I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Broward
I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
Hehe... Sooo, story goes.. I got my g... WhooHoooo, so here I am, I've been a lurker for awhile but never wanted to really post since I'd feel a little excluded not having the car that we all love so much yet... =P
Nehow... I got my baby, and its soooooo beautiful, all financed and ready to go home 6mt Nav+Premium+aero(minus the spoiler).. so i get in the car and push in the clutch and get into gear, then I think to myself... "OH CRAP... I don't know how to drive a stick" lolz... but its okay, I guess I already planned that from the start and the wait kinda made me forget that I have to learn how to drive a stick. It was my cousin's idea... I dunno how he talked me into it, I ususally don't give into his crap... but then i guess the fact that all... i mean it... 100% of the people i'm around drive stick, girls included... well i guess my family members don't count, they all old farts anyways... but yeah ontop of that, I just remember all those car commericals + motortrend tv show + car magazines + being a guy all adds up to me giving into the temptation of saying 6mt when I was ordering the car....
Well neways... from watching other people and driving a stick for 3 days way back when I first got my license I managed to herky jerky my way to an empty parking lot so i could have a little practice before I get home and show off to everyone....
...and from reading all the stuff on the board about this and that about the clutch... I thought to myself "ahh I can handle this crap, what am I a man or a mouse!! Come on u *****!!" Danngg... all i have to say is hand over the cheese. Seeing as how I don't have much experience in driving a stick I can't compare it to other cars, but every which way I tried to baby that clutch didn't help for crap, stall city baby... Awww my poor poor poor baby... *snifff *sniff. I know feathering is supposed to be bad, and dumping is definately bad, so where'd the middle ground?
Neways, to make a long story short. I just wanted to ask for some tips on stick driving, I'm not saying I regret getting a 6mt I just kinda wish I had better prepared myself cuz I think any joy ride I can get right now is when I'm not shifting lolz... I think i know how and when to shift for the most part, but is there any technique to play with that clutch or some magic touch cuz geeezzz... I suck.... *sighs* Oh yeah I figured I might try adjusting the height, but then again how about i try to learn how to drive it right first? =P Stupid me... Sorry about the jumbled thoughts I'm too excited about my car hehe.... here come the flamers!! Whoohoo...
Nehow... I got my baby, and its soooooo beautiful, all financed and ready to go home 6mt Nav+Premium+aero(minus the spoiler).. so i get in the car and push in the clutch and get into gear, then I think to myself... "OH CRAP... I don't know how to drive a stick" lolz... but its okay, I guess I already planned that from the start and the wait kinda made me forget that I have to learn how to drive a stick. It was my cousin's idea... I dunno how he talked me into it, I ususally don't give into his crap... but then i guess the fact that all... i mean it... 100% of the people i'm around drive stick, girls included... well i guess my family members don't count, they all old farts anyways... but yeah ontop of that, I just remember all those car commericals + motortrend tv show + car magazines + being a guy all adds up to me giving into the temptation of saying 6mt when I was ordering the car....
Well neways... from watching other people and driving a stick for 3 days way back when I first got my license I managed to herky jerky my way to an empty parking lot so i could have a little practice before I get home and show off to everyone....
...and from reading all the stuff on the board about this and that about the clutch... I thought to myself "ahh I can handle this crap, what am I a man or a mouse!! Come on u *****!!" Danngg... all i have to say is hand over the cheese. Seeing as how I don't have much experience in driving a stick I can't compare it to other cars, but every which way I tried to baby that clutch didn't help for crap, stall city baby... Awww my poor poor poor baby... *snifff *sniff. I know feathering is supposed to be bad, and dumping is definately bad, so where'd the middle ground?
Neways, to make a long story short. I just wanted to ask for some tips on stick driving, I'm not saying I regret getting a 6mt I just kinda wish I had better prepared myself cuz I think any joy ride I can get right now is when I'm not shifting lolz... I think i know how and when to shift for the most part, but is there any technique to play with that clutch or some magic touch cuz geeezzz... I suck.... *sighs* Oh yeah I figured I might try adjusting the height, but then again how about i try to learn how to drive it right first? =P Stupid me... Sorry about the jumbled thoughts I'm too excited about my car hehe.... here come the flamers!! Whoohoo...
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Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
Dude, you didn't do the wrong thing getting a stick shift, and once you learn to drive it, you're going to love it. I'm not going to lie to you...the first few months are gonna be tough. You're going to hate that you got stick shift and not enjoy it most of the time. And this car only makes it harder...the clutch is stiff and not very linear. But I PROMISE you that once you get the hang of it and it just becomes second nature, you are going to LOVE it when you are driving aggressively. Here are my tips:
Learn the part where the clutch starts to "engage" the gear...where the two start to grind. To start from a stop, gently push the accelerator to 1,000-2,000 rpm (lower 1K rpm is better for regular starts), then let the clutch out to where the two start to rub. Then when the gear starts to engage and the car sort of lurches forward, you'll see that your engine rpm's will start dropping. At this point you have to apply more gas while slowly letting the clutch out. When you get good at it, it will just become very natural. Despite what you would naturally think, driving stick shift well is all about SLOW, fluid movements with the clutch. When you want to change gears, push the clutch in, change the gear, and when you let the clutch out, make sure you do it slow and if you need to, apply just a bit of gas, it should smoothen things out. You have to be gentle with the accelerator (until you are in gear) and SLOW with the clutch...remember that. Just keep driving and paying attention to the way the car responds to your driving and learn from there...I promise you things will only get better. Congrats on the car, good luck, have fun, and don't hesitate to PM or chat with the 6MT drivers on this board. We are a small group, but we all love what we drive and we are more than willing to help others out. =)
MrElussive
03 G35C 6MT
Learn the part where the clutch starts to "engage" the gear...where the two start to grind. To start from a stop, gently push the accelerator to 1,000-2,000 rpm (lower 1K rpm is better for regular starts), then let the clutch out to where the two start to rub. Then when the gear starts to engage and the car sort of lurches forward, you'll see that your engine rpm's will start dropping. At this point you have to apply more gas while slowly letting the clutch out. When you get good at it, it will just become very natural. Despite what you would naturally think, driving stick shift well is all about SLOW, fluid movements with the clutch. When you want to change gears, push the clutch in, change the gear, and when you let the clutch out, make sure you do it slow and if you need to, apply just a bit of gas, it should smoothen things out. You have to be gentle with the accelerator (until you are in gear) and SLOW with the clutch...remember that. Just keep driving and paying attention to the way the car responds to your driving and learn from there...I promise you things will only get better. Congrats on the car, good luck, have fun, and don't hesitate to PM or chat with the 6MT drivers on this board. We are a small group, but we all love what we drive and we are more than willing to help others out. =)
MrElussive
03 G35C 6MT
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Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
Congratulations man!... You made the right choice with the 6mt. Let me tell you exactly what is going to happen in chronological order!:
1) You'll have a hard time starting from stop
2) Will have trouble properly up-shifting (and when to up-shift)
3) You'll regret getting a 6MT for a couple of weeks
4) You'll start getting better
5) You'll start loving the car and won't ever go back to an AT!
6) Driving the MT will be second nature and you'll wonder what the fuss is all about!
Trust me you'll get better. All you need is to stay motivated for a week or so. Its common for people new to MT to feel a bit frustrated at the beginning....
For the first week or so, find an empty parking lot and practice modulating the clutch and the throttle so that you don't stall from a stop. Once you get the hang of it, take her out on the road at night or on a weekend (stay away from rush hour bumper to bumper traffic for a week or so)... you should be good to go in a couple of weeks... Also, stay away from steep inclines during this time.. inclines should be fine once you can start quickly from a stop..
If you have a friend or a family member that can drive stick get them to accompany you.... if you ever stall at light or stop sign, don't be too concerned about the traffic behind you, use your hazard if the car rolls back or stalls repeatedly (happens if you panic).
As for clutch adjustment, I personally don't think it is necessary, I kept the way it is and like it.
Just relax and enjoy your new ride!
1) You'll have a hard time starting from stop
2) Will have trouble properly up-shifting (and when to up-shift)
3) You'll regret getting a 6MT for a couple of weeks
4) You'll start getting better
5) You'll start loving the car and won't ever go back to an AT!
6) Driving the MT will be second nature and you'll wonder what the fuss is all about!
Trust me you'll get better. All you need is to stay motivated for a week or so. Its common for people new to MT to feel a bit frustrated at the beginning....
For the first week or so, find an empty parking lot and practice modulating the clutch and the throttle so that you don't stall from a stop. Once you get the hang of it, take her out on the road at night or on a weekend (stay away from rush hour bumper to bumper traffic for a week or so)... you should be good to go in a couple of weeks... Also, stay away from steep inclines during this time.. inclines should be fine once you can start quickly from a stop..
If you have a friend or a family member that can drive stick get them to accompany you.... if you ever stall at light or stop sign, don't be too concerned about the traffic behind you, use your hazard if the car rolls back or stalls repeatedly (happens if you panic).
As for clutch adjustment, I personally don't think it is necessary, I kept the way it is and like it.
Just relax and enjoy your new ride!
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,663
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From: Southern Cali
Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
lol. Buying a stick car without knowing how to drive stick. I must commend you for 2 things:
1) You're damn straight you did the right thing. Take a look at the shifter, the clutch pedal, and the Brembo's one more time if you don't believe me.
2) You're also a brave guy for buying a stick without knowing how to drive one.
You're going to love stick, nobody ever regrets getting a stick in the long run, they only regret getting AT.
Black / Black 2004 GcoupeMT. Premium. Splash Guardz.
1) You're damn straight you did the right thing. Take a look at the shifter, the clutch pedal, and the Brembo's one more time if you don't believe me.
2) You're also a brave guy for buying a stick without knowing how to drive one.
You're going to love stick, nobody ever regrets getting a stick in the long run, they only regret getting AT.
Black / Black 2004 GcoupeMT. Premium. Splash Guardz.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
I have been driving stick shift cars since I was 14 and I still had problems with this clutch. My wife and I were giving each other whiplashes for the first couple of weeks.
The only advice I can give is you got to drive it. Eventually you will get a feel for it. After you get the hang of it, your gonna love it.
Jim
'03 Sedan
Brilliant Silver/Graphite
6MT/ Premium package
Sport tuned suspension
Aerodynamic Body Kit
Navigation and Satellite Radio
The only advice I can give is you got to drive it. Eventually you will get a feel for it. After you get the hang of it, your gonna love it.
Jim
'03 Sedan
Brilliant Silver/Graphite
6MT/ Premium package
Sport tuned suspension
Aerodynamic Body Kit
Navigation and Satellite Radio
Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
Congradulations. Stick is good. I and myself was like "should've gotten the 6 speed" when I first stepped into the car. Good choice.
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Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
2slo, if it makes the situation better, how bout I trade you my AT for MT. I'm sick of AT and want to go MT =) deal? =P
[wick] - [Blk/Blk G35c] - [Premium and Aero PKG]
[wick] - [Blk/Blk G35c] - [Premium and Aero PKG]
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 347
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From: vermont
Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
congrats on the car. Here's a link that may help you out. it's a how to on driveing a stick. It teaches everything from how to start without stalling to double clutching and hee - toe shifting. It even has videos. good luck
http://www.bmwm5.com/greg/school/
G35C Blk, 6MT, Lthr, Aero, Prem
http://www.bmwm5.com/greg/school/
G35C Blk, 6MT, Lthr, Aero, Prem
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 347
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From: vermont
Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
For some reason I can't edit my post but I meant heel-toe shifting. and it's in an M5 but that shouldn't matter to much.
G35C Blk, 6MT, Lthr, Aero, Prem
G35C Blk, 6MT, Lthr, Aero, Prem
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Posts: 232
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From: NYC
Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
Holy Crap!!! I was in the same boat. I got my car this past Tuesday Nov,18... And, boy did I regret getting a MT. I got my car sooner than I thought and didnt get a chance to really learn how to drive MT. My first couple of days I was stalling out all over the place. My friend took me out to a huge parking lot and I just kept trying (4 hours) untill I got it. Now, I LOVE THE CAR. Yesterday was my first day of driving around and not stalling out. I am so proud of myself 
1.Just take your time
2.Coming from an Automatic, you will have to learn to be gentle with the gas.
3.Learn your clutch. Learn how to depress it untill you feel the car engage in gear.
4.Drive with the music OFF so, you can hear and feel the car better.
Good Luck. Dont worry, I was in the same boat a couple of days ago
2004 G35 Coupe 6MT-BS/BLK-Full Aero-Navi (brought)
1997 BMW 540ia M5 Bumper with Angle Eyes (sold)
1.Just take your time
2.Coming from an Automatic, you will have to learn to be gentle with the gas.
3.Learn your clutch. Learn how to depress it untill you feel the car engage in gear.
4.Drive with the music OFF so, you can hear and feel the car better.
Good Luck. Dont worry, I was in the same boat a couple of days ago
2004 G35 Coupe 6MT-BS/BLK-Full Aero-Navi (brought)
1997 BMW 540ia M5 Bumper with Angle Eyes (sold)
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 441
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From: San Diego, CA
Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
My advice to you is learn on a different car!
The G would be too tough to learn on since it's sooo torquey and unforgiving. I know people that have driven sticks for years and they still have difficulty with my car. Consider the G an "Advanced Course" in gear shifting. You need the beginner or intermediate course.
If you have access to someone with a Honda Civic or Hyundai or some other weak car (read: no torque) then it would be easier to work with the clutch and start to get a "feel" for it engaging. When the clutch engages on the G and you let off too quick it snaps your neck back and starts the herky-jerky harmonic. If you have to, rent a car with a stick (if you can find one).
After you've perfected the technique and the movements become more natural to you then the next step is to apply what you've learned to your car. It should only take a little while to make the adjustment.
My other piece of advice would be to carefully plan out your routes (for a while) to avoid any streets with a light at the top of a hill. I know that when I first got my car I went up a very steep incline on a busy street and sure enough the light turned red. Just as I had feared, the car behind me pulled right up to my bumper. I had to use the emergency brake to hold the car while I started trying to get the car to go forward. After I felt the car was trying to move forward I released the emergency brake and avoided hitting the car behind me. You might want to practice doing this before you're caught in a similar situation.
"California: Our Governor can whoop your Governor!"
<font color=blue>Twilight Blue/Willow, Nav, Aero, 6MT, Splashguards, Clearbra, Tint, Sirius, Ground Wires, EBC Greenstuff...</font color=blue>
The G would be too tough to learn on since it's sooo torquey and unforgiving. I know people that have driven sticks for years and they still have difficulty with my car. Consider the G an "Advanced Course" in gear shifting. You need the beginner or intermediate course.
If you have access to someone with a Honda Civic or Hyundai or some other weak car (read: no torque) then it would be easier to work with the clutch and start to get a "feel" for it engaging. When the clutch engages on the G and you let off too quick it snaps your neck back and starts the herky-jerky harmonic. If you have to, rent a car with a stick (if you can find one).
After you've perfected the technique and the movements become more natural to you then the next step is to apply what you've learned to your car. It should only take a little while to make the adjustment.
My other piece of advice would be to carefully plan out your routes (for a while) to avoid any streets with a light at the top of a hill. I know that when I first got my car I went up a very steep incline on a busy street and sure enough the light turned red. Just as I had feared, the car behind me pulled right up to my bumper. I had to use the emergency brake to hold the car while I started trying to get the car to go forward. After I felt the car was trying to move forward I released the emergency brake and avoided hitting the car behind me. You might want to practice doing this before you're caught in a similar situation.
"California: Our Governor can whoop your Governor!"
<font color=blue>Twilight Blue/Willow, Nav, Aero, 6MT, Splashguards, Clearbra, Tint, Sirius, Ground Wires, EBC Greenstuff...</font color=blue>
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From: Pointe Coupee Parish, LA
Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
Y'all are going to laugh your a**es off at me...but I actually learned to drive on a 1950s vintage International Harvester tractor...so, once I figured out the clutch on that thing, I KNEW I had manual transmissions licked...
Lemme make this suggestion: before destroying your clutch and/or tranny on your coupe learning to shift...find a friend with a manual tranny S-10 pickup truck (or better yet, go pick one up from the dealer...GM has a 24 hour test drive) and learn to shift on that. The ratio is NOWHERE near as close, the shifter is a bonafide long-throw and the tranny is a lot more forgiving than the close-ratio monster we have.
It's just an idea...but if you can spare yourself an early clutch job, you'll thank me for it.
BASIC BLACK
Lemme make this suggestion: before destroying your clutch and/or tranny on your coupe learning to shift...find a friend with a manual tranny S-10 pickup truck (or better yet, go pick one up from the dealer...GM has a 24 hour test drive) and learn to shift on that. The ratio is NOWHERE near as close, the shifter is a bonafide long-throw and the tranny is a lot more forgiving than the close-ratio monster we have.
It's just an idea...but if you can spare yourself an early clutch job, you'll thank me for it.
BASIC BLACK
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,946
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From: San Diego, CA
Re: I'm an idiot 4 getting a stick.... <=O
It takes practice. A few days to get to where you don't stall the car regularly, and a couple of months to become completely natural. Don't give up.
As you let off the clutch, you'll feel when the tranny starts to grab.. that's the point at which you need to start giving it gas. It takes a bit of practice for it to become natural.
The initial start and the 1->2 shift are the hard ones.
If you're in traffic and getting nervous, it's better to spin the tires than stall the engine. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Hill starts are fun.. and require 4 hands. Try to avoid them until you get comfortable with the clutch. You'll need your right hand on the handbrake so you can keep the car from rolling back while your feet work the clutch/gas to get the car moving. Once the car starts to pull forward, release the handbrake. This is why manual transmissions don't have foot-pedal e-brakes.
Since you are learning to drive a stick on this car, don't be surprised if you need a clutch job in about 6 months to a year. You might want to get about $500 ready by then and sitting in a cookie jar for when the day comes.
Good luck, and have fun!
2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter
As you let off the clutch, you'll feel when the tranny starts to grab.. that's the point at which you need to start giving it gas. It takes a bit of practice for it to become natural.
The initial start and the 1->2 shift are the hard ones.
If you're in traffic and getting nervous, it's better to spin the tires than stall the engine. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Hill starts are fun.. and require 4 hands. Try to avoid them until you get comfortable with the clutch. You'll need your right hand on the handbrake so you can keep the car from rolling back while your feet work the clutch/gas to get the car moving. Once the car starts to pull forward, release the handbrake. This is why manual transmissions don't have foot-pedal e-brakes.
Since you are learning to drive a stick on this car, don't be surprised if you need a clutch job in about 6 months to a year. You might want to get about $500 ready by then and sitting in a cookie jar for when the day comes.
Good luck, and have fun!
2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter