Slubberdegullion

is the shifting smooths out considerably when I don't let off the throttle too early. If I let off the throttle when the clutch is around half way down, the shifts often are so smooth it's like an auto. I've never experienced this type of smoothness in a manual in almost 20 years of driving.

If I let off the throttle too early, the car jerks. The sync point is further downward.

It's almost like you have to disengage the clutch far enough to "feel" it sync with the throttle, at which point you lift off the throttle totally, fully disengage the clutch, shift, and reapply throttle. Done properly, the bloody car just clicks into gear like nothing...amazing. Hard to describe, but I hope you know what I mean.

It's ironic that during my test drives, and research, the jerky shifting was a point of concern and contention. But now that I'm getting the feel of it, I really believe it's a strength of the car.

I love this car!

Captain Sheetmetal

...but when I upshift, it holds the RPMs at the appropriate level for the next gear for about half a second, then the revs drop. If I upshift and let the clutch back out within that half-second window (not hard), there is ZERO driveline shock. Maybe this is similar to what you're talking about.

When I get my S4 I will know for sure...

ThanksForAllTheFish

4000 miles on the car now, and I've just began to figure this out. Mainly due to posts by other folks on the board.

I have 18 years experience with manual transmissions and this one had me baffled for the better part of 3500 miles on how to shift the dang thing smoothly.

I think many of us here are so ingrained on the shifting techniques of a mechanical throttle that we struggle with the DBW on this car. That is, until we learn that this is a different animal and adjust. Then like you said, it is amazing.

MachtigAvant (v3.0)

I let off the gas completely RIGHT before I engage the clutch, and then give 50% as I'm re-engaging. Works like a charm for me.

2themax

I agree....I have found that if give the car more rather than less gas DURING the de-clutch/clutch, the gear change is VERY smooth.......the key seems to be if you get the gas and bite point just right the gear change will be a thing of beauty, if you get it wrong, the car is not very forgiving.

2themax

Maybe now everyone can stop complaining about DBW issues......

Slubberdegullion

because the minor DBW "delays", etc., that I have experienced, have steadily dissipated since I started shifting properly, with the car becoming even more drivable and enjoyable as a whole. Like the car said, 'That's the way I like it, sonny', and just jumped into line.

HarnessedLunacy

The only problem is that now I have several methods that I am trying in order to find the right one.

Hopefully, I find one that works well for me. It seems like the 1st to 2nd shifts are the hardest to get right!

AlanL

Bottom line - work with the car, not against it. Things work much better that way.

ESFO

I've tried your method of shifting and it is straight butter! Never felt a smother shift than this. It's very difficult perfecting it because you have to un-learn what you've been doing for years. I guess once I re-program myself I'll then be a mess in a mechanical throttle car...