BMW 325 and M3 have direct fifth gears. Lower friction is one reason
longer life is another. With a direct gear the layshaft is unused (in
most cases). While both of these reasons give small advantages they are
an advantage. The Bemmers run a higher (lower numerical) rear axle so
that RPMs in direct fifth are similar to those found on most overdrive
fifths.
REwald9535@aol.com wrote:
>I cannot for the
> life of me think of a production box that has a direct 5th gear. There has to
> be a reason for this, and I don't think extra friction is the answer. <G>
> $.02
> Rick Ewald
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