[E90-4life]

I burned the hell out of the clutch starting the car up and attempting to drive off today. LoL. I stepped on the clutch and gas at the same time(like an idiot, lmao) w/ out shifting(not that that would have made a difference anyway). So my neighbor(my instructor) decided to take me downhill(oppisite side of the street) so that I could just practice getting use to the clutch and shifting the gear lever from one gear to another. Having been driving autos for several years now and trying stick for the first time, it was a a lot to wrap my head around all at once. We have another session set up for next Saturday, hopefully everything will be more cohesive the next go round. Anyone have any stories, any tips?

[shimshimhada]

Best tip ever: keep the heel of your left foot planted for better clutch control (at least for 1st gear).

You should watch Best Motoring clips. Even though they are shifting quite fast, you can get the concept etched into your brain. They have an in car pedal view camera when they race.

[shimshimhada]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...=best+motoring

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...=best+motoring

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...=best+motoring

[E90-4life]

Thanks dude, I'll be sure to scrutinize those vids, so i can hit that clutch like a pro.

[Spiffy_and_Pink]

i don't think i can drive stick in everyday traffic... =(

[a_moux]

Originally Posted by E90-4life

Thanks dude, I'll be sure to scrutinize those vids, so i can hit that clutch like a pro.

you gotta remember though, those cars in the video are most likely equipped with a race clutch that allows you drop it everytime you shift. if you do that on standard car it will jerk and the shifting wont be smooth.

[CnoteMD]

When I learned to drive a manual, I had more difficulty with getting the car to move from a stop than the shifting itself.

If you are in a similar position, my recommendation would be to practice using the gas very gently while easing off very slowly with the clutch. You will then get used to the "friction point" of the clutch. This is where the car will begin to move forward while you release the clutch. Once you find this point, begin to press the gas a little harder while you release the clutch a little faster. Once you perect this technique, you will have no problem getting the car to start from a stop.

Also, this technique will help you with smoother shifts (especially the rough 1-2 shift I hear so many people here complain of). I have been driving manual cars for over 12 years and the 1-2 shift seems no more difficult than any other car I have driven.

[longtran]

i learn how to drive stick on my own. it was the only car home and i had to go somewhere. i only know what others told me about driving stick. after an hour of driving i got it down. of course there bunch of stalling involve.

[yaja]

Do a "GOOGLE" search and type how to drive a stick. Also, Learn2.com has a really elementary tutorial on driving sticks. When I first learned to drive a stick, I read up on it before practicing, and it really helped me alot.

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by a_moux

you gotta remember though, those cars in the video are most likely equipped with a race clutch that allows you drop it everytime you shift. if you do that on standard car it will jerk and the shifting wont be smooth.

Those are stock cars.

I actually shift smoother, the quicker I'm off the clutch.

[a_moux]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Those are stock cars.

I didn't say they weren't, but I guarantee you that S2000, M3, 350z, etc., don't have the standard clutch you'll find in an E90.

[BeeEmDubU]

i hope you're not trying to learn how to drive on your new bmw. yeah, but dont worry, you'll get the hang of it after a week. starting is the hardest part, after that it's easy. when i first learnt how to drive stick, all i did was stop and go, stop and go...