[linlaoboo]

I viewed a video on this site that showed exhaust and turbo sounds of the new 2012 335i. I also noticed how light and easy it is for that guy to move the stick in and out of different gears in the video. That is just not possible with my 07 328xi. It was always tight and requires alot of effort to move the stick especially getting into reverse in a cold morning. Another driver wouldn't be able to figure out how I get it to clear the gate to the left with a sudden force. Did anyone else have the same issue? Otherwise my car drives fine.

[Bendercle]

I have an 07 also, mine is also pretty tight. That's how it's supposed to be. I drove a Subaru stick shift and the thing felt like a flimsy toy. It's possible with the F30 they loosened the shifter a little.

[TheStigsTwin]

Not sure about 07, buy my 11 shifts very smooth. I have always fealt that a proper shift required a light touch and that if you have to force a gear into place you asking for serious problems with your transmision. With my car, no force is necessary.

[Kolyan2k]

I read tranny fluid makes lots of difference, people recommend Amsoil

haven't changed myself, my buddy claims it was night and day difference in his SI

[s2kman]

every car is different as the drivers preferences. I don't think it's felt flimsy on F30 video but may be a longer shifts compared to E9x.
In my S2000 you can feel every gear through the shift stick and I love that, but it would be strange to have same feeling on F30

[Kolyan2k]

^ s2k doesn't have any links unlike all other cars which makes possibly the best tranny and that's why u can feel all shifts. notchy tranny is usually the result in bad fluid, but some notchy feel is normal, by no means hard to shift

[ryvatil]

Although my 335i is AT, I do drive my friends m roadster from time to time. I also own a S2000. Compared to my S2000, the BMW's gear box is stiff and clunky. Although it clicks nicely into gear, I just don't feel that direct connection I am used to. Perhaps I am spoiled by the shear awesomness of the S2000 gear box and shifter...

[s2kman]

^ True about s2k anyway. I think F30 is gonna be fine, you always have some vendors around with short shifters )

[linlaoboo]

i'll make it to the dealer to check out the 2012 myself. I'm not talking about hard to shift like a clutch problem or CDV related. I've driven sticks my whole life and the 328 require the most effort on the stick by far. It's alot heavier than other cars and putting on a heavier shiftknob helped a little. I put on 60K miles since I bought it so it's something I can live with. Also I have a Hyundai Veloster I commute with and that thing shifts like a pillow.

[krhodes1]

I can say that on my '11 there is a BIG difference in effort between cold and fully warmed up. The 'box is very stiff when cold, and cold here means left outside overnight in single digit numbers. Once warmed up it is much lighter and slicker, but I agree, it is not in league with Honda's best. Or my Triumph Spitfire for that matter.

I suspect that a different oil will probably help, but not until the warranty is up.

[mashimarho]

My 2012 feels the same.
The audi feels like butter.

[ndog14]

Different transmission in the 335s, regardless of E90 or F30, than 328. On very cold mornings sometimes R does exist for me, so I open the door and push with me foot. Once it warms up R is found. Also, does 1st take some resistance when it is cold out and easier as the tranny warms up?

[billiebob]

Yup my 2011 328 has one of the notchiest gearboxes I've ever driven. Terrible but folks here say it loosens up with a few k miles. Makes me miss my butter smooth jetta.

[ctuna]

It smoothed it out a lot.

[ndog14]

Despite the notchy-ness during daily driving, when you show it who's the boss it disappears.