6MT purists

kolosy · 11-25-2015, 10:39 AM

So while my 340 6mt is in the shop, they gave me a 435 8at loaner. I have to say - while I'm very happy with my decision to go with a manual, the 8at sport trans (it was a '16 435 m-sport xdrive) is definitely fun. Accelerating with the paddles is the most fun, of course, because of the instantaneity of the shifts and the perfect throttle blips. The ability to say "screw it, I'm sitting in traffic" and pop it over to D is quite nice as well.

I still prefer the better control over starts and just the visceral nature of having a clutch, but it's definitely a solid option.

Polo08816 · 11-25-2015, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kolosy

So while my 340 6mt is in the shop, they gave me a 435 8at loaner. I have to say - while I'm very happy with my decision to go with a manual, the 8at sport trans (it was a '16 435 m-sport xdrive) is definitely fun. Accelerating with the paddles is the most fun, of course, because of the instantaneity of the shifts and the perfect throttle blips. The ability to say "screw it, I'm sitting in traffic" and pop it over to D is quite nice as well.

I still prefer the better control over starts and just the visceral nature of having a clutch, but it's definitely a solid option.

There's a reason why a lot of cars now use the ZF 8 speed... including the new Audi S4.

cardsdoc · 11-25-2015, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kolosy

So while my 340 6mt is in the shop, they gave me a 435 8at loaner. I have to say - while I'm very happy with my decision to go with a manual, the 8at sport trans (it was a '16 435 m-sport xdrive) is definitely fun. Accelerating with the paddles is the most fun, of course, because of the instantaneity of the shifts and the perfect throttle blips. The ability to say "screw it, I'm sitting in traffic" and pop it over to D is quite nice as well.

I still prefer the better control over starts and just the visceral nature of having a clutch, but it's definitely a solid option.

Agree. I only drove manual for 15+ years and got annoyed any time I saw a sports car in auto. Times have changed though and a modern performance oriented AT can be quite good. I tried the 6AT in my e90 335 which was pretty good but still missed the manual at times. The 8AT in my 2013 335, which I ordered again for my 340, is great and only on rare occasions do I miss a manual. I pretty much only drive in sport or manual mode. The torque converter stays mostly locked up in these modes. Other than missing a clutch it feels fairly similar to driving a manual with shifts faster than almost anyone could pull off and the advantage of being easy in traffic. On rare occasions my left foot feels left out but otherwise happy.

eluded · 11-25-2015, 11:10 AM

what's wrong with the 340?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kolosy

So while my 340 6mt is in the shop.....

tgyberg · 11-25-2015, 11:15 AM

Yep, the new autos are very nice and you can be very interactive if you want. I could live with one for sure but I really really hope the manuals dont go away forever.

tboooe · 11-25-2015, 11:28 AM

Oh boy...here we go again...manuals versus autos! Cant we all just co-exist and get along?? LOL!

cardsdoc · 11-25-2015, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tboooe

Oh boy...here we go again...manuals versus autos! Cant we all just co-exist and get along?? LOL!

Actually I think this thread is about manual drivers feeling 8AT is great too. So we are co-existing and getting along. Progress.

S4NoMore · 11-25-2015, 11:47 AM

Agree. Whether it's a 328 or a 340, I'm blown away each time I drive a loaner with the 8AT. It's an amazing thing. I also appreciate the way it "bangs" into the next gear when you really start getting on it (and keep the accelerator planted during the gear change) - very smooth when cruising around but still has that visceral feel when being aggressive.

tgyberg · 11-25-2015, 12:07 PM

So is it smooth in manual when you just keep your foot mashed or do you have to let off the gas quick for shifts?

tgyberg · 11-25-2015, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cardsdoc

Actually I think this thread is about manual drivers feeling 8AT is great too. So we are co-existing and getting along. Progress.

Bingo!

auf Deutsch · 11-25-2015, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cardsdoc

Actually I think this thread is about manual drivers feeling 8AT is great too. So we are co-existing and getting along. Progress.

For now....

This thread is in it's infancy. You just wait.

S4NoMore · 11-25-2015, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgyberg

So is it smooth in manual when you just keep your foot mashed or do you have to let off the gas quick for shifts?

It's not smooth with constant wide-open throttle; you can either enjoy the thud of the gear change or give a brief lift for perfectly smooth operation. Harkens to the days of SMG, but it's not nearly so harsh when you keep on the pedal. I like it that way and I think most agree.

QUiKSR20 · 11-25-2015, 12:26 PM

Another manual driver here and I agree, I had a 528 XDrive 8AT Loaner and that car felt quick.. I couldn't believe a car that big handicapped with AWD and that heavy still felt fast with a 4 cylinder... Def a good trans.

kolosy · 11-25-2015, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auf Deutsch

For now....

This thread is in it's infancy. You just wait.

that was certainly the intent, but ... you know - the internets.

kolosy · 11-25-2015, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eluded

what's wrong with the 340?

iDrive rebooting every few minutes.

DrivenByE30 · 11-25-2015, 01:22 PM

I am Manual purist
I drive a 6MT
I admit that the 8AT is a better option, more efficient and is better than me at shifting.

But i still enjoy and prefer to row on my own.

I dont blame those who have the sport 8AT, as long as BMW continue to offer my choice...

Fronzdan · 11-25-2015, 01:43 PM

In the spirit of getting along, I'll admit that the 8AT can be fun, but only with the paddle shifters.

goj · 11-25-2015, 02:40 PM

Both are great transmissions with perks to owning each one.

versailles · 11-25-2015, 02:50 PM

17 years driving manuals and this is my first auto, after two days I was completely sold and will never go back, I drive a lot in city's (mainly London) and I just can't justify a manual after having this 8AT

lens · 11-25-2015, 03:07 PM

It's really up to personal preference, there is no better transmission, both are solid.

All this debate about manual is better or auto is faster is irrelevant.

It's how you have fun driving the car that matters. I absolutely love the 8AT as it's quite lovely to manually shift as you hear your exhaust burble and pop.

P-Bass · 11-25-2015, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

I am Manual purist
I drive a 6MT
I admit that the 8AT is a better option, more efficient and is better than me at shifting.

But i still enjoy and prefer to row on my own.

I dont blame those who have the sport 8AT, as long as BMW continue to offer my choice...

Agreed, manual purist, 8 weeks into right shoulder rotator cuff surgery (bone spur and a bad tear). The recovery is very slow and very painful. If I ever had to switch, I'm glad it's an option, and a great one at that.

AudiA4 · 11-25-2015, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

I am Manual purist
I drive a 6MT
I admit that the 8AT is a better option, more efficient and is better than me at shifting.

But i still enjoy and prefer to row on my own.

I dont blame those who have the sport 8AT, as long as BMW continue to offer my choice...

I absolutely agree with this!

11-25-2015, 10:39 AM	#1
kolosy Colonel 1493 Rep 2,021 Posts Drives: over potholes Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (2)	6MT purists - the 8AT is a lot of fun So while my 340 6mt is in the shop, they gave me a 435 8at loaner. I have to say - while I'm very happy with my decision to go with a manual, the 8at sport trans (it was a '16 435 m-sport xdrive) is definitely fun. Accelerating with the paddles is the most fun, of course, because of the instantaneity of the shifts and the perfect throttle blips. The ability to say "screw it, I'm sitting in traffic" and pop it over to D is quite nice as well. I still prefer the better control over starts and just the visceral nature of having a clutch, but it's definitely a solid option. __________________ Current '21 DG X5MC, '22 X5M50i, '11 E90 M3 Recent Past '12 E92 M3 ZCP, '08 E93 M3, '18 F80 ZCP, '04 E46 M3 I think I have an M3 problem.
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11-25-2015, 11:15 AM	#5
tgyberg Second Lieutenant 88 Rep 261 Posts Drives: E90 328 6MT / E36 M3 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (0)	Yep, the new autos are very nice and you can be very interactive if you want. I could live with one for sure but I really really hope the manuals dont go away forever. __________________ Save the manuals!
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11-25-2015, 11:28 AM	#6
tboooe Brigadier General 925 Rep 3,089 Posts Drives: F36 428i GC, E36 M3 - gone :( Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: The OC! iTrader: (1)	Oh boy...here we go again...manuals versus autos! Cant we all just co-exist and get along?? LOL! __________________ My build thread 2015 428i GC - Alpine White - Coral Red - M Sport
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11-25-2015, 11:47 AM	#8
S4NoMore Major 253 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 16 340i, 15 X3d, 91 318i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Philly suburbs iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW 340i [0.00] 2015 BMW X3 28d [0.00] 1991 BMW 318i [8.66]	Agree. Whether it's a 328 or a 340, I'm blown away each time I drive a loaner with the 8AT. It's an amazing thing. I also appreciate the way it "bangs" into the next gear when you really start getting on it (and keep the accelerator planted during the gear change) - very smooth when cruising around but still has that visceral feel when being aggressive.
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11-25-2015, 12:07 PM	#9
tgyberg Second Lieutenant 88 Rep 261 Posts Drives: E90 328 6MT / E36 M3 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (0)	So is it smooth in manual when you just keep your foot mashed or do you have to let off the gas quick for shifts? __________________ Save the manuals!
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11-25-2015, 12:26 PM	#13
QUiKSR20 Major 362 Rep 1,407 Posts Drives: 13' F30 328i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (17) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Sport [10.00] 92 Sentra SE-R Turb ... [0.00]	Another manual driver here and I agree, I had a 528 XDrive 8AT Loaner and that car felt quick.. I couldn't believe a car that big handicapped with AWD and that heavy still felt fast with a 4 cylinder... Def a good trans. __________________ '13 F30 328i Sport 6MT \| '18 G01 X3 xDrive30i \| '95 E36 325i Vert 5MT 92 Sentra SE-R SR20DET DET Build Thread 89 E30 325is [sold & missed]
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11-25-2015, 01:22 PM	#16
DrivenByE30 Brigadier General 592 Rep 3,870 Posts Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: OC - SoCal iTrader: (0)	I am Manual purist I drive a 6MT I admit that the 8AT is a better option, more efficient and is better than me at shifting. But i still enjoy and prefer to row on my own. I dont blame those who have the sport 8AT, as long as BMW continue to offer my choice...
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11-25-2015, 01:43 PM	#17
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 304 Rep 1,739 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	In the spirit of getting along, I'll admit that the 8AT can be fun, but only with the paddle shifters.
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11-25-2015, 02:40 PM	#18
goj Brigadier General 2253 Rep 3,622 Posts Drives: 2016 EBII 340i 6-MT Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Both are great transmissions with perks to owning each one. __________________ BMW CCA Member #516012 2016 340i, Estoril Blue, Manual Transmission, MPE, MPBBK, HRE FF04 Instagram: @brandons340i
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11-25-2015, 02:50 PM	#19
versailles First Lieutenant 153 Rep 369 Posts Drives: F32 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	17 years driving manuals and this is my first auto, after two days I was completely sold and will never go back, I drive a lot in city's (mainly London) and I just can't justify a manual after having this 8AT
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11-25-2015, 03:07 PM	#20
lens Colonel 2070 Rep 2,639 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Halifax NS, Canada iTrader: (5)	It's really up to personal preference, there is no better transmission, both are solid. All this debate about manual is better or auto is faster is irrelevant. It's how you have fun driving the car that matters. I absolutely love the 8AT as it's quite lovely to manually shift as you hear your exhaust burble and pop.
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