[dkim3]

7k on the odo. 22 M3.
Last manual, 2018 brz ts.

Overall, I am satisfied with just the transmission. It checks all the boxes I want but doesn't go above and beyond. However, when combined with the rest of the vehicle, it is stellar.

transmission: 7/10
transmission + rest of vehicle: 10/10

[wtwo3]

Coming up on 3,500 miles soon. While I sometimes do miss the performance of the comp model, the engagement of the MT more than makes up for that.

When I first picked up the car brand new I was a little worried. The shifter was very stiff (and yes, rubbery), the clutch very vague, the 1-2 shift brutal. I stuck with it and am happy to report that now over 3k miles in, the linkages have loosened up and I'm able to flick it into gear, the rubbery feeling is mostly gone, and the clutch is a bit more predictable while i've also mastered the 1-2 shift. Mine is still completely stock, so I haven't done any CDV deletes or clutch stops etc.

[Nate.G82]

Almost 11k on my M4.

Still in love with it. The shifter could be more mechanical, not to say it's bad, but there could always be more.

I always drive in sport plus, pretty much maximum settings. The clutch engagement is solid, not too heavy, not too light. I will admit that the bite zone was a little vague when I first got it, but now it's second nature.

I have no idea the time it takes for the transmission to warm up, I just base everything off of my oil and tire temps.

Points to share? Every time I downshift 4>3 during spirited driving it gives me a level of dopamine that no auto could give me. Also, I have a wife that loves boba; if your significant other also enjoys things that involve big cups and you allow it to be in your car, leave it in the left cupholder on the console. The reason being is you can creep smoothly by forgoing 1st and just starting in 2nd. I promise you will forget the cup is there, and if you have it in the right cup holder you will punch it shifting to 5th. It's either that or adopt the push-pull style of shifting.

[The_Mad_Shifter]

Almost at 16,000 miles on my 2022 G82 6MT.

1) Are you loving it

Yes

2) Is the shifter feel mechanical enough for you

Yes

3) What has your clutch engagement been in sport vs efficiency modes

Sport has a bit of push required but to me that feels good and solid, especially if you're short shifting a little.

4) Time it takes for Transmission to warm up

Here in FL 30-60 secs

5) Points you like to share

It is not a smooth transmission but I have come up with a solution that works really well for me and that is to actually try to make your throws super fast when shifting. The length of the throw messes up the timing and clutch release IMO and find that when I purposely try to shift quicker that it is smoother and I believe it was made for that as that bite point engages so quickly and harshly. I absolutely love it. (Plus I love the auto rev-match on the downshifts because my feet are giant and heel and toe is a bit difficult for me).

[pointguard]

Originally Posted by MT6

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

What has your driving experience been with the MT in your cars

1) Are you loving it
2) Is the shifter feel mechanical enough for you
3) What has your clutch engagement been in sport vs efficiency modes
4) Time it takes for Transmission to warm up
5) Points you like to share

Curious to see what your thoughts are OP, since you had/have a CTR. I’m coming from one, having a G80 on order after renting a G80 through Turo. I feel that the shifter/clutch feel in the FK8 are fantastic, and very easy to use on a daily basis. Whereas in the G80, my impression was essentially “well, at least it comes in a manual.” I had difficulty getting adjusted to the where the clutch engaged, with a jerky 1-2 upshift maybe 40% of the time. Also, driving in Efficient did make it somewhat more manageable.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by pointguard

Curious to see what your thoughts are OP, since you had/have a CTR. I’m coming from one, having a G80 on order after renting a G80 through Turo. I feel that the shifter/clutch feel in the FK8 are fantastic, and very easy to use on a daily basis. Whereas in the G80, my impression was essentially “well, at least it comes in a manual.” I had difficulty getting adjusted to the where the clutch engaged, with a jerky 1-2 upshift maybe 40% of the time. Also, driving in Efficient did make it somewhat more manageable.

Yeah comparing it to a Honda manual will leave you feeling disappointed. Honda manuals are butter smooth. This is more of a burly, wring it by the neck type of transmission. That being said, once you get used to it and break it in a bit, you'll see a pretty significant improvement in the shift action.

[MT6]

Hello All the members that have shared experiences to the post,

Thanks Yes I do like the M3 MT a lot the shifts are precise and love the combination with S58 and RWD. I did get the break-in service done last week and drove spirited during that time.

The MT certainly grows on it takes a few miles into the drive for G80 MT fluid to warm up and than its butter and exhilarating on a winding road.

It's been easier form me to shift smooth in Efficient mode vs. Sport where I am at times jerky with either too much throttle or less of it from a traffic light starts, so I drive off in efficient and switch to Sport in 3d gear.... I shall improve with practice.

FK8 gear box is a joy yet the G80 MT 'shnicks' too.

[TheLegend]

Finally had the opportunity to test drive a G80 M3 manual, granted not too many miles. My complaint has never been the rubbery shifter but the clutch feel and take up especially 1-2. When I test drove the G80 M3 manual I purposely did not drive it hard and made it an effort to try to get the 1-2 and 2-3 shift smoothly. It felt like there was a bit of slippage at the top of the clutch release on both 1-2 and 2-3. Maybe this is an already worn clutch because the car had over 10k miles on it or is this the clutch delay valve?

[par__m3]

Originally Posted by TheLegend

Finally had the opportunity to test drive a G80 M3 manual, granted not too many miles. My complaint has never been the rubbery shifter but the clutch feel and take up especially 1-2. When I test drove the G80 M3 manual I purposely did not drive it hard and made it an effort to try to get the 1-2 and 2-3 shift smoothly. It felt like there was a bit of slippage at the top of the clutch release on both 1-2 and 2-3. Maybe this is an already worn clutch because the car had over 10k miles on it or is this the clutch delay valve?

Sounds like the CDV to me. CDV delete really cleans up the clutch operation. Feels linear and natural.

[LuckyBrand]

Its a love hate relationship for me. I would not buy this car without the manual but I wish like others have said the 1st to 2nd shift was better. It doesn't like to be hurried at times. Driving in comfort does help but I like sport plus all the time so....

In the end I absolutely love this car and the manual is special to me. The engagement to the car is important and the manual helps to fulfill this. Nothing like driving through curves up shifting and down shifting and being busy with 3 pedals, the shifter and steering wheel.

[spaceage]

Originally Posted by MT6

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

What has your driving experience been with the MT in your cars

1) Are you loving it
2) Is the shifter feel mechanical enough for you
3) What has your clutch engagement been in sport vs efficiency modes
4) Time it takes for Transmission to warm up
5) Points you like to share

I’ve had a G80 for about a year and driven 2500 miles (it’s a summer car). It’s the best manual BMW trans I’ve had of about 5 different ones. I like it, but can’t compare to Honda, Subaru, Blackwing, or Porsche. Yes the clutch engagement point is kinda high, and yes 1-2 shifting can be awkward. I’m not all that worried about speed shifting and attaining the fastest possible 0-60 times either, so YMMV.

I test drove a used M4 convertible this weekend thinking I would pick it up as I love the G80 chassis and experience so much. I found the convertible to be boring with the ZF, steering felt a lot more numb and light (not sure if that is from AWD, convertible chassis, mileage at 12K?), and visibility from the driver’s seat is different (worse) for me at least—the top crossbar of the windshield is right in my face even with the seat all the way down. I didn’t notice any major boost in power from the car personally. I would never pay the $80K+ asking price for the M4 but couldn’t live without my G80 manual, the two were that different to me.

One thing to be aware of with the manual is the gearing ratios are a bit odd to me at highway speeds. At 85-90mph which is common in Montana/Idaho, the rpm is above 3000, more like 3500, which isn’t ideal for long road trips IMO.

[Thisisthecarguy]

Originally Posted by spaceage

I’ve had a G80 for about a year and driven 2500 miles (it’s a summer car). It’s the best manual BMW trans I’ve had of about 5 different ones. I like it, but can’t compare to Honda, Subaru, Blackwing, or Porsche. Yes the clutch engagement point is kinda high, and yes 1-2 shifting can be awkward. I’m not all that worried about speed shifting and attaining the fastest possible 0-60 times either, so YMMV.

I test drove a used M4 convertible this weekend thinking I would pick it up as I love the G80 chassis and experience so much. I found the convertible to be boring with the ZF, steering felt a lot more numb and light (not sure if that is from AWD, convertible chassis, mileage at 12K?), and visibility from the driver’s seat is different (worse) for me at least—the top crossbar of the windshield is right in my face even with the seat all the way down. I didn’t notice any major boost in power from the car personally. I would never pay the $80K+ asking price for the M4 but couldn’t live without my G80 manual, the two were that different to me.

One thing to be aware of with the manual is the gearing ratios are a bit odd to me at highway speeds. At 85-90mph which is common in Montana/Idaho, the rpm is above 3000, more like 3500, which isn’t ideal for long road trips IMO.

I see little / no discernible difference between 5th and 6th at normal freeway speeds. They should have made 6th a bit taller - what they used to call OD in the old days.

[blackmist222777]

just hit 1000 miles on my MT. I am loving it. however sometimes starting out moving in first, I do feel a slight slight shutter. not really sure if thats normal in the G80 or not. I have owned 34 cars since I was 16 and most of those have been manuals. but this is the first I have felt this.

irrespective of that, I still love it and wouldnt change it for the Competition.

[MichaelB1969]

Originally Posted by blackmist222777

just hit 1000 miles on my MT. I am loving it. however sometimes starting out moving in first, I do feel a slight slight shutter. not really sure if thats normal in the G80 or not. I have owned 34 cars since I was 16 and most of those have been manuals. but this is the first I have felt this.

irrespective of that, I still love it and wouldnt change it for the Competition.

Might need a little more throttle. The in-line 6 is so smooth and torquey that it might be lulling you into taking off in first at a lower than ideal rpm, causing a little shudder.

[LuckyBrand]

Originally Posted by spaceage

One thing to be aware of with the manual is the gearing ratios are a bit odd to me at highway speeds. At 85-90mph which is common in Montana/Idaho, the rpm is above 3000, more like 3500, which isn’t ideal for long road trips IMO.

This is something I forgot to add in my earlier response and in the top 2 annoyances on long trips for myself as well. 3 grand plus in 6th is a lot to me on longer excursions. I end up backing my speed off a bit usually. Which is hard to do lol.

[fanofbmwe46]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

Might need a little more throttle. The in-line 6 is so smooth and torquey that it might be lulling you into taking off in first at a lower than ideal rpm, causing a little shudder.

Agree on this

[SDDoye01]

All great insight!

Anyone with more winter/cold weather experience?

I live in Louisville and we really don’t get much snow. To be honest I’ve had many RWD cars and never even thought about it. But now with the XDrive option in the M3, it’s becoming something I “feel” that I can’t live without.

Last RWD manual BMW was 15 years ago, the rest have all been XDrive. I have a RWD Tesla that does good in the snow, I assume the traction control technology from BMW has improved since 2008 and is now similar to other modern RWDs but looking for someone to help me confirm so I can pull the trigger on this base model already….

[Nate.G82]

Originally Posted by LuckyBrand

This is something I forgot to add in my earlier response and in the top 2 annoyances on long trips for myself as well. 3 grand plus in 6th is a lot to me on longer excursions. I end up backing my speed off a bit usually. Which is hard to do lol.

It is nice to be at the entrance of the power band in 6th though. Being able to put your foot down and pass the person that's left lane hogging without having to shift is great. I'm usually going 70-80 on the highway for trips so it's a little better rpm-wise, sits right under 3k.

[geko29]

Originally Posted by SDDoye01

Anyone with more winter/cold weather experience?

I live in Louisville and we really don’t get much snow. To be honest I’ve had many RWD cars and never even thought about it. But now with the XDrive option in the M3, it’s becoming something I “feel” that I can’t live without.

Last RWD manual BMW was 15 years ago, the rest have all been XDrive. I have a RWD Tesla that does good in the snow, I assume the traction control technology from BMW has improved since 2008 and is now similar to other modern RWDs but looking for someone to help me confirm so I can pull the trigger on this base model already….

I don't (yet) have cold weather experience with a G8X, since I'm expecting mine to arrive in about a week and a half.

But I have been driving a tuned E90 335d in Chicago winters for the past 11 years. The M57 doesn't rev freely (or really at all) like the S58 does, but it's just as much of a torque monster. ~500lbft at the rear wheels. With winter tires, it's an absolutely wonderful drive regardless of road conditions. I don't expect anything different from my Base M3 this year.

The one thing I DO miss about my d is the third pedal. I would have gotten a manual if it existed, but BMW never offered one. I'm correcting that with my G80, and plan to enjoy the hell out of having an MT again. If you're feeling the pull (and it sounds like you are), you should definitely do it. Run UHP all-seasons through the winter months just in case you get some snow, then put the summers back on in the spring.

[LuckyBrand]

Originally Posted by Nate.G82

It is nice to be at the entrance of the power band in 6th though. Being able to put your foot down and pass the person that's left lane hogging without having to shift is great. I'm usually going 70-80 on the highway for trips so it's a little better rpm-wise, sits right under 3k.

Can't disagree with the power band. I'm usually 75 to 80 mph or whatever traffic is doing. 😉

[Shaneartistry]

Originally Posted by Thisisthecarguy

I see little / no discernible difference between 5th and 6th at normal freeway speeds. They should have made 6th a bit taller - what they used to call OD in the old days.

Completely agree.

[Turbodu07]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

What has your driving experience been with the MT in your cars

1) Are you loving it

Heck yeah. Loving it is the best way to put it!

2) Is the shifter feel mechanical enough for you

No. It feels too smooth and maybe rubbery compared to my past manuals. Considering the CVD delete. Not sure about how that's done but if I could have more feel, that'd be great.

3) What has your clutch engagement been in sport vs efficiency modes

Not sure I can really tell. I release it, it goes. I haven't tested this with burnouts or fast starts. I'll try today.

4) Time it takes for Transmission to warm up

Not sure it takes that long but I always give it around 5 minutes before I hammer it.

5) Points you like to share

I'm so glad I found another manual! It's basically why I chose this car.
For me, it's the only way to drive any vehicle. Auto's suck.