DRIVERS LOVE 6MT – but do passengers like it too?

[RickMonet]

I am really enjoying rowing through the gears while scooting around town. These cars are definitely fun to drive.

I have been using Sport Plus throttle setting lately. And started to take notice of my passengers while I am driving.

Powering through the gears results in your passengers “head bobbing” with each shift.

Makes me think they are probably not having as much fun as we are.

As long as they are not complaining …..I don’t bring it up.

[AM4ZING]

Keeping the clutch engaged for an extra split second makes a huge difference in providing a smooth shift

[morgan302]

Who cares!

[Kankles]

Haha, ask them if the "shoe leather express" is maybe more comfy?!

[F83]

Hard to be smooth in Sport Plus. I go Efficient mode if I think smoothness matters (or at least Sport). Rev match makes smoothness easier.

[Lups]

My kids complain if we go slowly and with no attitude. My husband just complains no matter what, so who cares.

They all can walk.

[Jim B]

Ever since I got my first MT car, a 1969 Mercury Cougar 46 years ago, my mother always complained about my stick shift cars up until the day she died last year. I always told her that I like stick shifts and don't care for automatics. When she started driving, automatic transmission were far and few between and her cars back then were Studebakers with three speed column shifts and flathead six cylinder engines. I'm sure she would not be happy if she found out that I used part of my inheritance to buy another 6MT car, especially one like my M4, but then it's MY car!!

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by RickMonet

Powering through the gears results in your passengers “head bobbing” with each shift.

I always thought the head bobbing was them listening to music... that only they could hear... so I never asked...

[solstice]

Take a ride in a cab in one of the gritty busier Italian cities as Naples or Genoa. Three things are almost guaranteed, one it will be a manual, two the driver will go faster and more efficient than you ever done in a city, three the shifts will be quick and near imperceptible. I.e if you want to shift smooth and go fast in the city it can be done. I usually take it very easy with passengers so I haven't noticed much bobbing heads or complaints.

[shortseller]

I just remind them it could be a lot worse...

[AlpineE92M3]

If they don't like it, tell them to get out and find another ride!

[M2Crew]

Good reminder that the car is not your ordinary BMW.

[SROC3]

Originally Posted by Lups

My kids complain if we go slowly and with no attitude. My husband just complains no matter what, so who cares.

They all can walk.

Usually, passengers almost can't tell cause I shift so smooth (cue Game of Thrones soundtrack)

[jitenmazee]

Being on the driver's seat i do not care about all of them.

[RickFLM4]

My wife says the combination of sport suspension and my diving can get her nauseous with a DCT so I can imagine passengers in MT may get a little flustered from time-to-time.

As long as there is no imminent passenger vomiting indicated, I wouldn't worry about much about passengers.

[Falafel Combo]

What, you guys don't hand out complimentary neck braces???

[Capt Crunch]

I find with rev matching enabled, my 6MT is far smoother than my dads DCT in any manual mode.

[TheFlyingMouse]

It's possible to drive a manual smoother than a fluid automatic. You ease on and off the power and clutch (without burning it). Wait for the rpms to be correct on upshifts, and rev match the downshifts. It's an art form and you can derive a lot of satisfaction from working to get perfectly smooth shifts.

Smooth while power shifting? No. The DCT can't even do that and it keeps one clutch engaged at all times. Changes in torque levels at the wheels make heads bob if they're too abrupt.

[bigsid05]

Originally Posted by TheFlyingMouse

It's possible to drive a manual smoother than a fluid automatic. You ease on and off the power and clutch (without burning it). Wait for the rpms to be correct on upshifts, and rev match the downshifts. It's an art form and you can derive a lot of satisfaction from working to get perfectly smooth shifts.

Smooth while power shifting? No. The DCT can't even do that and it keeps one clutch engaged at all times. Changes in torque levels at the wheels make heads bob if they're too abrupt.

I drove MT for a long time and now drive my DCT in manual all the time but I've never experienced anyone driving a MT as smoothly as a traditional auto. Unless you get going really slowly, the interruption in the short first gear as you shift to second always causes a little head bobbing. The rest of the gears are no problem with a little skill though.

[Bimmerchop]

Originally Posted by TheFlyingMouse

It's possible to drive a manual smoother than a fluid automatic. You ease on and off the power and clutch (without burning it). Wait for the rpms to be correct on upshifts, and rev match the downshifts. It's an art form and you can derive a lot of satisfaction from working to get perfectly smooth shifts.

Smooth while power shifting? No. The DCT can't even do that and it keeps one clutch engaged at all times. Changes in torque levels at the wheels make heads bob if they're too abrupt.

QFT

If you or your passengers are experiencing jerky shifts, then it's time to put in a bit more effort in learning to drive a MT car. Yes, while driving aggressively shifts will be felt. However, regular DD can be just as smooth as an auto if you know what you're doing.

Please take no offense to my post, I'm not trying to offend anyone, but being able to perform buttery smooth shifts, rev-match, heel-toe, etc is a very satisfying feeling. Even just cruising around town can make for a very enjoyable ride

[dhoggm3]

Shifting up is buttery smooth but the spouse complains about rev-matching downshifts - they sound too sporty.

[Falafel Combo]

Every passenger signs a release. No ifs or buts!