3.0 Manual average RPM at 80MPH?

[NJ04e53]

to those with the 6 spd MT, what is your RPM at 80MPH. I'm hitting 3000 at 80, is this normal or is it a bit high? Thanks

[motordavid]

I wish my 5 spd MT did that; I am closer to 3750 at "80", which really isn't even 80...

[Bimmer Ese]

On the way home, I hit the 80 mark at around 3100-3200 rpm

[NJ04e53]

cool..thanks guys.. i guess i'm in the norm.. reason i asked is that i had a ford escape v6 rental and I was hitting 2500-2700 at 80mph with the car being loaded with 4 adults and trunkfull of tools and luggage..

[Ldiggs910]

Originally Posted by motordavid

I wish my 5 spd MT did that; I am closer to 3750 at "80", which really isn't even 80...

+1 with my 5 speed. Used to be scared to drive fast because the rpms were so high. Then I got used to it. I think this is why I burn a quart of oil every 1500 miles.

[motordavid]

Carrying on...here's my X at 4,000 RPMs: 85 is "indicated" but we all know it
isn't going 85. For comparo, here's my Vette at almost 80 indicated, with
RPMs at ~ 1,700, in 6th gear.
GL,mD

[Bimmer Ese]

Hahahaha! that 5.7 V8 is barely breaking a sweat!

[AzNMpower32]

Never understood why a lot of American carmakers gear their top gear so tall.......80mph @ 3000rpm is completely normal for BMWs. As you can see, the older Bimmers with the 5-speed MT rev even higher with the 1:1 ratio.

[StartX5]

This is normal level 3000 RPM at 80MPH - sleep tight

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Never understood why a lot of American carmakers gear their top gear so tall.......80mph @ 3000rpm is completely normal for BMWs. As you can see, the older Bimmers with the 5-speed MT rev even higher with the 1:1 ratio.

C'mon Matt: it's because of thousands of miles of 70-80+ mph interstates, quieter running at cruise speed, and the push to return better highway mpg. Would I want to ride around in the Vette with a 4.10 rear end, in 4th gear instead of 6th? I wish our X had an OD or lower numerical axle...4 grand rpms at 80 in the X isn't my idea of engine maintenance.