Re: 6 speed for E 36 M3

[John Edward Miller <jem@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Well I can't comment on the M3 But.... I"ll Tell ya what, I drove
> several 94 540's with the auto's and I thought they were pretty cool
> till I drove a 6 speed......Now remember, the 6 speed doesn't give you
> "Extra Speed" it just use's what you have much more effectively. It
> FEELS a LOT faster cause you have more control over your shift points
> and take off rpm. I wouldn't even consider an auto after having a 6
> speed.

Part of the issue, at least in the case of our '98 540i, is that the
autobox software is calibrated for that luxury-car never-feel-a-shift
driving.  Upshifts are just soggy, but it's absolutely resistant to
downshifts.  

Jim Conforti says he's working on it - I hope it gets out the door soon.

Automatic M3s are infinitely better - by the time your foot moves the gas
pedal 3/4 inch, it's down a gear, and it doesn't have to think for five
seconds before it'll go ANOTHER gear lower if necessary.  

John.

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