Should my first manual car be a BMW?

Prazision · 10-05-2013, 12:35 PM

someone mentioned free roll. I happen to do that a lot downhill. What are the negative implications of that?

swamy · 10-07-2013, 11:52 AM

bmw 328i is my first manual & im lovin it!I did know how to drive a stick before though having practiced a bit on my mom's suzuki in India. the 328i is very forgiving with beginners. when you stall just clutch in & it kicks back to life - upshot of ASS I believe so I would encourage you to get it & enjoy!

chris82 · 10-07-2013, 01:45 PM

I had driven a manual car before and knew the concept, but probably had less than 5 miles under me. My first manual car was my 128i. I recommend understanding the concepts of the manual transmission, and it will make learning much quicker.

ptack · 10-07-2013, 09:01 PM

Find someone with a Honda to learn on. Easiest manuals ever. If you can't master that one, stick with an automatic.

silver07335i · 10-16-2013, 01:04 PM

Practice driving with either an instructor or a friend/family member that will let you use his/her car. Actually, you did say the seller is willing to give you lessons so you might take that offer if you are seriously interested in buying that car. As others have stated practice in a spacious, empty parking lot and on streets when nobody is around. Don't forget to practice driving and shifting gears uphill and parking. One day you'll encounter the douchebag driver that tailgates you while you are driving up a steep hill and your practice will pay off.

pj.rodriguez · 10-18-2013, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silver07335i

Practice driving with either an instructor or a friend/family member that will let you use his/her car. Actually, you did say the seller is willing to give you lessons so you might take that offer if you are seriously interested in buying that car. As others have stated practice in a spacious, empty parking lot and on streets when nobody is around. Don't forget to practice driving and shifting gears uphill and parking. One day you'll encounter the douchebag driver that tailgates you while you are driving up a steep hill and your practice will pay off.

Good thing for hill assists these days though, even if you are skilled enough to do without it.

I learned manual transmission in an old Honda Accord. I don't drive stick now, but whenever you travel to europe, it's 99% of what they've got.

newoldbeemer · 10-21-2013, 03:10 AM

Had lots of fun with an MT turbo-diesel car. Petrol cars, not so much fun.

10-05-2013, 12:35 PM	#23
Prazision Second Lieutenant 59 Rep 244 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328xi Wagon Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NH iTrader: (1)	someone mentioned free roll. I happen to do that a lot downhill. What are the negative implications of that?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2013, 11:52 AM	#24
swamy Private First Class 25 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 2013 328i MG/6MT Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: New Hope iTrader: (0)	bmw 328i is my first manual & im lovin it!I did know how to drive a stick before though having practiced a bit on my mom's suzuki in India. the 328i is very forgiving with beginners. when you stall just clutch in & it kicks back to life - upshot of ASS I believe so I would encourage you to get it & enjoy!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2013, 01:45 PM	#25
chris82 Brigadier General 837 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NY NY iTrader: (8) Garage List 2009 BMW 128i [9.80]	I had driven a manual car before and knew the concept, but probably had less than 5 miles under me. My first manual car was my 128i. I recommend understanding the concepts of the manual transmission, and it will make learning much quicker.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2013, 09:01 PM	#26
ptack Brigadier General 306 Rep 4,481 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Find someone with a Honda to learn on. Easiest manuals ever. If you can't master that one, stick with an automatic. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-16-2013, 01:04 PM	#27
silver07335i Captain 25 Rep 755 Posts Drives: 335i titanium silver metallic Join Date: May 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (5)	Practice driving with either an instructor or a friend/family member that will let you use his/her car. Actually, you did say the seller is willing to give you lessons so you might take that offer if you are seriously interested in buying that car. As others have stated practice in a spacious, empty parking lot and on streets when nobody is around. Don't forget to practice driving and shifting gears uphill and parking. One day you'll encounter the douchebag driver that tailgates you while you are driving up a steep hill and your practice will pay off. __________________ Car: 2007 e90 335i 6MT - sports, premium, cold weather, light, and smoker's package. Performance Mods: Cobb AP v3, ETS 7" FMIC, Injen DCI, Michelin PSS, CDV delete, rear spoiler, BMW PE w/ Magnaflow tips, PTF pro-tune, VRSF downpipes, ER chargepipe w/ Tial Q, APEX 18" EC-7 wheels, MP outlet/ inlet, MMP Stg. 3 turbos. Other mods: BMW cargo liner, 20% window tint, BMW alarm system, Weathertech floorliner, Lux E90 V6 bulbs, Philips X-treme Vision H7 bulbs, Blackvue DR650GW-2CH.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-21-2013, 03:10 AM	#29
newoldbeemer Major 271 Rep 1,093 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 328i Join Date: May 2013 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	Had lots of fun with an MT turbo-diesel car. Petrol cars, not so much fun. __________________ Has a bad car addiction
	Appreciate 0 Quote