CDV difference between M and non-M

dekaliber · 05-13-2010, 12:00 AM

Is it me, or is there a huge difference in the effect of the CDV on the M model versus the non-Ms? The CDV in my 3.0si was pretty tolerable and almost imperceptible, but the CDV in the M is absolutely unreasonable. I feel like a n00b all over again shifting from 1st to 2nd.

Maybe I'm just not used to driving it yet? I'm now seriously considering swapping in the Zeckhausen CDV I have sitting in my drawer, but I'm also worried that it's me, not the car. Like I said, I had no major gripes with the 3.0si (hence I never installed it).

In other news, I do really like the shorter clutch travel on the M. Stock shifter is too damn tall though. ZHP on the way.

inTgr8r · 05-13-2010, 06:31 AM

I can't say definitively, but I definitely noticed the same thing as you when I test drove the various models a few years ago.
I didn't bother with the Zeck. unit this time, I just removed the CDV.

It's amazing the difference the ZHP knob makes.

Steve P. · 05-13-2010, 08:09 AM

I have driven lots of manual trans over the years, ranging from a Neon, Audi TT's, E36 M3, E90 325i, and now my M Coupe. I still don't really understand what everyone's issue with the transmission is? Sure it's a bit heavy, clunky at times, but smooth shifting has never been a problem for me with the Z4 M. I certainly don't look like a nOOb when driving it.

jragan · 05-13-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve P.

I have driven lots of manual trans over the years, ranging from a Neon, Audi TT's, E36 M3, E90 325i, and now my M Coupe. I still don't really understand what everyone's issue with the transmission is? Sure it's a bit heavy, clunky at times, but smooth shifting has never been a problem for me with the Z4 M. I certainly don't look like a nOOb when driving it.

Is this a new to you Z4 M or used? If used, have you checked to see if the CDV is, in fact, there?

onebluemcm · 05-13-2010, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jragan

Is this a new to you Z4 M or used? If used, have you checked to see if the CDV is, in fact, there?

Ditto. And if it is there and you are thinking of getting rid of it, do it before you get used to it. My '04 M3 had it in and I got used to it over the 2.5 years I had the car so that it was second nature - as much as one could, I had perfected driving with the damned CDV. My new-to-me Z4MC does not have it, and it's really different. Not more difficult per-se, but not what I was expecting having driven the M3 for so long, getting used to the CDV. I like it better, no doubt, but it's work for me in it's own way to get it smooth. I had gotten used to sloppiness, not the best thing going to a very precise clutch feel. Also, I've only logged maybe 2-300 miles on it since we got it (don't ask, lame I know, many reasons....) so I haven't really had extended seat time with it to get used to it as I would like to.

RBull · 05-13-2010, 05:58 PM

Guess this is a mod I need to do. I just changed up to the ZHP and it's definitely a sportier shorter feeling shift.

Steve P. · 05-14-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebluemcm

Ditto. And if it is there and you are thinking of getting rid of it, do it before you get used to it. My '04 M3 had it in and I got used to it over the 2.5 years I had the car so that it was second nature - as much as one could, I had perfected driving with the damned CDV. My new-to-me Z4MC does not have it, and it's really different. Not more difficult per-se, but not what I was expecting having driven the M3 for so long, getting used to the CDV. I like it better, no doubt, but it's work for me in it's own way to get it smooth. I had gotten used to sloppiness, not the best thing going to a very precise clutch feel. Also, I've only logged maybe 2-300 miles on it since we got it (don't ask, lame I know, many reasons....) so I haven't really had extended seat time with it to get used to it as I would like to.

Good point, I will check, where and what exactly am I looking for to see if the CDV has been deleted?

dekaliber · 05-21-2010, 09:01 PM

Swapped the CDV today for a Zeckhausen unit. The difference, as many of you have said, it absolutely night and day. It's hard to believe it until you do it. The drive home from the shop was an absolute blast.

Should have the ZHP knob tomorrow. May try to install the beefier RE tranny mounts myself at some point -- haven't gotten the grind yet, but I definitely experience inconsistent notchiness and it seems like a cheap, effective preventative measure, if nothing else.

Anyway, CDV removal/replacement FTW.

05-13-2010, 12:00 AM	#1
dekaliber Major 75 Rep 1,143 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC, '11 JCW, '18 Z06 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	CDV difference between M and non-M Is it me, or is there a huge difference in the effect of the CDV on the M model versus the non-Ms? The CDV in my 3.0si was pretty tolerable and almost imperceptible, but the CDV in the M is absolutely unreasonable. I feel like a n00b all over again shifting from 1st to 2nd. Maybe I'm just not used to driving it yet? I'm now seriously considering swapping in the Zeckhausen CDV I have sitting in my drawer, but I'm also worried that it's me, not the car. Like I said, I had no major gripes with the 3.0si (hence I never installed it). In other news, I do really like the shorter clutch travel on the M. Stock shifter is too damn tall though. ZHP on the way.
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05-13-2010, 06:31 AM	#2
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2434 Rep 11,668 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	I can't say definitively, but I definitely noticed the same thing as you when I test drove the various models a few years ago. I didn't bother with the Zeck. unit this time, I just removed the CDV. It's amazing the difference the ZHP knob makes. __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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05-13-2010, 08:09 AM	#3
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	I have driven lots of manual trans over the years, ranging from a Neon, Audi TT's, E36 M3, E90 325i, and now my M Coupe. I still don't really understand what everyone's issue with the transmission is? Sure it's a bit heavy, clunky at times, but smooth shifting has never been a problem for me with the Z4 M. I certainly don't look like a nOOb when driving it.
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05-13-2010, 05:58 PM	#6
RBull Captain 12 Rep 725 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Nova Scotia iTrader: (0)	Guess this is a mod I need to do. I just changed up to the ZHP and it's definitely a sportier shorter feeling shift.
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05-21-2010, 09:01 PM	#8
dekaliber Major 75 Rep 1,143 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC, '11 JCW, '18 Z06 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	Swapped the CDV today for a Zeckhausen unit. The difference, as many of you have said, it absolutely night and day. It's hard to believe it until you do it. The drive home from the shop was an absolute blast. Should have the ZHP knob tomorrow. May try to install the beefier RE tranny mounts myself at some point -- haven't gotten the grind yet, but I definitely experience inconsistent notchiness and it seems like a cheap, effective preventative measure, if nothing else. Anyway, CDV removal/replacement FTW.
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