmax

OP...I'm in your neighborhood-ish. If you'd like me to try driving your car (same as mine)...and if you'd like to go for a ride with me...maybe I've learned something in my 47 years driving only manuals that can help.

That said, 1st is a little wonky in this, but manageable.

PM if interested.

I had trouble finding a manual certified used 335 so I ended up getting my 335 GT with auto, so I don't have specific BMW experience.

However, I've driven manuals for years. One thing that helped with my CTS-V around town was when lugging to skip 2nd and just go to 3rd. My skip to shift was removed, but when lugging just going to 3rd, then 5th was fine.
Preface that was with V8 supercharged so a bit more Low end torque but easing into 3rd should always be smooth?

Just my .02 and suggestion. But anyone in 2 years gets a feel for driving a stick, I'm with everyone that says its understanding how the assist is interacting and anticipating/ dealing with it is the issue.

Nothing wrong with skipping gears, though, when trying to be smooth. 😊

-Paul G.