drive it like a 3 speed or 4 speed

[Moose]

I'm with gudjeon on this one. Around town on the flat, I often start off in second. The engine seems to have the torque to easily pull away and no slipping of the clutch is required. I've been doing so since I got the truck way back in '84. Starting off on a grade, with a heavier load or with a trailer is always first gear.

One thing to note, the Series 3 has a 9.5 inch clutch while earlier vehicles have a 9 inch. Not a lot of difference but it would make the Series 3 clutch a bit more robust.

Brett

[brucejohn]

In my 109 first feels better unless I am starting out headed down an incline.

I was taught like LaneRover, once moving no clutch unless down shifting then double clutch.

[scott]

i rarely use 1st. like one of you guys said earlier, 1st whines out within 10 feet. even on uphill starts on pavement i fly off the line in 2nd. any extra wear this puts on my clutch is made up for by shifting less, no 1st to 2nd shifts.