MT owners what gear on highway?

bavarianboar · 06-05-2010, 06:15 PM

get an M3 if you need that kick. There are 8 speed auto these days.

4th gear at 80-90 mph is kinda stupid.

Alexander · 06-05-2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

get an M3 if you need that kick. There are 8 speed auto these days.

4th gear at 80-90 mph is kinda stupid.

I still hope that this is a joke.

ss134 · 06-05-2010, 07:14 PM

..

Healey3000 · 06-05-2010, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kootz

just got 2011 e90 335i and I find myself staying in 4th gear running at 80-90 mph. RPM between 3.5/4K RPM. So it's not screaming and seems to be in the sweet spot RPM wise. I'm sure my mpg will suffer, but I really don't care... Curious if anyone else runs mostly in 4th on the highway...

Hi,

Since you say you just got the car, I'm assuming that it is still in the break-in period? If so, driving at high RPM and not varying the load on the engine will prevent proper seating of the piston rings.

The best way to do this is to keep the RPM in the torque band and to every now and then load and unload the engine so that the rings are pushed forward and backward in the bores (crankshaft thrust loading).

Your engine will thank you!

Regards,
Adnan

Oulixes · 06-05-2010, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kootz

just got 2011 e90 335i and I find myself staying in 4th gear running at 80-90 mph. RPM between 3.5/4K RPM. So it's not screaming and seems to be in the sweet spot RPM wise. I'm sure my mpg will suffer, but I really don't care... Curious if anyone else runs mostly in 4th on the highway...

In the 335i (MT), I usually cruise in sixth gear and only downshift when needed, but when I take my motorbike for a spin, I often drive the same as you do in your 335i. Just watch out the RPM because your car is new - I am sure you know...

jayely1 · 06-05-2010, 08:50 PM

40+ im in 6th..Not accelerating at 40, but just steady is fine. 50+ 6th.

nyknickfan · 06-05-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuarma

there is no need to go past 3000 if you're not racing or trying to go fast

+1...on the highway I find that I don't even need to downshift if I'm just casually passing people...the boost and peak torque kick in so early that it is almost unnecessary to downshift when just cruising...the acceleration is quite amazing in 6th gear for a stock car in its class IMO

Marcus-SanDiego · 06-05-2010, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aonarch

6th........

+1.

If I need to, I'll drop into 4th. Otherwise, I cruise in 6th.

Tom K. · 06-05-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Healey3000

Hi,

Since you say you just got the car, I'm assuming that it is still in the break-in period? If so, driving at high RPM and not varying the load on the engine will prevent proper seating of the piston rings.

The best way to do this is to keep the RPM in the torque band and to every now and then load and unload the engine so that the rings are pushed forward and backward in the bores (crankshaft thrust loading).

Your engine will thank you!

Regards,
Adnan

As 90 in 4th is about 4,500 rpm, perhaps the OP misread the BMW break-in recommendations. IIRC, my manual suggests: "Do not exceed 4,500", and not "Only drive at 4,500" for the first 1,200 miles.

Tom

Krozi · 06-05-2010, 09:23 PM

Rearry?

742 · 06-05-2010, 11:32 PM

Why do we make this so hard?

In a steady state you should be in the highest gear that still gives a smooth running engine. Down-shift as necessary to pass or merge.

This has worked for almost 100 years.

hubble bubble · 06-06-2010, 12:13 AM

Well I know one forum member whose car \I'd never want to buy second hand....4th at 70, 80, 90 mph is stupid. Maybe a quick downshift t 4th if you need to pass a semi on a 2 lane road.

I drive in 6th at anything over 50 mph. At 60-80 the torque of the 335 means you don't even need to shift for passing 90% of the time.....or maybe that is my Dinan tune.

T i h o r · 06-06-2010, 12:18 AM

I love how everyone is amazed at how stupid this is.

Chances are this could be the OP's first MT car, let alone a bmw or even a car that's in the 300hp range.

Amirite OP?

Alexander · 06-06-2010, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T i h o r

I love how everyone is amazed at how stupid this is.

Chances are this could be the OP's first MT car, let alone a bmw or even a car that's in the 300hp range.

Amirite OP?

Definitely noting not to buy this guys car.

kootz · 06-06-2010, 12:34 AM

So there's a lot of hate in this forum. Maybe I should have been a bit more specific. I don't run 90 in 4th constantly, i'm running up and down between 70-90 which is 3200 to 4200 RPM. I guess I'm the only one used to a high revving engine, If I wanted a car to run at 2000 rpm I would have bought a honda accord. This engine redlines at 7000 RPM, so I don't see how running up to 4200 is a big deal. I'm not lazy, I like changing gears, and I'm not running Fort Worth to Dallas doing 90 in 4th gear. But I do like varying the RPMs (which is good for breaki-in) and if you keep shifting early it does exactly the opposite. I haven't really even stepped on it yet.

The point of the thread was to state that I was surprised at the gearing that running so fast was still fairly low in the RPM range and that there didn't seem to be a big reason to shift up since your not really pushing the engine at that point (4200 RPM). Someone mentioned running in 6th anytime over 40 MPH, that is so low in the RPMs the car even starts flashing the light trying to get you to downshift. I am really amazed at this response that everyone seems to drive their cars in the 2K RPM range, which to me is a waste of a great car. Yes, it still has torque in that range but it's so much more fun higher up the band.

Feel free to keep flaming, it's a nice welcome to the forum...

kootz · 06-06-2010, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T i h o r

I love how everyone is amazed at how stupid this is.

Chances are this could be the OP's first MT car, let alone a bmw or even a car that's in the 300hp range.

Amirite OP?

No you are not right. My bimmer replaced a 04 G35 Coupe 6MT. Which I drove the same way for 6 years and not one problem. Car runs as good as it did on day one. I'm amazed that you guys think running at 4200 RPM is hard on an engine that redlines at 7000.

nyknickfan · 06-06-2010, 12:49 AM

we're all here to help buddy...gotta learn to ignore the responses you don't appreciate...and many of us are used to high-revving motors...i'm coming from an rx-8 and used to be at 4k rpms in that car going 80mph on the highway in 6th gear...that's considered low for the vehicle considering its 9.5-10k redline...the equivalent strain for the 335 would be at a lower rpm as a result of the lower redline...it's all relative...

what everyone is saying is that it is unnecessary to be constantly at 3-4.5k rpms when you could be cruising at 2-2.5k rpms in 6th gear...the fact is that it is always within your control to downshift at any point you wish...that is the beauty of MTs and even DCTs/step/triptronic etc

it is your car so drive it as you wish...just remember you came and asked about people's opinions and experiences...don't get mad just because you don't like the responses from other people

in the end...just enjoy your car and take the advice you want to take...welcome to the forum and congrats on your car

nyknickfan · 06-06-2010, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kootz

No you are not right. My bimmer replaced a 04 G35 Coupe 6MT. Which I drove the same way for 6 years and not one problem. Car runs as good as it did on day one. I'm amazed that you guys think running at 4200 RPM is hard on an engine that redlines at 7000.

...and stop getting defensive...that member was defending you...don't beg to be flamed if you don't want to be

Dan in PA · 06-06-2010, 12:54 AM

ibtl

Alexander · 06-06-2010, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in PA

ibtl

x2

nyknickfan · 06-06-2010, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in PA

ibtl

...probably

mikemnop · 06-06-2010, 01:10 AM

Rev that thing all you want as long as you don't cross the redline. I really hate it when people baby their engine, especially one build in Bavaria. If you are off warranty or plan on keeping the car for rest of your life you should be careful. Otherwise, use the gear that gives you joy.

I just drove cross-country and was doing 90 in 4th many times after a pass or pointless burst of acceleration. If our engines die I'll see you at the dealership and will gladly give you a high-five while they're being fixed.

06-05-2010, 06:15 PM	#23
bavarianboar Lieutenant Colonel 545 Rep 1,899 Posts Drives: 2020 540i, 2020 430i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	get an M3 if you need that kick. There are 8 speed auto these days. 4th gear at 80-90 mph is kinda stupid.
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06-05-2010, 07:14 PM	#25
ss134 Brigadier General 233 Rep 3,899 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Germany/UK iTrader: (1)	.. Attached Images
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06-05-2010, 08:50 PM	#28
jayely1 Colonel 235 Rep 2,079 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Mexico/Illinois iTrader: (1)	40+ im in 6th..Not accelerating at 40, but just steady is fine. 50+ 6th.
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06-05-2010, 09:23 PM	#32
Krozi Colonel 172 Rep 2,736 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SoFla - Bonita Springs iTrader: (24)	Rearry? __________________ 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White//Fox Red//6MT// Florida Bimmer - Join us on FaceBook!
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06-05-2010, 11:32 PM	#33
742 Major 13 Rep 1,187 Posts Drives: E90 325i; F10 528i; 2002tii Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Why do we make this so hard? In a steady state you should be in the highest gear that still gives a smooth running engine. Down-shift as necessary to pass or merge. This has worked for almost 100 years.
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06-06-2010, 12:13 AM	#34
hubble bubble Captain 17 Rep 680 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada iTrader: (0)	Well I know one forum member whose car \I'd never want to buy second hand....4th at 70, 80, 90 mph is stupid. Maybe a quick downshift t 4th if you need to pass a semi on a 2 lane road. I drive in 6th at anything over 50 mph. At 60-80 the torque of the 335 means you don't even need to shift for passing 90% of the time.....or maybe that is my Dinan tune.
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06-06-2010, 12:18 AM	#35
T i h o r n00b 88 Rep 2,052 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 335i 6spd Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (13)	I love how everyone is amazed at how stupid this is. Chances are this could be the OP's first MT car, let alone a bmw or even a car that's in the 300hp range. Amirite OP? __________________ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
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06-06-2010, 12:34 AM	#37
kootz Enlisted Member 5 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 2011 335i sedan Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fort Worth TX iTrader: (0)	So there's a lot of hate in this forum. Maybe I should have been a bit more specific. I don't run 90 in 4th constantly, i'm running up and down between 70-90 which is 3200 to 4200 RPM. I guess I'm the only one used to a high revving engine, If I wanted a car to run at 2000 rpm I would have bought a honda accord. This engine redlines at 7000 RPM, so I don't see how running up to 4200 is a big deal. I'm not lazy, I like changing gears, and I'm not running Fort Worth to Dallas doing 90 in 4th gear. But I do like varying the RPMs (which is good for breaki-in) and if you keep shifting early it does exactly the opposite. I haven't really even stepped on it yet. The point of the thread was to state that I was surprised at the gearing that running so fast was still fairly low in the RPM range and that there didn't seem to be a big reason to shift up since your not really pushing the engine at that point (4200 RPM). Someone mentioned running in 6th anytime over 40 MPH, that is so low in the RPMs the car even starts flashing the light trying to get you to downshift. I am really amazed at this response that everyone seems to drive their cars in the 2K RPM range, which to me is a waste of a great car. Yes, it still has torque in that range but it's so much more fun higher up the band. Feel free to keep flaming, it's a nice welcome to the forum...
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06-06-2010, 12:49 AM	#39
nyknickfan Private First Class 11 Rep 151 Posts Drives: 2008 Alpine White 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	we're all here to help buddy...gotta learn to ignore the responses you don't appreciate...and many of us are used to high-revving motors...i'm coming from an rx-8 and used to be at 4k rpms in that car going 80mph on the highway in 6th gear...that's considered low for the vehicle considering its 9.5-10k redline...the equivalent strain for the 335 would be at a lower rpm as a result of the lower redline...it's all relative... what everyone is saying is that it is unnecessary to be constantly at 3-4.5k rpms when you could be cruising at 2-2.5k rpms in 6th gear...the fact is that it is always within your control to downshift at any point you wish...that is the beauty of MTs and even DCTs/step/triptronic etc it is your car so drive it as you wish...just remember you came and asked about people's opinions and experiences...don't get mad just because you don't like the responses from other people in the end...just enjoy your car and take the advice you want to take...welcome to the forum and congrats on your car
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06-06-2010, 12:54 AM	#41
Dan in PA Captain 93 Rep 729 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i [0.00]	ibtl __________________ 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i\|DCT\|M-Sport\|iDrive\|Premium Sound\|Heated Seats\|Comfort Access\|PDC\|Deep Sea Blue\|Cream [At the port of exit awaiting a shipping vessel since 8/17/12]
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06-06-2010, 01:10 AM	#44
mikemnop New Member 2 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2007 328i coupe Join Date: May 2010 Location: Phoenix iTrader: (0)	Rev that thing all you want as long as you don't cross the redline. I really hate it when people baby their engine, especially one build in Bavaria. If you are off warranty or plan on keeping the car for rest of your life you should be careful. Otherwise, use the gear that gives you joy. I just drove cross-country and was doing 90 in 4th many times after a pass or pointless burst of acceleration. If our engines die I'll see you at the dealership and will gladly give you a high-five while they're being fixed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote