M3 Manu-Matic Shifting for a Noob :)

[Tropez]

So, I have been driving an automatic all my life. I have driven manual transmission vehicles but only when forced to. Call me lazy, a noob, whatever, it is what it is.

I now have my brand new M3 with an automatic transmission with a really interesting manual mode shifter. The problem is, I don't really know how to properly use it. I mean, it seems fun when I shift using it but are there any secrets to using it? Right now my shifts are sometimes rough, when I shift my rpm's pop up and my car slows down a little. I'm sure that most of my concerns are due to my lack of experience driving a manual.

So, can any of you offer any insight into how to properly shift using the manual functionality of my M3? Any tips for a novice are appreciated.

P.S. Why does 1st gear redline so fast!!!

 

[elderlycoffee]

I could be wrong, But I believe it works like this.
Or it did in the CTS I drove.

In manual mode you can shift at anytime just like a real manual car. If it stays in the red line it overrides and automatically shifts.
Do not let off on the gas while shifting "flat shift".
Should work well this way.

 

[kura808]

hmm i thought when in manual mode, the gear wont shift automatically and will stay in redline. ya gotta be careful though because for some reason the shift from first to second has a little downtime thats y it redlines so often. ya just gotta shift a bit earlier. xD

 

[elderlycoffee]

hmm i thought when in manual mode, the gear wont shift automatically and will stay in redline. ya gotta be careful though because for some reason the shift from first to second has a little downtime thats y it redlines so often. ya just gotta shift a bit earlier. xD

I think that some cars have different systems, I think they all vary.

 

[Knox Joe]

I think that some cars have different systems, I think they all vary.

The Mazda6 shifts for you if you hit the limiter in manumatic mode.

 

[elderlycoffee]

The Mazda6 shifts for you if you hit the limiter in manumatic mode.

Ahhh, Maybe the 3 does it too? I haven't driven one. Only manumatic car I drove was a Cadillac CTS.

 

[Betelgeuse]

The Mazda6 shifts for you if you hit the limiter in manumatic mode.

When I had my 03 mazda6s, the manumatic would let me bounce the rev limiter. It would only downshift automatically, like when accelerating or coming to a full stop. Maybe it's different now but I loved it.

 

[NCZ13]

the mazda 6 would bounce off the limiter

but yes, it does downshift automatically.