Now I'll be the first to admit, I am not a perfect 6mt driver. This isn't to say that I am bad at it, but for the life of me I cannot get from 1st to 2nd (under normal, or even slow acceleration) smoothly. At best, there is still a slight blip (either pull or push, doesn't matter) going into second, and the blip to third is almost unnoticeable and after that it is fine.

However, I've noticed if I turn off VDC, the car feels more responsive, and if I'm careful I can minimize the jerk into second. That said, it's slightly embarrassing and I don't feel like I can have friends ride with me because of it.

That said, some more information on the car than lives in my signature. It has just over 48k miles, and though oil changes were done at the dealer for that period of time, and the car seems like it's in good condition, but service records indicate that the previous owner declined the 30k mile service. This means that apart from engine oil, all the fluids in the car are from the factory. Whilst at this mileage it may or may not make a difference, I figure I'd put it out there

So, is this normal operation for a rev-up 6mt g35? Has my clutch been thrashed? Am I a manual transmission failure?
DOMO

 

my guess? you're releasing the clutch too fast during the shift....how long have you been driving manual? did you learn on the g35?

 

I learned how to drive stick on a 2002 Ford Focus... so needless to say, it's been quite a transition these past few days, having not driven stick for the past 6 years... I always feel like I am frying my clutch when I start from a complete stop... I've had one nice takeoff and I can't seem to duplicate it... that said, this clutch feels a lot more stiff than I'm used to... compared to all the other manual cars I've driven (Mazda 3, Integra, Civic, Focus). Hopefully I'm not actually doing anything to potentially damage the clutch...

 

the manual transmission is known to have this problem going from 1st to 2nd, its notchy this way and its normal, unless you have grinding then its a problem

 

No grinding, and I didn't learn on the G35, I actually learned on a Jeep. But I've driven some other manual cars, and I have to say the bmw (e46 325i Sport) was the best, it was a blast. This car, while it moves don't get me wrong, lets you know how much the car weighs when you take off.

I've noticed that as well, if I let the clutch out too fast going into second it will buck if I am not moving very fast. That said, the change from 2->3 at WOT is amazing...

Final question:
When I drove with VDC off, it was the first time, and I kinda spun the tires the tiniest bit. My question is, if for whatever reason I feel the need to become "one" with the oversteer on a rare occasion or two, is there any danger is killing the diff? I know repeated abuse will kill it, but if I do push the "fun" button and subsequently have "fun" is there any chance (apart from hitting something) that I could break something immediately?

 

well our VLSD diffs are the weakes types of diffs, so i wouldn't push it, it relies on silicone not clutch like material

which year bmw r u talking about cuz 2002-2005 BMW 325i 0-60 mph : 7.0 sec.(manual), 7.8 sec.(automatic) and 2006 325i 6 speed is 6.1 secs which is still slower than the 2003 G35 manual which comes in at 5.78 sec 14.2 quarter mile, i don't know the quarter mile for the bimmer

I don't feel any weight when i take off on my G at all, its a light car, my 89 supra weighed 240 kg (520lbs) more and that was a 2 door

 

the jerkyness gradually disappearing as you get into higher gears is 100% normal. the jerkyness going from 1st to 2nd is also normal to an extent. every Z or G that ive ever driven is almost impossible to shift from 1st to 2nd smoothly without laying into the throttle or slipping the clutch out extremely slow. it seems like the harder you come out of 1st, the less jerky it usually is. but its nothing to worry about aside from you mabye being a bit embarrassed in front of friends like you mentioned.

 

i don't have no jerk problems, u gotta let go of the clutch gently that's it, don't touch the throttle untill you release the clutch fully

 

just give it some time. some people adapt quicker than others, mostly based on the level of experience driving different manual trannys. a G will be much different then a jeep. engaging 1st, and the 1-2 shift are most prone to buck in most cars. in a week or two, with plenty of practice, you'll be fine to show off your ride to your friends...

 

The 1-2 on this car is one of the hardest I have had on any of my cars post 1990. I agree with canucklehead and give it a little time to get better.

 

the 1-2 is not always there its there half of the time i noticed

 

Take it slow.. try practicing on a uphill .. if you can master going from a dead stop to 3rd on a uphill you should be fine.. Dont let it get to you mentally.. hehe this might be a stretch but it helped out some friends of mine.. wear shoes that are thin rather than thick.. running shoes are good to really feel the pedal as oppose to boots.. if you wanna fine tune your shifting you just need to be more sensitive on your pedals

 

^ great point about footwear. thin-soled shoes will provide much better feel of pedal positions. even after 15 years of driving manuals my shifting suffers with thick boots etc.

 

Get a lighter flywheel.

 

^ actually that often worsens driveability with manual trannys. a heavier flywheel steadies rpms and isn't as sensitive...