A few gear changing questions

Z

zeddy

Member
Hi,

Being new to manuals/stick shift/etc I have a few questions.


Is it normally a bit notchy going into first gear when the car is first started? It goes much nicer into first after about 5-10 minutes.

I've got the 1st - 2nd shift going ok, and 2nd - 4th is also good, but 2nd-3rd I find it hard to let the clutch out smoothly. It seems to suddenly engage and while not quite head banging jerkiness, its not very smooth. Same with shifting down to second from any other gear.


Any tips?
 
The gear change is a bit of a pain on mine too. 1st - 2nd is the worst, it doesn't like fast changes. 2-3rd is fine on mine. The solution to your problem is to remove the CDV, do a search for info.
 
Got it booked in for CDV replacement tomorrow..... Will see if it makes any difference or not. I'm not really sure how it should be.
 
Ha ha, that was quick dude. I've heard on here it makes a big difference, be sure to let me know.
 
Mine was done yesterday. It sounds weird, but it has transformed how the car feels to me. The gearchange itself is not very slick compared to my other two cars, or my TVRs. However, now the drivetrain actually feels alive and like it wants to go. This is as opposed to obstructive, which is how it feels with the clutch restrictor in place.
 
Nope no change when being "spirited". It's really noticeable in 1st and 2nd pull aways as it gives you the correct level of control. You can still kangaroo a little if you release the clutch too fast, as with amy other car.
 
Aww thats a shame I hate 1st to 2nd it just doesn't feel comfortable putting it into 2nd quickly even at lower revs, was hoping the CDV was to blame.
 
let the clutch "slip" just a bit in second as when you do first. Even in the 3.0Si, it will make you look like a rookie if you just pop the clutch out on all but engaging first gear (well, unless you have the revs going, then it's ok)
 
TBH the gearbox on the Z4M isn't the best I've used. It's a bit notchy at times and isn't great at fast changes. I haven't done the CDV delete yet but will get round to it eventually.
 
Just got the car back after CDV swap. Haven't had a long drive yet, but the clutch has a much lighter pedal and is easier to control.

I haven't driven any other manual cars, but there is a lot more feel in the clutch now the CDV has been replaced.
 
Can anyone shed any light on this? Was out in the M today and noticed if I push the clutch in faster than normal I get a much less notchy gearchange into 2nd. Is this something to do with the CDV allowing more fluid through so allowing the clutch to work faster.
 
daz05 said:
Can anyone shed any light on this? Was out in the M today and noticed if I push the clutch in faster than normal I get a much less notchy gearchange into 2nd. Is this something to do with the CDV allowing more fluid through so allowing the clutch to work faster.
Click to expand...

Yes the CDV is basically a narrowed hole through a nut, the rest of the clutch pipe work is wider, when the CDV is removed or modified and you push the clutch in, the fluid has a larger bore diameter to pass through than before and it feels slightly lighter in action. CDV acts as a bottle neck really, nothing more

I removed mine completely when I saw how it worked, rather than modify it
 
Thanks Toplad, on that basis the CDV is putting extra strain on the synchros. Not a huge amount but it puts more pressure on them.
 
What`s the point of the part? I would be very reluctant to remove a part - it must be there for a reason. I`d even be afraid to modify it also.
 
Its there to stop you side stepping the clutch and giving BMW a big warranty bill, so as long as you dont drive like an idiot it will cause no problems.
 
Having driven the car for a week without the cdv, I am happy with it. I can feel the engagement points much better, and the shift from 1st to 2nd is very nice. My partner says that the clutch now behaves like it should.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom