why are 6 MT 335's so hard to find?

[UTHUSTLER]

I am finding tons of autos, but hardly any 6 MT's. I dont know why folk would want this car with the auto.

[tsweers89]

Ive noticed that to.

[Blue Streek]

It's because the Steptronic 6 speed is so good and it also allows you to drink your coffee, talk on the cell phone, send and recieve text messages... or even take short cat naps on your way back and forth to work or whatever. My dealer told me that most everyone who test drives the Steptronic falls in love with it and is sold on it, even if they were primarily interested in the 6 speed manual... plus the fact that no one stocks them and when they do come in, they get taken before the dealer can even look at the car and think about preparing the car to put on the lot for show.

It shifts faster than you can (supposedly) with the manual, so it might be quicker for racing or something. I don't know about that though, because I don't race. I just love to drive that 6 speed manual and can't get enough of it. If you think you want a manual, wait and keep looking until you find one... you might kick yourself later when you're driving an automatic after a while and everyday you wish you had a manual again.

[95DinanM3]

Because the majority of people are lazy and want the car to literally do the footwork for them.

[forrestpilot]

Wife can NOT drive a MT. The AT on the 335i w/SP is a compromize. Steptronic or paddle shifters gives me some sport.

[SocratesBMW]

Actually I just like it because its faster than the MT. Technology is great, you just have to learn that what may have been the best in the past may in fact not be so now. This is along the lines of the dipstick conversations.

[andrewket]

I purchased an Audi S6 that only comes with a steptronic. It was a great car, but after 7 months or so I just couldn't stand not having a manual. I ordered an E93 with a 6MT and have been quite happy.

Just order what you want and be happy.

Andrew

[Zimmy1993]

Autobahn Motorcars supposedly has just received one; Alpine White with Beige 'ette. Sport package, Brushed Alum. Trim, and ipod interface. MSRP should list around $41,175.00.

I dont know if they are close to you or not.

It should be pretty on the outside, but I don't know about that interior with that trim... But, I may have found you one.

[turbocoins]

I ordered my 6MT. The dealer tried to talk me into a step. He said that most people don't want to shift a 3 series unless it's an M.

[UTHUSTLER]

Autobahn Motorcars supposedly has just received one; Alpine White with Beige 'ette. Sport package, Brushed Alum. Trim, and ipod interface. MSRP should list around $41,175.00.

I dont know if they are close to you or not.

It should be pretty on the outside, but I don't know about that interior with that trim... But, I may have found you one.


E90? where are they located?

[Coco Savage]

Because the majority of people are lazy and want the car to literally do the footwork for them.
word!!

[galahad05]

I ordered my 6MT. The dealer tried to talk me into a step. He said that most people don't want to shift a 3 series unless it's an M.

My CP was very helpful, going to the trouble to get a black optioned-up (even had the carbon-fiber wing and front air-dam!) 6MT 335i sedan on the showroom floor out to let me drive it. Also didn't even try to talk me out of ordering my 6MT. Really cool lady.

[RMcoolX]

I am finding tons of autos, but hardly any 6 MT's. I dont know why folk would want this car with the auto.

Because we're willing to pay extra to get what we want?!?

[Zimmy1993]

E90? where are they located?


Yes, it's an E90. Autobahn is located in Fort Worth, TX.

[mryakan]

Some would say that MT drivers seem to be more picky and more likely to custom order their car than pick one off the lot which would make an MT harder for a dealer to sell so if that is true logically you can deduce that they would not want to stock MTs.

[ADHD]

Some would say that MT drivers seem to be more picky and more likely to custom order their car than pick one off the lot which would make an MT harder for a dealer to sell so if that is true logically you can deduce that they would not want to stock MTs.

Couldnt have said it better myself! U can find them if u look hard enough and have a good SA. I ended up dumping 2 dealers until i finally got what i wanted. They got my car put on a truck right from port that was suppost to go up north. Im not sure how they worked it out but I got the car I wanted with the options i wanted.
And yes I dont understand why u would want an auto in this type of car ive drove em both and in know way shape does the auto WOW me at all.. Its quit' boring actually IMO for being such a fast car I feel U should be in FULL control of the car and with an auto i just dont see how thats possible..

[Arustik1]

It's because the Steptronic 6 speed is so good and it also allows you to drink your coffee, talk on the cell phone, send and recieve text messages... or even take short cat naps on your way back and forth to work or whatever. My dealer told me that most everyone who test drives the Steptronic falls in love with it and is sold on it, even if they were primarily interested in the 6 speed manual... plus the fact that no one stocks them and when they do come in, they get taken before the dealer can even look at the car and think about preparing the car to put on the lot for show.

It shifts faster than you can (supposedly) with the manual, so it might be quicker for racing or something. I don't know about that though, because I don't race. I just love to drive that 6 speed manual and can't get enough of it. If you think you want a manual, wait and keep looking until you find one... you might kick yourself later when you're driving an automatic after a while and everyday you wish you had a manual again.


HAHAHHA I can drink coffee and talk on the phone because I have bluetooth on my 6mt e92 :lol

[Bandit335]

My 2 cents: The 6MT is better to drive and more funs NO DOUBT. Having said that I ordered an 08 335 coupe w/AT. Why? The WAF was too high. (wife acceptance factor). We test drove the 6MT and it died on her a couple times. I wouldn't be able to watch my wife torture this beauty, so I got the AT which is one awesome tranny. I too swore never to buy the AT after my Volvo experience, but this tranny is ina class of its own. I'll just let my wife keep driving the only other available stick in the house.

BTW if you're buying the AT b/c of coffee, cell usage etc... then get a mini van. Euro BMWs don't even have any cup holders. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine, not your cummuter van.

[jaypeeaf]

My 2 cents: The 6MT is better to drive and more funs NO DOUBT. Having said that I ordered an 08 335 coupe w/AT. Why? The WAF was too high. (wife acceptance factor). We test drove the 6MT and it died on her a couple times. I wouldn't be able to watch my wife torture this beauty, so I got the AT which is one awesome tranny. I too swore never to buy the AT after my Volvo experience, but this tranny is ina class of its own. I'll just let my wife keep driving the only other available stick in the house.

BTW if you're buying the AT b/c of coffee, cell usage etc... then get a mini van. Euro BMWs don't even have any cup holders. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine, not your cummuter van.

+1

It's a sports car...I love my shifter...

[Blue Streek]

HAHAHHA I can drink coffee and talk on the phone because I have bluetooth on my 6mt e92 :lol
HAHAHAHA!!! But can you take sips of your coffee in between sending and recieving text messages on your cell phone? Even with bluetooth? Just kidding... but I've seen people doing things like that. Hey, actually, my wife has called me a few times while she's out driving my car and we don't have the bluetooth. That's pretty scary! She said she was using the speaker phone, even though it sounded perfectly clear. I guess that speaker phone works pretty good then.

[stejus]

This is my first official post and it only took me 11 months to finally find a 335i coupe 6sp with the options i was looking for on a dealer lot. I purchased one last night (Oct 1st)

This 335i coupe arrived on their lot in mid September and I jumped on it! I was real close to buying a new G37 Sport but one drive in this 335i coupe, I was sold!

Lot’s of questions coming after I review some of the posts out here.

Alpine White
Black Dakota Leather
ZPP Premium Package
ZSP Sport Package
Road Protection film (bumper, hood, mirrors)
2C6 18" Light-alloy wheels Star Spoke
319 Universal Garage Door Opener
322 Comfort Access system
430 Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
431 Auto-dimming rearview mirror
481 Sport seats
488 Lumbar support
494 Heated front seats
4AS Gray Poplar wood trim
4NA Digital compass mirror
639 BMW Assist with Bluetooth System
840 Increased top speed limiter

[mryakan]

This is my first official post and it only took me 11 months to finally find a 335i coupe 6sp with the options i was looking for on a dealer lot. I purchased one last night (Oct 1st)

Well congrats, but you could have custom ordered a car in less than half that time instead of waiting for a match on a lot, what gives?

[stejus]

Well congrats, but you could have custom ordered a car in less than half that time instead of waiting for a match on a lot, what gives?


I held off on purchasing the 335i coupe because I wanted to look at the G37. During the long 11 months, I kept my eye out for the 335i coupe I wanted and nothing ever showed up on a dealer’s lot until this past month. In my opinion I did the right thing. I had to prove to myself that I wanted one of the two cars and I really couldn’t make that decision until I drove both of them.

[mryakan]

I held off on purchasing the 335i coupe because I wanted to look at the G37. During the long 11 months, I kept my eye out for the 335i coupe I wanted and nothing ever showed up on a dealer’s lot until this past month. In my opinion I did the right thing. I had to prove to myself that I wanted one of the two cars and I really couldn’t make that decision until I drove both of them.
Interesting, and you'll certainly love it more than you would've the G37. Congrats again.

[GatorM]

My 2 cents: The 6MT is better to drive and more funs NO DOUBT. Having said that I ordered an 08 335 coupe w/AT. Why? The WAF was too high. (wife acceptance factor). We test drove the 6MT and it died on her a couple times. I wouldn't be able to watch my wife torture this beauty, so I got the AT which is one awesome tranny. I too swore never to buy the AT after my Volvo experience, but this tranny is ina class of its own. I'll just let my wife keep driving the only other available stick in the house.

BTW if you're buying the AT b/c of coffee, cell usage etc... then get a mini van. Euro BMWs don't even have any cup holders. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine, not your cummuter van.

Wait....you let your wife drive your car?:eek:

[Beer Goggles]

I'm lucky my wife (gf) is just as much as an MT lover as I am, so we're looking to find a replacement for our Touareg soon, and it will have MT.


FYI, you can do everything you can do in an AUTO, some people make up that with MT you're shifting every 3 seconds, in reality if you know what you're doing you can do it all.

MT drivers are maybe safer because instead of worrying about doing things other than driving they are actually...driving.

[mryakan]

I'm lucky my wife (gf) is just as much as an MT lover as I am, so we're looking to find a replacement for our Touareg soon, and it will have MT.
So is that wife or g/f or both (in which case you must be a busy guy ;)).

[CTT]

This 335i coupe arrived on their lot in mid September and I jumped on it! I was real close to buying a new G37 Sport but one drive in this 335i coupe, I was sold!


Guy at work (boss actually) was cross-shopping the two(335xi actually), and we had been talking a lot lately.
He just signed up for a G37S. He sounded happy but not psyched. I can't wait to blow by him come winter . . .

[mryakan]

Guy at work (boss actually) was cross-shopping the two(335xi actually), and we had been talking a lot lately.
He just signed up for a G37S. He sounded happy but not psyched. I can't wait to blow by him come winter . . .
Never a good career move to beat the boss, but sure is gratifying :devillook.

[wrh3]

I'm lucky my wife (gf) is just as much as an MT lover as I am, so we're looking to find a replacement for our Touareg soon, and it will have MT.

Funny, we just traded Treg # 2 in on my wife's 335i Coupe with MT because she was tired of driving an automatic (and she just learned to drive a manual 4 years ago). I feel like I am in a coma when driving AT cars.....

[Beer Goggles]

Funny, we just traded Treg # 2 in on my wife's 335i Coupe with MT because she was tired of driving an automatic (and she just learned to drive a manual 4 years ago). I feel like I am in a coma when driving AT cars.....

I'd get rid of that thing in a blink except there's no market. Good thing I leased because they are killing me with the value right now.

Most ATs I've driven annoy the crap out of me with illogical shifting. I'd have to say the US cars I've driven seem to have a better shift brain than others.

[E92Vancouver]

It's because the Steptronic 6 speed is so good and it also allows you to drink your coffee, talk on the cell phone, send and recieve text messages... or even take short cat naps on your way back and forth to work or whatever. My dealer told me that most everyone who test drives the Steptronic falls in love with it and is sold on it, even if they were primarily interested in the 6 speed manual... plus the fact that no one stocks them and when they do come in, they get taken before the dealer can even look at the car and think about preparing the car to put on the lot for show.

It shifts faster than you can (supposedly) with the manual, so it might be quicker for racing or something. I don't know about that though, because I don't race. I just love to drive that 6 speed manual and can't get enough of it. If you think you want a manual, wait and keep looking until you find one... you might kick yourself later when you're driving an automatic after a while and everyday you wish you had a manual again.

The auto might shift faster but a manual will out accelerate an automatic due to 100% lock up as soon as the clutch is out. Look at the posted 0-60 times by BMW comparing the manual and the auto.

[stejus]

Guy at work (boss actually) was cross-shopping the two(335xi actually), and we had been talking a lot lately.
He just signed up for a G37S. He sounded happy but not psyched. I can't wait to blow by him come winter . . .


I tested both cars with some very spirited driving. I told the dealer(s) I really need to feel the difference because depending on what you read about these cars, it was a close match.

I drove the 335i first. Then I drove the G37 Sport on two separate occasions. Then I went back to the 335i.

There is no question in my mind. The G37 felt heavier, didn’t have nearly as much pull off the line or from a roll and the handling was not as crisp as the 335i.

You will have no problem. Just let him know you don’t mean to punish him before you leave him in the dust!

[Gambit Mtrsprt]

It's because the Steptronic 6 speed is so good and it also allows you to drink your coffee, talk on the cell phone, send and recieve text messages... or even take short cat naps on your way back and forth to work or whatever. My dealer told me that most everyone who test drives the Steptronic falls in love with it and is sold on it, even if they were primarily interested in the 6 speed manual... plus the fact that no one stocks them and when they do come in, they get taken before the dealer can even look at the car and think about preparing the car to put on the lot for show.

It shifts faster than you can (supposedly) with the manual, so it might be quicker for racing or something. I don't know about that though, because I don't race. I just love to drive that 6 speed manual and can't get enough of it. If you think you want a manual, wait and keep looking until you find one... you might kick yourself later when you're driving an automatic after a while and everyday you wish you had a manual again.

The 335i Steptronic is an automatic transmission underneath (not true of all paddle-shifters). While it may shift faster, you receive a torque conversion loss, do you not?

[Gambit Mtrsprt]

I am finding tons of autos, but hardly any 6 MT's. I dont know why folk would want this car with the auto.

Almost all folk want it in auto, apparently. I special ordered mine. When I said I wanted a MT with Coral Red interior, they grimaced and ran a credit check (regardless of down-payment).

[StigNV]

I had to order the MT on mine. They tried to push the Steptronic, but I wanted a "Sports Car."
I'm trying to be a purist, and enjoy the driving experience. I have enough windy roads here in the mountains to get a lousy cell signal and keep my attention focused on the road. Bluetooth will help when the boss calls though.

[GatorM]

The Bluetooth integration is awesome. So much easier than fucking with those idiotic little earsets.

[dwagmer74]

Some would say that MT drivers seem to be more picky and more likely to custom order their car than pick one off the lot which would make an MT harder for a dealer to sell so if that is true logically you can deduce that they would not want to stock MTs.

I think that this is very true. But I also think that it depends on the dealer. Some of the German car dealers near me are very MT friendly while others give the line about "nobody buys them".

Several years ago when buying a VW the dealer had no MT cars on the lot. The sales woman found one in the back still literally on the truck, and my wife and I then watched her and another sales guy fight over it. Which leads to a point. If "nobody buys them" they ought to be easy to find--even if only 5% of the cars are MT; but they are not. So clearly there is a demand that is greater than the supply.

IMO it comes back to the dealers. For all kinds of reasons the dealers would rather sell automatics. They have more profit, they sell faster to John Doe who just wonders into the dealership, they fit the lease/CPO cycle better, and so on.

And for anyone getting crap from a sales guy about wanting a manual, I suggest the line my wife used when ours started down that road. "If we have to get the automatic we might as well get the Volvo." Things went smoothly after that.

[Jhunter]

For all kinds of reasons the dealers would rather sell automatics.

Just like Walmart they are only interested in moving their product. Probably 9 out of 10 customers would not by a manual so it would be a bad decision to have one sitting on their lot, especially with the coupes that are in limited supply.

[dwagmer74]

Just like Walmart they are only interested in moving their product. Probably 9 out of 10 customers would not by a manual so it would be a bad decision to have one sitting on their lot, especially with the coupes that are in limited supply.

Except that turning away 10% of your business is bad business. Though I do agree that limited availability leads to heavy optioned cars.

Having dealt with this for years across brands I firmly believe that many (not all) dealers don’t stock manuals for the reasons listed in this thread OTHER than “they don’t sell”. Clearly they do sell, otherwise they would be easy to find, but they also appear to be difficult for most dealers to spec out for inventory.

As I mentioned, I had a minor issue getting a MT from my dealer. But the same dealer, with some new faces in sales, now appears to keep 25 to 30% of their 3 series stock in MT. So It comes back to the dealer's mindset.

[leerambler]

The Bluetooth integration is awesome. So much easier than fucking with those idiotic little earsets.

your avatar is awesome! the crazy doctor from cannon ball run.... I laugh every time I think about him sticking out his finger and asking if someone wants checked out...:lol

[fshull]

Almost all folk want it in auto, apparently. I special ordered mine. When I said I wanted a MT with Coral Red interior, they grimaced and ran a credit check (regardless of down-payment).

Manuals usually take a larger resale hit then autos due to low demand for manuals. Lleasing can be a good route for a manual assuming other factors work (miles, turn a car every three years, etc.).

[mryakan]

Manuals usually take a larger resale hit then autos due to low demand for manuals. Lleasing can be a good route for a manual assuming other factors work (miles, turn a car every three years, etc.).
Unless you find someone dying to buy a manual and can't find any because everyone though an auto is easier to re-sell. :D Weird how supply and demand works!

[dwagmer74]

Manuals usually take a larger resale hit then autos due to low demand for manuals. Lleasing can be a good route for a manual assuming other factors work (miles, turn a car every three years, etc.).

This has not been my experience, though where you are in the country no doubt matters. All of my manual cars have sold easily while the one and only auto was an aggravation.

Also the book value "resale hit" is less than the cost of the automatic, so it is not really a hit.

But in the end "get the car you want" is the best advice, and at least BMW has not driven away the MT drivers.

[TopasBlau46]

First off - I won't ever buy a non, 100%, manual transmission vehicle.

With that in mind ..


Wife can NOT drive a MT. The AT on the 335i w/SP is a compromize. Steptronic or paddle shifters gives me some sport.

I don't think I'd want my wife to drive my 335i, that is if I had a wife. Let her learn to drive it. BMW's are sport sedans, not your executive sedan (or at least some of their cars have sadly evolved into this, note they are less popular and successful). Something with this type of performance and bodywork is meant to have full contact with the driver, and in my opinion, a manual transmission is the key thing which fully integrates the car and the driver.

A response to the text messaging, calling, drinking coffee aspect. First off, your DRIVING, not working, eating, or drinking. All of these things impair your driving ability and just cause you a greater chance of accident. Second, chances are you encounter traffic when you commute to work. Use the stop periods at lights and in traffic to text or call, when the vehicle is STOPPED. I find it plenty easy to stay in one place on a hill, while calling people, and having a drink, without using the brake.

That's just my two cents.

[Jhunter]

Except that turning away 10% of your business is bad business. Though I do agree that limited availability leads to heavy optioned cars.

Having dealt with this for years across brands I firmly believe that many (not all) dealers don’t stock manuals for the reasons listed in this thread OTHER than “they don’t sell”. Clearly they do sell, otherwise they would be easy to find, but they also appear to be difficult for most dealers to spec out for inventory.

As I mentioned, I had a minor issue getting a MT from my dealer. But the same dealer, with some new faces in sales, now appears to keep 25 to 30% of their 3 series stock in MT. So It comes back to the dealer's mindset.

I think you are making this more complicated than it is. When ordering spec cars dealer order them with whatever will appeal to the most customers, that means no or few manuals, popular colors, leather, etc. Its that simple, its inventory, they make money by moving it, there is no hidden agenda.

You say they would be easy to find if they don't sell. This is not true because they are not made. Dealers build the cars they order, so that means the vast majority are built with automatics.

[marzer]

I agree its being made complicated -- it's simply about fun! Although I enjoy being in control w/ a MT, I got the steptonic w/paddle shifters because it's just fun. Every morning I hit a stretch of open 4-lane on the way to work where I get to play F1, slaloming and paddle-shifting my way thru traffic! :)) And NO my wife does NOT drive my car!

[Van1]

Manuals usually take a larger resale hit then autos due to low demand for manuals. Lleasing can be a good route for a manual assuming other factors work (miles, turn a car every three years, etc.).

I disagree with this statement. I would venture to say that on the secondary market, the manual version of any performance oriented car will sell faster than an automatic and in many cases for more money if the car is traded between enthusiasts. The reason being is that many enthusiasts who couldn't otherwise afford a given perfomance car when new gravitate to the manuals. And in the face of an abundance of automatics, manuals are hard to find thus the premium on the secondary market. I owned a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT 5 speed wagon, the only year that Subaru offered a 5 speed in the GT wagon. I am sure that Subaru discontinued the 5 speed in that model due to the lackluster sales. I bought mine as a new left over in '06 for song. However, when I put the car up for sale after a year of ownership, I sold it in a week for nearly what I paid for it new. Enthusiasts on the Subaru boards were seeking the '05 5 speeds in numbers because they were no longer available. A week later I was on a plane from Omaha to Milwaukee to purchase a 6 speed '98 540. All I could find locally were 528s and auto 540s. I am sure that when I go to sell the 540 next summer when I place an order for a manual 335 sedan for my wife, it will sell quick. The enthusiasts on the e39 forum seem to prefer the 6 speed over the auto by a long shot.

Incidently for the other Touareg owners who posted here, my wife after years of driving an SUV wants to drive a car again. So I told her that I would buy her a 6sp 335 sedan and I would inherit the Treg. Sure, it's an auto which I don't care for but the 553 lb ft of torque makes up for the lack of a manual in that vehicle :D Plus I still have my 6sp 993. Which you can't even hardly give away a tiptronic 993 today.

[brokenbimmer]

I am finding tons of autos, but hardly any 6 MT's. I dont know why folk would want this car with the auto.

Why no MTs? Because they don't send enough to the U.S. Wan't resale? Order a 6MT Coupe w/ Sport Package and Comfort Assist. Those will be the rarest 335i around available for resale in a few years IMO.

[sleeeper]

Coffee-Got saddle so when it spills you can't see
6MT-THE WAY to go