Do you like the 6mt in your 335i?

whyzee125 · 11-13-2014, 05:54 PM

Hey guys, I have a step 335i sedan and absolutely love the car. I got a very well maintained example at a price way too good to pass up and although it has 133k miles now, it's been the best car I've ever owned. I've thought of selling it and buying an LCI 6 speed, but I've been hesitant because I know most n54s have way more issues than mine so I would hate to sell a rock solid car for something more expensive only to have issues. If I got a car under warranty this is a moot point. Here's the problem: I really do miss driving manual. But my friend drove my car and was so impressed he bought the same thing but in a 6mt. He brought it over and let me drive it, and honestly, I don't think I care for it. I don't know if it's just a matter of getting used to but the shifting felt nothing like any of my previous cars and I didn't feel that the transmission suited the car very well. Has anyone else noticed this issue? Is it just because I'm used to driving mine? I think it would be a blast in a 6 speed but I didn't like the way it felt at all. Let me know!

Gizm0 · 11-13-2014, 06:21 PM

Love my 6mt! I wouldn't trade it for anything... I've been driving MT cars for 10 years...

Freelo · 11-13-2014, 06:22 PM

The 6MT needs to have the clutch delay valve removed (search for CDV delete)

Removing that valve allows for MUCH sharper gear changes. The CDV was added to protect the clutch from people who do not know how to drive manual. But it dumbed down the clutch and must be removed. Clutch is much better without it (night/day) though I still don't think our cars have the best clutch feel in the world.

whyzee125 · 11-13-2014, 06:48 PM

Yeah I'm familiar with the CDV and it made a bit of difference in my ZHP although in that car it didn't seem night and day and it was never nearly as bad as my friend's e90. That car didn't have as good of a clutch feel as my old supra or some other cars I've owned but it was fine and I would have never wanted it in an auto. Hopefully with that, an ssk and a good knob the e90 could have an overall much better feel than stock, because his makes me want to keep mine but I really would love to have a nice feeling 6 speed. thanks for the replies guys

Game · 11-13-2014, 06:50 PM

Keep in mind BMW is still a luxury brand first. I think the manual transmission was created with this in mind.

That being said, I love my MT.

whyzee125 · 11-13-2014, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Game

Keep in mind BMW is still a luxury brand first. I think the manual transmission was created with this in mind.

That being said, I love my MT.

I know a lot of people see them differently than others so I may be wrong but I would disagree with that. BMWs to me, have always been drivers cars, aside from the 7 series, etc. I would expect this from Lexus or Audi but even though BMWs usually don't have great clutch feel, the whole shifting in that car just felt awkward. It may very well be largely due to the fact that I'm used to driving the same car but an automatic.

ucdbiendog · 11-13-2014, 07:30 PM

love my 6MT. I also removed the CDV.

whyzee125 · 11-13-2014, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ucdbiendog

love my 6MT. I also removed the CDV.

Did you, too, feel that it was a night and day difference?

jwzimm · 11-13-2014, 07:57 PM

I noticed a significant change when I had my CDV swapped out for a gutted one. I bought the part for an M3 which is exactly the same as the OEM CDV with the restrictor removed. That should tell you something about its purpose as well, btw. The fact that the M3 has a gutted CDV tells me that they only add it for the inexperienced drivers in the normal 3-series'.

bbbuzzy · 11-13-2014, 08:23 PM

CDV delete is the single best mod to make to an e9X, IMO. Totally changes character of the car.

jaymesbry · 11-13-2014, 08:32 PM

CDV delete and I know it sounds totally stupid but.. Performance shift knob.

mvrwdakingtm · 11-13-2014, 08:52 PM

I really would love to have a nice feeling 6 speed. thanks for the replies guys

335NJ · 11-13-2014, 09:37 PM

Love my MT.

kdbryce · 11-13-2014, 09:39 PM

I love the 6mt in the BMW!

B3M3W5iXM · 11-13-2014, 09:40 PM

This is the most powerful car I've had with a manual.. took me awhile to get the shifting smooth. It was a rough ride at first but now I love it.

Antetokounmpo · 11-13-2014, 09:57 PM

I love my 6MT, I've driven a 6AT E90 and it's just boring and non-engadging to me. That being said, the 6MT in the 3 series isn't great as far as manuals go. I've driven probably 20 different manual cars in my life and the 335 6MT is close to the bottom in terms of overall feel. The E90 M3's 6MT is a lot better IMO but still no where near something like the Focus ST's buttery smooth gearbox.

ucdbiendog · 11-13-2014, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whyzee125

Did you, too, feel that it was a night and day difference?

night and day might be exaggerating, but the shifts from first to second definitely became much smoother. the clutch feel was also more linear.

definitely the most bang for the buck you can get in terms of "modding"

headhunterz · 11-13-2014, 10:12 PM

I hate it because i can't shift smoothly in the first or second gear... Thats probably because I still have my clutch delay valve in it.

dbworld4k · 11-14-2014, 01:25 AM

Probably because your left calf has shrunk from driving with a grandpa transmission too long.

Lol. I wouldn't ever, ever, have an automatic E9x. They're ridiculously boring compared to the 6MT. I'd probably take a 6MT 323i over a AT 335i to be honest. Love the 6spd in my E92.

Game · 11-14-2014, 01:31 AM

Interesting, didn't know about the CDV delete and how much a difference it makes.

Fundguy1 · 11-14-2014, 07:38 AM

I had to wait two months to get a manual. So glad I did. 200,000 miles later stock clutch. Great trans. I've had a dozen other manual trans cars and this is the best of the bunch.

whyzee125 · 11-14-2014, 08:23 AM

The comment about the shift knob doesn't sound crazy to me at all! I'm hoping that if I get a UUC SSK, performance knob and CDV delete it will have the feel I'm looking for in my next e90. I've actually found my car to be great fun even in auto but I think a proper 6mt would be a blast. My buddy's car is way too hard to shift smoothly to be any fun at all. All I can think about is getting the shifts half decent, whereas in all my previous cars it came real naturally. Thanks for all the replies everyone. Fundguy, how has your car held up in 200k miles? that's pretty incredible. I have 133k and I've had a better experience than a few friends who have less than 50k on theirs. It's been a great car. 1 HPFP replacement, one turbo, both wastegate actuators and a water pump. That's about it!

11-13-2014, 05:54 PM	#1
whyzee125 Brigadier General 1679 Rep 3,645 Posts Drives: Dinan stage 2 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chattanooga Tn iTrader: (0)	Do you like the 6mt in your 335i? Hey guys, I have a step 335i sedan and absolutely love the car. I got a very well maintained example at a price way too good to pass up and although it has 133k miles now, it's been the best car I've ever owned. I've thought of selling it and buying an LCI 6 speed, but I've been hesitant because I know most n54s have way more issues than mine so I would hate to sell a rock solid car for something more expensive only to have issues. If I got a car under warranty this is a moot point. Here's the problem: I really do miss driving manual. But my friend drove my car and was so impressed he bought the same thing but in a 6mt. He brought it over and let me drive it, and honestly, I don't think I care for it. I don't know if it's just a matter of getting used to but the shifting felt nothing like any of my previous cars and I didn't feel that the transmission suited the car very well. Has anyone else noticed this issue? Is it just because I'm used to driving mine? I think it would be a blast in a 6 speed but I didn't like the way it felt at all. Let me know!
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11-13-2014, 06:21 PM	#2
Gizm0 Colonel 426 Rep 2,136 Posts Drives: 08 e92 335i 6mt Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	Love my 6mt! I wouldn't trade it for anything... I've been driving MT cars for 10 years...
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11-13-2014, 06:22 PM	#3
Freelo Private First Class 10 Rep 175 Posts Drives: 2014 328i (sold) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (5)	The 6MT needs to have the clutch delay valve removed (search for CDV delete) Removing that valve allows for MUCH sharper gear changes. The CDV was added to protect the clutch from people who do not know how to drive manual. But it dumbed down the clutch and must be removed. Clutch is much better without it (night/day) though I still don't think our cars have the best clutch feel in the world. __________________ Koni sport shocks, BMW performance springs, M3 arms and sways front and rear, M3 subframe bushings, Velocity toe arms, M3 front strut bar, Cobb, ETS FMIC, Vishnu charge pipe, RPI scoops, M3 steering wheel, M3 carbon leather interior trim, Advan RS 18 inch wheels, Pilot sport tires
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11-13-2014, 06:48 PM	#4
whyzee125 Brigadier General 1679 Rep 3,645 Posts Drives: Dinan stage 2 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chattanooga Tn iTrader: (0)	Yeah I'm familiar with the CDV and it made a bit of difference in my ZHP although in that car it didn't seem night and day and it was never nearly as bad as my friend's e90. That car didn't have as good of a clutch feel as my old supra or some other cars I've owned but it was fine and I would have never wanted it in an auto. Hopefully with that, an ssk and a good knob the e90 could have an overall much better feel than stock, because his makes me want to keep mine but I really would love to have a nice feeling 6 speed. thanks for the replies guys
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11-13-2014, 06:50 PM	#5
Game ------ 7409 Rep 10,215 Posts Drives: G87 M2 (sold) Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Chicago'ish iTrader: (25)	Keep in mind BMW is still a luxury brand first. I think the manual transmission was created with this in mind. That being said, I love my MT. __________________
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11-13-2014, 07:30 PM	#7
ucdbiendog Captain 91 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi E90 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Reno, NV iTrader: (0)	love my 6MT. I also removed the CDV.
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11-13-2014, 07:57 PM	#9
jwzimm Colonel 687 Rep 2,770 Posts Drives: '16 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Renton, WA iTrader: (17)	I noticed a significant change when I had my CDV swapped out for a gutted one. I bought the part for an M3 which is exactly the same as the OEM CDV with the restrictor removed. That should tell you something about its purpose as well, btw. The fact that the M3 has a gutted CDV tells me that they only add it for the inexperienced drivers in the normal 3-series'. __________________ 2008 Honda S2000 - Current 2016 F80 M3 - SOLD!! 2011 e92 X-Drive Coupe - SOLD!!
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11-13-2014, 08:23 PM	#10
bbbuzzy Lieutenant 18 Rep 481 Posts Drives: '13 335is convertible (manual) Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: north of Boston iTrader: (0)	CDV delete is the single best mod to make to an e9X, IMO. Totally changes character of the car. __________________ '13 335is convertible (manual) '11 X3 xdrive35i '15 Sienna Limited AWD (road tripper) '06 330i MT, sport,premium (retired)
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11-13-2014, 08:32 PM	#11
jaymesbry Private First Class 27 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: San diego iTrader: (0)	CDV delete and I know it sounds totally stupid but.. Performance shift knob.
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11-13-2014, 08:52 PM	#12
mvrwdakingtm New Member 0 Rep 22 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: x3 iTrader: (0)	I really would love to have a nice feeling 6 speed. thanks for the replies guys __________________ bmw is cool
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11-13-2014, 09:37 PM	#13
335NJ Colonel 533 Rep 2,872 Posts Drives: 2008 335i 6MT E90 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NJ/Philadelphia Suburbs iTrader: (1)	Love my MT. __________________ *BSM E90 6MT*-JB4 G5 ISO-BMS DCI-Golf-Tee Mod-Hankook S1N2 Non-RFT-ER Chargepipe/TiAL BOV-E40 blend-VRSF V2's-M3 CDV-MHD/JB4 FLASH-VRSF 5" STEPPED FMIC
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11-13-2014, 09:39 PM	#14
kdbryce I have to return some video tapes 362 Rep 4,712 Posts Drives: e70 X5M Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Albany, NY iTrader: (0)	I love the 6mt in the BMW! __________________ 13 Carbon Black e70 X5M - 13 Black Sapphire e92 335i - 10 Le Mans Blue e92 335i - 09 Monaco Blue e92 328i xdrive - 07 Sparkling Graphite e92 328xi
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11-13-2014, 09:40 PM	#15
B3M3W5iXM Private 11 Rep 74 Posts Drives: '11 E90 335i xDrive Msport 6MT Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i xDriv ... [0.00]	This is the most powerful car I've had with a manual.. took me awhile to get the shifting smooth. It was a rough ride at first but now I love it.
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11-13-2014, 09:57 PM	#16
Antetokounmpo Brigadier General 1552 Rep 3,475 Posts Drives: E90 6MT FBO; '18 F150 Platinum Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: WI iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 Ford F-150 Pla ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335xi [0.00]	I love my 6MT, I've driven a 6AT E90 and it's just boring and non-engadging to me. That being said, the 6MT in the 3 series isn't great as far as manuals go. I've driven probably 20 different manual cars in my life and the 335 6MT is close to the bottom in terms of overall feel. The E90 M3's 6MT is a lot better IMO but still no where near something like the Focus ST's buttery smooth gearbox. __________________ 2008 335xi 6MT \| VRSF Catless DP \| VRSF 7" FMIC \| VRSF CP \| TIAL BOV \| DCI \| MHD 2+ BC Racing BR \| Stoptech 600 \| Firehawk Indy 500 255 Square \| Atric Altimax 225 Sq. 2018 F-150 Platinum 701A \| FX4 \| 3.5 EcoBeast
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11-13-2014, 10:12 PM	#18
headhunterz Lieutenant 58 Rep 503 Posts Drives: E92 335i M/T Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: 98230 iTrader: (4)	I hate it because i can't shift smoothly in the first or second gear... Thats probably because I still have my clutch delay valve in it.
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11-14-2014, 01:25 AM	#19
dbworld4k Banned 583 Rep 2,233 Posts Drives: '12 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: YYZ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2002 BMW M5 [10.00] 2009 BMW 335i [10.00]	Probably because your left calf has shrunk from driving with a grandpa transmission too long. Lol. I wouldn't ever, ever, have an automatic E9x. They're ridiculously boring compared to the 6MT. I'd probably take a 6MT 323i over a AT 335i to be honest. Love the 6spd in my E92.
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11-14-2014, 01:31 AM	#20
Game ------ 7409 Rep 10,215 Posts Drives: G87 M2 (sold) Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Chicago'ish iTrader: (25)	Interesting, didn't know about the CDV delete and how much a difference it makes. __________________
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11-14-2014, 07:38 AM	#21
Fundguy1 Major General 2032 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	I had to wait two months to get a manual. So glad I did. 200,000 miles later stock clutch. Great trans. I've had a dozen other manual trans cars and this is the best of the bunch. __________________ '08 e93 AW 335i 6MT,Vargas Stg 2+ 20T clipped,VRSF catless dps & 7"FMIC,ER chargepipe&Tial, MMP inlets&outlets,Motiv Stg 2 fuel rail&dual disc clutch/fly, JB4G5,MHD w/Motiv tune,Fuel-it Stg 3 LPFP,Wavetrac LSD w/lockdown, KwV2,M3(Strut brace,frt control arms,steering wheel)AKE blk sub bush,re11 245/305,19x8.5et30&19x11et43,SmartTop,RE trans mounts,Msport rear bump & skirts,15%tint,ZSP knob,Stoptech rotors,241k miles
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11-14-2014, 08:23 AM	#22
whyzee125 Brigadier General 1679 Rep 3,645 Posts Drives: Dinan stage 2 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chattanooga Tn iTrader: (0)	The comment about the shift knob doesn't sound crazy to me at all! I'm hoping that if I get a UUC SSK, performance knob and CDV delete it will have the feel I'm looking for in my next e90. I've actually found my car to be great fun even in auto but I think a proper 6mt would be a blast. My buddy's car is way too hard to shift smoothly to be any fun at all. All I can think about is getting the shifts half decent, whereas in all my previous cars it came real naturally. Thanks for all the replies everyone. Fundguy, how has your car held up in 200k miles? that's pretty incredible. I have 133k and I've had a better experience than a few friends who have less than 50k on theirs. It's been a great car. 1 HPFP replacement, one turbo, both wastegate actuators and a water pump. That's about it!
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