Manual or Auto Transmission?

[Son Volt]

Gents, I'm seriously considering a 328i sedan as my first BMW. Not only will it be my first BMW, it will be my first car, as I've always been a truck guy. I will retain my truck; I need a car for a daily driver, and have always admired the BMWs.

Given the fact that I've been driving a stick shift all my life, and the fact that it would save me more than a grand on the 328i, would you speak to the relative merits of the manual vs. auto transmission in a sedan like this?

Thanks guys,
DeWayne

[NHbmw325I]

manual

I really wish my car was manual. The car will be more fun to drive, plus if you plan on ever doing any work to it performance wise I am sure you will notice it much more.

[bmwbill42]

manual.. hell I wouldn't even buy a truck with an auto transmission.

[FirstClass]

The auto in the new e9x's is really in a league of its own though. About as close to an SMG as an auto can get. I'd still get the manual if you don't sit in traffic much.

[Brian W]

Manual. An auto is still an auto no matter who makes it or how well it's programmed. Torque converter FTL.

[DrDomer]

I live in a world where I have to answer the phone, sit in traffic, and occasionally eat in my car. I know the 335i (and 328i) has bluetooth. I drove a stick for 7 yrs when I was younger. Had an automatic for last 4 or so years. I test drove the stick, and it's fun. Having said that, I picked the automatic. Guys in these forums are getting 0-60 times of 4.8 seconds with automatic. The manual I think would get old for me after 6 months. To each his own.

[golfpro22]

Manual vs. Auto....
I will be facing the same decision "if" I order the 335i. I am strongly leaning to the MANUAL, but I do very little driving in traffic. I had manual in the M3 and in the C6 Vette and they are both far more fun (opinion) than the auto. I would feel differently if I was battling city traffic every day.
Good luck.

Chris

[xatlas0]

For the 335, a big question is the limit of the auto. If it is like other BMW autos, it will barely be able to take stock power reliably, to say nothing of when you chip it and add an exhaust. (70hp, you lucky shmucks) The manuals have been much more robust.

[gusterfan]

I have always been a fan of manuals. Traffic "stop and go" really doesn't bother me. However, if you look at some of the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times you will see that the automatic delivers near identical performance. I do not think either transmission makes this a better performing car, just a driver preference.....now if you start bumping the hp.....get a manual.

[KPACOTKA]

As we learnt here BMW auto is GM made, so certainly auto. it's the best on market, very responsive, smooth and will add much of comfort driving. You may use your right hand just to grip your GF knees.

[MonsterM3]

manuel

[DrDomer]

:lol Is he (Manuel) the guy that shifts your manual transmission?

[Nightshifter]

Auto.. you won't make a mistake! ;) "YOH I MISSED 2ND!" ... (well you could in manual mode, shift the wrong way.. haha.. oh that would suck..)

Normally i wouldn't do auto, but the Auto in this car kick's major ass!

[GaTechBMW]

Auto.. you won't make a mistake! ;) "YOH I MISSED 2ND!" ... (well you could in manual mode, shift the wrong way.. haha.. oh that would suck..)

Normally i wouldn't do auto, but the Auto in this car kick's major ass!


Hah how often do you make a mistake

I wouldn't drive anything other than a manual

[FirstClass]

Manual. An auto is still an auto no matter who makes it or how well it's programmed. Torque converter FTL.
The auto in the e90 locks the converter almost instantly once its engaged.


For the 335, a big question is the limit of the auto. If it is like other BMW autos, it will barely be able to take stock power reliably, to say nothing of when you chip it and add an exhaust. (70hp, you lucky shmucks) The manuals have been much more robust.
Again, you're not comparing to the new auto in the e90s. Why do you think the diesel versions (insane gobs of torque) only come in auto? I'll give you one guess. Hint: Auto is more robust than manual.:buttrock


I have always been a fan of manuals. Traffic "stop and go" really doesn't bother me. However, if you look at some of the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times you will see that the automatic delivers near identical performance. I do not think either transmission makes this a better performing car, just a driver preference.....now if you start bumping the hp.....get a manual.
Again, no. The auto in the e90s is stronger than the manual.

[xatlas0]

Again, you're not comparing to the new auto in the e90s. Why do you think the diesel versions (insane gobs of torque) only come in auto? I'll give you one guess. Hint: Auto is more robust than manual.:buttrock

Now, do you happen to have any actual proof of this? Any rated transmission torques? I would get them myself, but it appears BMW changed their internal naming scheme for their transmissions, and removed the torque capabilities. I highly doubt the auto used in the 335d is used in other lines, and even if it is, you are making the assumption the 335d version is unchanged when it is placed in a different car. It is not as though there ws some revolution in automatic transmissions in the last few years, no quantum leap which made them the perfect solution or made them able to handle infinite power. You still have a working fluid, rather than a mechanical linkage, doing the work. This means it will always be less robust and more prone to problems, at least from a potential failure standpoint.

As for why it only comes in an auto, I would say that has more to do with the ability of the average driver to handle that much torque in a manual, in a daily. It is the same reason why all the mercs are autos, because they feel the driver is incapable of making smooth shifts with 400+ ft-lbs of torque at their disposal. This is part of their pandering to the upscale market, something they have been moving towards for the last 20 years. Hence we have the CDV, something most people loathe, which is BMW's attempt to make the manual smoother.

In terms of past experiences with modern automatics (E39, E46) BMW designs them to handle about 10% more torque than stock. Any more than that, and the unit will destroy itself in labout 10k miles if it was in excellent condition beforehand. Usually, if the driver is alert, they can minimize the damage done and simpy have to replace the torque converter.

If you would like to counter my points with actual facts, then I encourage you to do so, as I am always on the hunt for more and new information.

[M3fan79]

AMG only come in a auto cause they can't get a 6spd to handle the torque(65 AMG 738ft.). So maybe that is also the reason the 335 diesel only comes in auto. Doesnt matter 6spd or auto because the 335 is a good car and very tunable.

[xatlas0]

AMG only come in a auto cause they can't get a 6spd to handle the torque(65 AMG 738ft.). So maybe that is also the reason the 335 diesel only comes in auto. Doesnt matter 6spd or auto because the 335 is a good car and very tunable.

Considering there are many 500+ hp 5 & 6 speed manual cars in the FI section, I would very much say they can handle the power. At that kind of torque, it becomes more a matter of laying it down in a controlled manner, which is why they use an auto.

The drag cars use an auto because it makes it much easier to lay the power down, resulting in faster times.

I'm noit saying autos cannot be built to handle the power, I am simply saying that given BMW's past, they will likely design the unit to handle about 10% more than stock, because that is how they have been doing it for the last 30 years.

[M3fan79]

I don't know how much torque the new ZF auto in the 335 but the auto in the 760's handles 444ft.Hamann's M5 SMG3 handle up to 423ft. Tuner Vishnu Performance got there 335 to 370 rear wheel torque.

[xatlas0]

I don't know how much torque the new ZF auto in the 335 but the auto in the 760's handles 444ft.Hamann's M5 SMG3 handle up to 423ft. Tuner Vishnu Performance got there 335 to 370 rear wheel torque.

The SMG is a manual with a controlled clutch. The 444ft-lbs is just the torque output of the 760, I would venture to say the trans could take another 40 ft-lbs, if BMW continues like they have. That said, the 335 should be able to take another 30 ft-lbs and not lose reliability. Of course, this is all conjecture until someone decides to risk blowing up their auto and we can see how long it lasts.

[PeterC4]

I have both an automatic and manual transmission in each of my cars. If you're like most people that drive in traffic, the manual can be tiresome and if you're tired, driving leisurely and just want to enjoy your coffee, I think the automatic is the way to go. My wife and I ordered the 328xi Coupe with the auto and it seemed quite lively in auto form when we tested it. I know that manual's have better reported acceleration times, but in my view that's largely due to how they're launched. I think the new auto's have come a long way. The manual is fun, but when I'm going to work, I drive my auto.

[Walked U]

I got a manual and I absolutly love it. Its fun and the car is so torquey that you dont have to worry about shifting in every single gear.

[Rubber Ducky]

Have driven manual for many years, now in 330i ZHP. But have Step in wife's 550i and have driven it in 335i, so am fairly well calibrated. These manual/auto arguments are a perenial in car forums, but if you can see the topic without gazing through a testosterone haze, four comments:

1. The Steptronic transmission now sold by BMW is really as good as folks have posted here. Drive is drive. Sport is exceptional. The manumatic mode is lightening fast (but Sport may be as good or better except in special situations, though the gear-selection thrill is there and much like a stick-&-clutch manual).

2. Just how good are you with that manual shift, Bubba? If you autocross or race, you can probably shift better than the Step (though maybe not get faster times). But if you're a garden-variety good driver, the new Step is better than you are (and great fun).

3. The old rap on auto xmission was that they are quite a bit slower than manual for the same engine etc. Was true. Ain't true now. Folks are hitting 4.85 in the 335i coupe and the sedan with the Step. The manual will have a hard time beating that (so will the new M3, truth be told, but my guess is that it will come in below 4.5). My seat sense is that there are few situations on American roads where much is gained below about 5.0 anyway.

4. YMMV.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

I don't know how much torque the new ZF auto in the 335 but the auto in the 760's handles 444ft.Hamann's M5 SMG3 handle up to 423ft. Tuner Vishnu Performance got there 335 to 370 rear wheel torque.

They were using a MT not AT...plz, Shiv hasn't even tested the Xede in a Steptronic vehicle yet. Go wash the dishes and stop coming up with false comments.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

The auto in the e90 locks the converter almost instantly once its engaged.


Again, you're not comparing to the new auto in the e90s. Why do you think the diesel versions (insane gobs of torque) only come in auto? I'll give you one guess. Hint: Auto is more robust than manual.


Again, no. The auto in the e90s is stronger than the manual.

Dude instead of making stuff up, why don't you do something productive with your life, like cleaning toilets?

What proof is there that the auto tranny is stonger than the manual? Anyone?

I can't wait to read about people putting chips or piggyback systems in their cars and watching their auto trannys blow because they were clueless and ignorant to the fact that it will probably need to be rebuilt first before you can do that. sheesh

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Oh and one last thing....

Could anyone show me the proof that their BMW 335i AT went from 0-60 in 4.85 seconds besides ONE shady/bad quality video?

[FirstClass]

Dude instead of making stuff up, why don't you do something productive with your life, like cleaning toilets?

What proof is there that the auto tranny is stonger than the manual? Anyone?

I can't wait to read about people putting chips or piggyback systems in their cars and watching their auto trannys blow because they were clueless and ignorant to the fact that it will probably need to be rebuilt first before you can do that. sheesh
Where is your proof the manual is stronger?

Oh and one last thing....

Could anyone show me the proof that their BMW 335i AT went from 0-60 in 4.85 seconds besides ONE shady/bad quality video?
Doesn't look too shady to me. The shitty quality has to do with streetfire.

[DrDomer]

Didn't some fairly reputable car mag get a 0-60 time of around 4.8s?

[xatlas0]

Where is your proof the manual is stronger?


In the past, the BMW manuals have been able to take about twice the stock specs before having some issues, and sometimes even more. Yes, this unit could be different, but a quick look over in the FI section supports my claim. They are all running aftermarket clutches, of course, but the transmissions are stock.

[Rubber Ducky]

Look, here's the tiebreaker. If you can drive a stick this well...

http://videos.hspn.com/?videoid=94&catid=8

...go with the manual. Otherwise, the Step will serve as well.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Where is your proof the manual is stronger?

Are you serious? Every published review and specs on the car says that the manual is atleast .2 seconds faster than auto.

Doesn't look too shady to me. The shitty quality has to do with streetfire.

Of course it doesn't look too shady to you. You drive an auto. Automatically some shitty quality vid gives you backup to make some argument about something that everyone knows to be true. The Manual is faster. Nuff said.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Didn't some fairly reputable car mag get a 0-60 time of around 4.8s?

Yeah, I can find it if you want, but it was in a manual, not an auto.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Ok, I'm a man and I can admit when I'm wrong. Not by looking at a questionable video, but there are two very reputable magazines that have both said that they got the auto under 5 seconds. 4.8-4.9.

[R.Shackelford]

One reason I ordered a manual on my yet to arrive 335i sedan was that I wasn't sure how much I liked the thought of the car trying to learn my driving habits and adjusting the shift points accordingly. I'm sure for at least 90% of the time it works well as intended, but it's still a loss of control. Reminds me of when Microsoft Word tries to be "helpful" and starts automatically putting in bullets or other formating when I didn't want it to.

I know I'm not a good enough driver to achieve any performance gains with a manual compared to an automatic, but for better or worse each shift decision will at least be made by me.

[FirstClass]

Of course it doesn't look too shady to you. You drive an auto. Automatically some shitty quality vid gives you backup to make some argument about something that everyone knows to be true. The Manual is faster. Nuff said.
Wow dude ditch the atitude and stop putting words in my mouth. I never said the auto was faster. Never. But it sure as hell isn't any slower according to all the car mags.
Reference link 1(Manual, 4.9): http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtests/11733/2007-bmw-335i-coupe-specs-page4.html
Reference link 2(Step, 4.8): http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=117669/pageNumber=1?synpartner=edmunds&pageurl=www.edmunds.com/new/2007/bmw/3series/100814243/roadtestarticle.html&articleId=117669
Now I am suggesting the Step may be faster.

[shelltox]

Guys

Call it old school theory but how many times do you really hear of a MT failing vs AT ? You have to understand that with a car like this, you would not get any satisfaction from a drive if you are driving an AT. I sold my other car (the only AT I ever own) for a MT.

"You actually drive a MT but not an AT" - author unknown

[gusterfan]

Guys

Call it old school theory but how many times do you really hear of a MT failing vs AT ? You have to understand that with a car like this, you would not get any satisfaction from a drive if you are driving an AT. I sold my other car (the only AT I ever own) for a MT.

"You actually drive a MT but not an AT" - author unknown


I absolutely agree with you, but to clarify the author of your quote, it was CAPTAIN OBVIOUS!

[KPACOTKA]

MT should be selected by exclusive people who know how drive it. I hate cars with MT because they start to slow from traffic light, so you have to brake in the rythm of their gear shifting.

[gusterfan]

MT should be selected by exclusive people who know how drive it. I hate cars with MT because they start to slow from traffic light, so you have to brake in the rythm of their gear shifting.


HUH?????

[Dwimmerlaik]

I think this is a question everyone has to answer for themselves. There really isnt a right or wrong, only a preferance.

When I purchased my GTO last lear, I got the automatic, mainly cause I was sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on the 405 for 2 hours each day. I love driving stick, its alot of fun, I just couldnt imagine sitting there doing that every day.

now I have a drive where I rarely hit traffic, and i wish I had an auto.

It just depends on whats more important to you, everyday convience or weekend fun.

[KPACOTKA]

Not far as today I was behind a Corvette at traffic light, so I had to apply brakes twice until he took speed limit.

[JoeA]

I drove both. The BMW clutch has excess travel to engage off the floor (arguable engages sooner from the top...but this leaves you guessing the engagement point). You can learn to shift it faster than the Step but you better be on the top of your shifting game (which most people are not)

[iamthewalrus]

With the new hill-hold feature, there's no reason not to get a manual. Rolling back into somebody on a steep hill is the only 'risk' of a manual. With that taken care of, there's no downside.
My 2006 E46 330Cic is my first manual and I'm so glad I got it. This car wouldn't be nearly as much fun with an automatic. Shifting my own gears is a key part of the experience on a performance car.

James
Seattle, WA

[Mr. 5]

Manual!
Luckily I don't sit in traffic. I had to order mine just because I wanted a manual. I called 4 BMW dealerships around here and none of them had a 335 sedan on the lot with a manual. Finally I asked if it was a sedan thing and he said, "No, it's a California thing."

[330iMan]

I live in a world where I have to answer the phone, sit in traffic, and occasionally eat in my car. I know the 335i (and 328i) has bluetooth. I drove a stick for 7 yrs when I was younger. Had an automatic for last 4 or so years. I test drove the stick, and it's fun. Having said that, I picked the automatic. Guys in these forums are getting 0-60 times of 4.8 seconds with automatic. The manual I think would get old for me after 6 months. To each his own.

Ditto for me. When I was a youngster, it's all I would consider. But now that I'm an old man of 34 and dealing with kids in the back seat, coffee to drink, iPod to adjust, traffic to deal with, auto is the only way to go. Not to mention when it comes time to sell, it's harder to sell a manual than an auto.

All depends on your individual needs.

[CookieMonster]

Guys

Call it old school theory but how many times do you really hear of a MT failing vs AT ? You have to understand that with a car like this, you would not get any satisfaction from a drive if you are driving an AT. I sold my other car (the only AT I ever own) for a MT.

"You actually drive a MT but not an AT" - author unknown

MT fail all the time.....ever hear at the race track my clutch is shot! To me the clutch is part of the trans so in my book MT fail and need more maintenence then an Auto. I do understand your point but not to classify the clutch as part of the MT is not looking at the whole picture.

Considering all F-1 race cars are sequential gear boxes with no clutch pedal (except at a stand still start....and the clutch is on the Steering wheel) I believe the paddle shifter sequential auto trans is the way of the future. Ferrari Enzo....no Clutch pedal!!!!!!!!!!!!

In 10 years maybe 20 ...no car will be manufactured with a clutch foot pedal operated by the driver.

Over the length of a race it is estimated that a sequentail auto gear box can shave as much as 10 seconds off the overall time.


FYI my last four cars have been manual trans but I see the writing on the wall. So I am not an Auto guy. I think I might make the leep considering the rav reviews the 335I auto trans is recieving.

[330iMan]

Look, here's the tiebreaker. If you can drive a stick this well...

http://videos.hspn.com/?videoid=94&catid=8

...go with the manual. Otherwise, the Step will serve as well.


Cool video regardless...

[Converted]

Get what you prefer... not what the people in this thread tell you.

If you don't mind shifting, and don't have to deal with traffic, the MT is great. If you're in a high-traffic area, and get sick of shifting, the AT is for you.

Both VERY good transmissions...

[typeS4]

I dunno. I hate this retarded debate but I would only get a manual.

Sure you can argue about how the steptronic and how great the trannys are but still... you are driving an automatic. I love the feel of shifting gear and that's my opinion. Flame away but auto's are for my gf's and people who don't want to learn how to drive a manual. True enthusiasts have them too but there are circumstances where one fits your LIFE better.

[Mad Dragon]

As we learnt here BMW auto is GM made, so certainly auto. Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen makes the autos in the E90/1/2/3. GMs haven't been used since 2003.

[E92!Dreier]

Nothing quite like seeing the look on the girls faces in your car as you effortlessly operate a "complicated" thing like a manual transmission. To quote the most materialistic, selfish woman I have ever known, "Guys who drive standard are just sexy."

Then, you get to stomp through the gears and just fly. Steptronic might be easier, more convenient, and is udeniably faster. However, it is not as "cool." The only argument I would make in favor of an automatic is the crispness and effortlessness that enables you to vault through the gears with a precision and stability that goes beyond any human's shifting capability. What fun is that though?

[exilio]

Auto all the way - especially if you commute. Don't be sold on the whole manual "experience". I have driven many manuals, and nothing beats the convenience of an auto. Being able to drive, talk, and drink at the same time is a great feeling. I rarely miss having a manual transmission. And nowadays, auto's get slightly better MPG.

If you were considering the 335, you could get paddles for a greater feeling of control of the shifts. However, you can still use the Steptronic for some semblance of manual driving. Many of the drivers on this board, especially the younger ones, will try to convince you that you are missing out - but make sure the decision is the right one for you.

[cemman]

For all of you who purchase a car so that you can fiddle with your i-pod, drink coffee and talk on the phone, the auto is probably perfect. In fact why not buy a Lexus. It's more reliable, has a smoother ride and has all of the creature comforts. I purchased a BMW so that I could drive it. To me this is an interactive experience that an auto does not provide. There is little or no skill involved in mashing your foot from one pedal to the other and holding on for dear life. There is satisfaction to be gained from a precisely timed double clutch down shift while entering a turn at the car's limits. I mistakenly purchased not one but two autos and nearly bored my self into old age. I am the proud owner of a 6mt 335i coupe. It is less practical than a sedan and requires more attention than an auto, but I absolutely love it. Just my opinion, and what the hell do I know.

[exilio]

For all of you who purchase a car so that you can fiddle with your i-pod, drink coffee and talk on the phone, the auto is probably perfect. In fact why not buy a Lexus. It's more reliable, has a smoother ride and has all of the creature comforts. I purchased a BMW so that I could drive it.

Too funny and so condescending. I am tired of hearing wanna-be racers prattle on and on that if you don't drive stick you aren't a true driver. You guys think because you flick a little stick from one slot to another that you are some uber-driver. That those who drive auto's should just go out and get a Buick LeSabre and retire to Boca Raton and play shuffle board or something.

The reality of the world for those of us that TRULY use our vehicles is that it is not JUST for driving. We eat, drink, talk on a mobile phone, hold our significant others hand, or just plain want to relax and not have to shift when stuck in traffic.

The bottom line is this: Get what works for you, not what impresses wanna-be, boy-racers that have played a little too much Gran Turismo, forcing their dogmatic stick-only mantra down peoples throats.

[virage]

For all of you who purchase a car so that you can fiddle with your i-pod, drink coffee and talk on the phone, the auto is probably perfect. In fact why not buy a Lexus. It's more reliable, has a smoother ride and has all of the creature comforts. I purchased a BMW so that I could drive it.

Well said. +1.

[T Rex]

In 10 years maybe 20 ...no car will be manufactured with a clutch foot pedal operated by the driver.



Maybe in the US.....but 90% of Europeans drive manuals....and something like 70% of Japanese.....the US is just the opposite.....

FWIW, I love my 6MT....both of my test drives were in an AT, and it was incredibly quick...no complaints....didn't have it long enough to figure out the paddle shifters effectively......

but I went with the MT, and it is pure joy....and saving $1300 only sweetens the deal.....:buttrock

[Mr. 5]

Maybe in the US.....but 90% of Europeans drive manuals....and something like 70% of Japanese.....the US is just the opposite.....

FWIW, I love my 6MT....both of my test drives were in an AT, and it was incredibly quick...no complaints....didn't have it long enough to figure out the paddle shifters effectively......

but I went with the MT, and it is pure joy....and saving $1300 only sweetens the deal.....:buttrock
Yep, and another thing is that there were so many complaints about the M5s and M6s not having a manual that they now have included the 6 speed manual as an option. To me, driving a manual keeps me more alert, and is sooo much more fun to drive.:)

[Mad Dragon]

Yep, and another thing is that there were so many complaints about the M5s and M6s not having a manual that they now have included the 6 speed manual as an option. It's only available in the US, and it's slower than the SMG.

It's funny that the M3 will be manual-only, and people are complaining about that. :stickoutt

[penwan]

Well, there's always someone out there who has to complain about *something*.

I drive a manual right now (Chevy Cavalier!) and just signed the papers for my next car which will also be a manual (2007 BMW 328i Sedan). When I was test driving different cars, I tried the Steptronic in a 328i Sedan, whatever Lexus uses in their IS250s, and a DSG in the VW Jetta GLI. Of the three, the DSG was by far the best transmission. It was a lot of fun to drive. There was literally no noticeable hesitation or drop in power delivery while shifting with it. The Steptronic was good, but definitely less so than the DSG. The Lexus's was terrible.

I am going with the manual because I enjoy driving it more. If I did mostly city driving, I'd go for the auto. It all comes down to preference. I know both were fun to drive with the 328.

P.S.: You can't post smileys until you reach a certain post count? ;p

[ab00578]

BMW NAs new M brand manager Martin Birkmann summed it up for me in the May issue of Bimmer magazine when he talked about U.S. M5 shoppers wanting a stick instead of the SMG:

"If you drive a manual transmission here (in the U.S.) it's almost like a badge of honor. You elevate yourself from the masses as a driving connoisseur. In Europe, when you're well off, you afford yourself a bigger engine and an automatic. It's almost an inverse relationship to the manual transmission."

[nm335]

OK. I asked. No one posted it. Please consider the botom of the following regarding gear rations:

*******************************
Thanks "raceyBMW". I feel a bit better. Until I get some more miles on the 335, I won't know for sure.

The wife is taking the X5 into your area this weekend (Pueblo). If I had someone to watch the other kids, I would have taken the 335 and driven instead. She is using the back routes... over La Vita pass and through Walsenberg. Lucky her. Good scenery, small town restaurants, tight winding roads, not much law enforcement....

I just referred to the sales Brochure and they do indeed quote 150 MPH as the optional top speed.

Did anyone notice the specified gear ratios? 6th in the MT is 0.87:1 and for the AT it is 0.69:1. Curiously the top gear in the MT is precisely the same as the 5th gear ratio in the AT. So, whereas I was at 2500 RPM at 80 MPH, someone with a MT would be at 3150 RPM. Assuming that this thing will do 150 MPH, with the AT the engine would be turning just under 4700 RPM. The MT would be making a bit over 5900 RPM. Which speed would you rather have your engine turning for a long trip?

Perhaps someone could cross post this to the "AT vs MT" dialectic.
*******************************


So, what about the lower RPMs at speed?

[BlkDinanM3]

For all of you who purchase a car so that you can fiddle with your i-pod, drink coffee and talk on the phone, the auto is probably perfect. In fact why not buy a Lexus. It's more reliable, has a smoother ride and has all of the creature comforts. I purchased a BMW so that I could drive it. To me this is an interactive experience that an auto does not provide. There is little or no skill involved in mashing your foot from one pedal to the other and holding on for dear life. There is satisfaction to be gained from a precisely timed double clutch down shift while entering a turn at the car's limits. I mistakenly purchased not one but two autos and nearly bored my self into old age. I am the proud owner of a 6mt 335i coupe. It is less practical than a sedan and requires more attention than an auto, but I absolutely love it. Just my opinion, and what the hell do I know.

I totally agree with Cemman!:buttrock

[Gig103]

Flame away but auto's are for my gf's and people who don't want to learn how to drive a manual.


One of the things I love about my fiancée is that she drives a manual as well as I do! :redspot (I do wish she wouldn't engine brake as much, I'm in the 'brakes are cheaper than clutches' camp)

[mryakan]

One of the things I love about my fiancée is that she drives a manual as well as I do! :redspot (I do wish she wouldn't engine brake as much, I'm in the 'brakes are cheaper than clutches' camp)
lol, I have the opposite sentiments. I am glad my wife can't drive MT, my car will stay in top notch shape as I'm the only one who drives it. Hope she isn't reading this :D.

[forrestpilot]

lol, I have the opposite sentiments. I am glad my wife can't drive MT, my car will stay in top notch shape as I'm the only one who drives it. Hope she isn't reading this :D.

My wife can't either, but I got the AT so she could drive. Her work location is only a few miles from home so she normally drives our F150 4X4 Supercab because of the gas mileage. Well, I have taken a few days off to do some work around the house. Not going to load 500 lbs of lime and lawn fertilizer in the back of my 335i, so I got the truck. She got the 335i which she does not drive very often. I was in the house watching her pull away, and damn it she must have hit the trunk release and was driving down the road with the trunk lid up.

[csudhoff]

5 speed foo!