I learned on my current car. I think I glazed the (archive)

clutch a little when I was practicing on hills the first weekend I had it. But I live in Austin (hill country) so it was kind of necesary so I wouldn't make an ass of myself on public roads (hills). BTW, the 328's have the same tranny as the M3, I don't know about the clutch though. Also, I thought it was pretty easy to learn, just do this simple lesson.

1. Sit still on a flat, car in gear, clutch depressed.
2. Let out the clutch and roll the car as slowly as possible.
3. Come to a stop, Disengage clutch and put in R.
4. Roll slowly backward.

Once you can do this very smoothly, try combinging turns, stops, and accelerations in a vacant lot.

You will probably smell the clutch if you are not engaging it properly. It's best to have someone experienced with you to point out your errors after you get the hang of it a little.

One more thing. Be wary of anything around you at first. The car can learch violently if you do not let out the clutch properly.

I just started driving stick in October, and now I never (almost) stall, and I can fly through the gears as fast as the car will let me. It is the greatest feeling to control the car so completely. You will never regret the standard tranny, the BMW, or especially the M3.

Paul

I've been driving automatic for four years now and I'm looking into a manual M3. Since I have no experience in driving stick, maybe you all can give me some hints and help. Is it hard to learn? I dont want to get a power house then mess up the engine. Any advice or comment welcome.

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