Videos: Learning to Launch and Shift the M5

[greg]

Well this has been a long time in coming but I finally strapped the video camera back into the M5 today. I was testing a new microphone setup. (Left channel is in-car, right channel is mostly engine sound. I still haven't found optimum mic placement for the engine sound - but when you listen to these videos, you can play with the balance control a bit.)

Now then. I have 20,000 miles on my M5, and my clutch is still going strong. I've ridden with at least 4 other M5 owners, and without naming any names I can tell you that some of you who think you shift properly do not - not, at least, for an M5 clutch. Others are new, and KNOW they need to be careful, but maybe nobody ever demonstrated proper shifting to you.

SO - I have shot several videos of moderate and hard launches, heel-and-toe double-clutch downshifts, etc. The most important thing is to LISTEN to how the shifts sound. Engine RPM drop should sound INSTANT. I need about 75Mb to post all the smaller files as well as a complete video. Any volunteers?

But here are two "tastes". Let me know what you think. Are these helpful?


IMPORTANT: I'm sure my little 15Mb ISP account won't handle heavy traffic. Please right-click and "save-as" these files so you don't download them more than once.

Hard Launch and full-throttle acceleration (5.6Mb)

Single- and double-clutch downshifts (7.6Mb)


/Greg

[GGarai]

Very clear and helpful

[BostonRocket]

Greg,

Great Vids!! Let us hope that this will reduce some clutch failures due to improper clutching! If you need space/bandwidth let me know, i have a ton.

'Rocket

[KRM]

Thanks for the helpful video lessons.

[paulalger]

Greg,

Great video!!! I've always monitored your posting and again you have proven to be a great asset to this board.

I downloaded your vidoes asap and it was extremely informative. You're correct, I for myself, is probably not experience in the proper way of applying the clutch especially in hard/agressive driving. When I finally get my M5 in the next 3 weeks I will hopefully learn how to handle the beast during the Driving School.

I am looking forward to more post from you on this topic.

Again, your contribution is always appreciated and needed.

Thanks!

Paul

[M5Laser]

Thanks Greg!!

The videos are great! Where did you learn to drive like that? Have you had professional help or just made a good 'connection'?

Just thought now would be a good time to toss in how much I appreciate your contributions to the board!!

[Anzir]

415 KB/sec transfer rate! Nice ISP Greg! Oh yeah, and nice videos too.

[AMP]

Thanks Greg!

More! More! More!

So what is the proper foot position for heel-toe?

[VanCooper]

Awesome Greg! Thank you for clearing up the double clutching for me. Now it's time to try it!

[Adam]

Greg thank you very much you have helped no end!

all the best

Adam

[tfung]

Greg,
great videos! Can't wait to see the rest of them. I think BMW NA should pay you to make a video for distribution to every M5 owner, demonstrating the proper driving techniques for our car!
Terence

[AMP]

Thanks Greg!

More! More! More!

So what is the proper foot position for heel-toe?

[greg]

Proper foot position is what works for you, but in my case, most of my foot, in a horizontal line through the ball of my foot, is on the brake pedal. With my heel about half way between the brake pedal and the throttle, I roll my foot to the side. It will contact the throttle pedal on the right edge of my shoe, about mid-heel.

Practice double-clutching 1st without heel and toe - no braking. Practice heel-and-toe without double-clutching - just brake and rev match.