Shifting 1st to 2nd gear

C

CYCLONE2

Member
I know it's been quite a while since I had a manual shift vehicle(car or truck), but does anyone else have an issue with making a smooth transition from 1st to 2nd gear? I don't have any issue with the operation of the transmission but if there were to be a glass of water unsecured sitting on the console (not that anyone would ever do that :lol: ), no doubt it would spill. Now if I drive slowly I could do it, but a medium acceleration is pretty jerky. Now if the acceleration is aggressive, no problem.
Also it seems the clutch catches further out than I'd like. I know that's a personal thing. I always set the clutch levers on my bikes to catch pretty close to the bars. I'm getting better (smoother) the more I drive the car, but I must admit I have to concentrate on making it a smooth transition.
 
Sounds like you're referring to the infamous CDV issues. Mine is stiffer from 1st to 2nd as well, although I've got used to it so notice it a lot less now.

Do a search for it here and there are also 'how tos' on changing/removing it.
 
It took me a bit to get used to the clutch in the Z4. Like you, I would prefer if it grabbed lower. I also would prefer more 'feel' to the pedal. I compare the Z4 clutch to stepping on big squishy marshmallow.

If your new to the Z4, you may not know about the infamous CDV (Clutch Delay Valve). The CDV is in the clutch hydraulic line and limits the speed at which the clutch engages. I have been thinking about doing the CDV delete mod hoping that might restore some pedal feel.
 
ay8306 said:
It took me a bit to get used to the clutch in the Z4. Like you, I would prefer if it grabbed lower. I also would prefer more 'feel' to the pedal. I compare the Z4 clutch to stepping on big squishy marshmallow.

If your new to the Z4, you may not know about the infamous CDV (Clutch Delay Valve). The CDV is in the clutch hydraulic line and limits the speed at which the clutch engages. I have been thinking about doing the CDV delete mod hoping that might restore some pedal feel.
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WOW! Why would they design something like that? I'm new to the car and to the brand so this is all news to me. Although, I don't notice any issue with 2nd through 6th. On occassion I'll start out in 2nd. That takes a little extra thought and finesse but isn't too bad. I'd rather not put any extra strain on the clutch so 99% of the time I just use 1st. :driving:
 
I think that the theory is that it will always allow the clutch to engage smoothly, even if you release the pedal too quickly, but IMHO it is a looser of a design. I grew up driving American muscle car V8s with stiff mechanical clutches that gave you a lots of feedback. My wife had an RX7 back in the '80s with a hydraulic clutch - to me it was more like an on-off switch with no feel at all. The Z4 is just as bad. Although it when driving in a stop and go traffic jam, it does take some of the strain off of your left leg.
 
I have noticed a difference since taking out the CDV but it really doesnt matter in terms of smoothness, Ive felt perfectly smooth shifts either way. For day to day driving the CDV is not nearly as bad of an issue as people claim it is, just people looking for something to blame for their driving :wink: With my typical leg speed, I prefer to shift around 4k for smoothness...but it all depends how you drive (how fast your leg engages the clutch, how long it takes you to shift with your hand, whether youre on the throttle or not).
 
I have driven manual tranny cars off and on since learning how to drive. Each one is different. The first time I drove my Z, it looked like a bucking bronco (and I was moving from a 325Ci!). You have to give it a bit of gas before you engage the clutch in 2 (and even 3rd) just like from 1st. Also slow down a bit and take more time shifting. Makes all the difference in the world.

As tsulesque said, I don't have a problem with the CDV once I figured it out. Too many people try to make the car adapt to their driving style rather than adapting their style to the car.
 
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