F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > 330i sport auto or 340i manual?
proTUNING Freaks
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-21-2016, 04:39 AM   #1
nozydog
Driver
nozydog's Avatar
United Kingdom
465
Rep
1,002
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Bristol

iTrader: (0)

330i sport auto or 340i manual?

Quick question for y'all... would you choose a 330i sport auto or a 340i manual? Comments only please from those who have actually driven both boxes (not necessarily the engines) I've priced up both cars and with a £2k bigger discount than on the 330i, no SA box (circa £1600) and no cost for metallic (£645) a 340i manual will cost me around £1k more! Bear in mind BMW manuals are certainly not the best in the business and clutch judder issues still abound (although admittedly the 3 year warranty would cover that!) Very interested in your responses as can't seem to make a decision on this!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 07:44 AM   #2
RABAUKE
Banned
Canada
4653
Rep
1,395
Posts

Drives: Porsche 993, 2014 MB GLK
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: The Golden Horseshoe, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

I've not driven either car, but what I will say is this. I'd take a manual any day over auto. It's just a personal preference, I know the auto will shift quicker but I just really enjoy the stick. Makes me feel that I'm more involved in the experience. I'm not sure how else to quantify it. Just my two cents.
Appreciate 2
nozydog465.00
AudiA4647.50
      11-21-2016, 08:20 AM   #3
nozydog
Driver
nozydog's Avatar
United Kingdom
465
Rep
1,002
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Bristol

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RABAUKE View Post
I've not driven either car, but what I will say is this. I'd take a manual any day over auto. It's just a personal preference, I know the auto will shift quicker but I just really enjoy the stick. Makes me feel that I'm more involved in the experience. I'm not sure how else to quantify it. Just my two cents.
I tend to agree, having always driven manuals, and the £1600 premium for auto isn't small money

It's just that the three 3 series cars I've owned in the past have all had less than perfect 'notchy' boxes and if I remember rightly they all had a degree of clutch judder at some point (particularly when cold)
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 09:02 AM   #4
f30m
Private First Class
f30m's Avatar
63
Rep
181
Posts

Drives: 2008 E90 M3
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Rhode Island-New York

iTrader: (0)

I haven't owned a newer BMW with a manual so I can't speak for the small quirks an owner might experience over years of having it. However, I have driven quite a few of the newer manuals and I must say that I like them a lot. They're very smooth, although they may lack in feel a little bit, but the clutch has never been a complaint in my mind. I've opted for the auto on my two f30's and I currently have the sport auto. I must say that as far as non-dual clutch autos go, the ZF 8 speed is a wonderful transmission. I love how engaging driving a manual is, but living in a place where I'm guaranteed to be stuck in traffic every day I've never been sad about having the sport auto.
__________________
2008 E90 M3 - Sparkling Graphite Metallic / DCT / slicktop / single hump
Appreciate 1
nozydog465.00
      11-21-2016, 09:23 AM   #5
Bbb34
Major
Canada
731
Rep
1,472
Posts

Drives: '11 535i 6sp. DHP/RWD
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ON

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nozydog View Post
Quick question for y'all... would you choose a 330i sport auto or a 340i manual? Comments only please from those who have actually driven both boxes (not necessarily the engines) I've priced up both cars and with a £2k bigger discount than on the 330i, no SA box (circa £1600) and no cost for metallic (£645) a 340i manual will cost me around £1k more! Bear in mind BMW manuals are certainly not the best in the business and clutch judder issues still abound (although admittedly the 3 year warranty would cover that!) Very interested in your responses as can't seem to make a decision on this!
Very biased (but I think fair ) opinion from me.

Manual, absolutely no doubt in my mind.

Automatic transmission in these cars is superb, it's setup so beautifully with these engines, in my opinion they are as good as it gets with automatic. It's fast and incredibly smooth and gets most out of the engine. That said, it's still not perfect if you truly enjoy driving and feeling of total control over your RPM range. Where I personally feel I'm missing manual the most is in downshifts mostly or just hanging in that higher RPM "that much" longer when accelerating, just for pure fun of driving. Sure paddle shifters help with this, but I'm talking purely automatic mode here. And even with paddle shifters, to me it feels somewhat artificial, with ever so slight delay. I'm sure it's shifting faster than I do manually, just how it feels to me. In your case you also get 340i for 1K more, I'd say go for it. And really, since they seem to be disappearing at (for me) alarming rate, it's as good time as any to own one.

Good luck, you can't really go wrong, just a matter of personal preference.
Appreciate 1
nozydog465.00
      11-21-2016, 09:46 AM   #6
bones
Private First Class
122
Rep
180
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340 RWD
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Boston

iTrader: (0)

the 340 is a lights out better performer. and it rev matches for you. get the 340 and live a little.
Appreciate 1
nozydog465.00
      11-21-2016, 09:53 AM   #7
nozydog
Driver
nozydog's Avatar
United Kingdom
465
Rep
1,002
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Bristol

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bones View Post
the 340 is a lights out better performer. and it rev matches for you. get the 340 and live a little.
Cheers, probably will. How does rev matching work? I assume when you change down a gear it blips the throttle to keep the revs matched for the lower gear, much how I do it manually using the gas peddle now!?

Oh and I get that 340 soundtrack too
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 10:55 AM   #8
GarlicBread
Brigadier General
GarlicBread's Avatar
United_States
165
Rep
560
Posts

Drives: 17' M4 ZCP
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: New England

iTrader: (1)

Definitely 340 over a 330. Regardless of tranny
Appreciate 1
f30m62.50
      11-21-2016, 11:05 AM   #9
goj
Brigadier General
goj's Avatar
United_States
2252
Rep
3,622
Posts

Drives: 2016 EBII 340i 6-MT
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

340i duh
__________________
BMW CCA Member #516012
2016 340i, Estoril Blue, Manual Transmission, MPE, MPBBK, HRE FF04
Instagram: @brandons340i
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 11:13 AM   #10
jeebus
Private First Class
186
Rep
146
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (1)

My wife has an f31 328 with the sport auto and I have a 340 with a manual. I must say that the 8spd auto is a FANTASTIC box. It's so smooth, fast, and predictable. As a do everything sort of car, I don't miss the manual transmission.

That said, I love the manual in my 340. It's smooth, crisp, and feels very tight. The auto rev-match is nice, and I certainly feel more engaged while driving the car. For long highway hauls, the 6 speed is definitely giving up some MPG to the auto because it revs quite a lot higher.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 11:39 AM   #11
Speed-NYC
First Lieutenant
Speed-NYC's Avatar
United_States
137
Rep
324
Posts

Drives: 2018 440ix Gran Coupé
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Westchester County NY

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Manual if you dont do a lot of city driving and the wife doesnt need to drive it. My MT is tiresome in bumper to bumper in nyc and wife cant use it so i ordered an auto, will be keeping the MT for now though as a 2nd.
__________________
Speed-NYC_________________________________________________
Current: 2018 BMW F36 440ix Gran Coupe AT, Tanzanite, 2002 BMW E46 M3 Coupe 6MT, Titanium Silver
Previous:1998 BMW E36 328i Coupe AT, Blue; 1996 BMW E36 323i MT, Orient Blue; 1992 BMW E36 318i MT, Slate Grey; 1973 Ford Cortina XL, Copper
Appreciate 1
nozydog465.00
      11-21-2016, 11:57 AM   #12
rak299
Major
United_States
598
Rep
1,044
Posts

Drives: 2021 M3 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: san francisco

iTrader: (0)

I live in san francisco which has similar traffic problems to nyc plus hills, and I choose the mt. I think the 6mt in the new 3 and 4 series is the best manual I have driven.
Appreciate 1
nozydog465.00
      11-21-2016, 12:00 PM   #13
nozydog
Driver
nozydog's Avatar
United Kingdom
465
Rep
1,002
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Bristol

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by goj View Post
340i duh
It may have sounded a stupid question but I asked because on a different thread about trannys everyone (well 95%) was saying they'd have sport auto over manual any day! And then on the engine question everyone (obviously) would have the straight six any day! So I thought it would be really interesting to see who'd give up that 6 pot for sport auto tranny.... not many would it seems! Which has pretty much helped me make my decision... especially as I'm coming from a 6 pot manual Cayman!!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 12:05 PM   #14
nozydog
Driver
nozydog's Avatar
United Kingdom
465
Rep
1,002
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Bristol

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Speed-NYC View Post
Manual if you dont do a lot of city driving and the wife doesnt need to drive it. My MT is tiresome in bumper to bumper in nyc and wife cant use it so i ordered an auto, will be keeping the MT for now though as a 2nd.
The misses only drives auto anyway so that's another good reason for me to go manual... she always curbs her wheels when she parks and she would be sure to want to borrow it occasionally. I couldn't deal with her bringing my baby home with a totally wrecked rim!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 12:25 PM   #15
Speed-NYC
First Lieutenant
Speed-NYC's Avatar
United_States
137
Rep
324
Posts

Drives: 2018 440ix Gran Coupé
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Westchester County NY

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by nozydog
Quote:
Originally Posted by Speed-NYC View Post
Manual if you dont do a lot of city driving and the wife doesnt need to drive it. My MT is tiresome in bumper to bumper in nyc and wife cant use it so i ordered an auto, will be keeping the MT for now though as a 2nd.
The misses only drives auto anyway so that's another good reason for me to go manual... she always curbs her wheels when she parks and she would be sure to want to borrow it occasionally. I couldn't deal with her bringing my baby home with a totally wrecked rim!
mine has already asked for forgiveness in advance so I think you are wise to get one she can't drive
__________________
Speed-NYC_________________________________________________
Current: 2018 BMW F36 440ix Gran Coupe AT, Tanzanite, 2002 BMW E46 M3 Coupe 6MT, Titanium Silver
Previous:1998 BMW E36 328i Coupe AT, Blue; 1996 BMW E36 323i MT, Orient Blue; 1992 BMW E36 318i MT, Slate Grey; 1973 Ford Cortina XL, Copper
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 12:43 PM   #16
goj
Brigadier General
goj's Avatar
United_States
2252
Rep
3,622
Posts

Drives: 2016 EBII 340i 6-MT
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nozydog View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by goj View Post
340i duh
It may have sounded a stupid question but I asked because on a different thread about trannys everyone (well 95%) was saying they'd have sport auto over manual any day! And then on the engine question everyone (obviously) would have the straight six any day! So I thought it would be really interesting to see who'd give up that 6 pot for sport auto tranny.... not many would it seems! Which has pretty much helped me make my decision... especially as I'm coming from a 6 pot manual Cayman!!
Since I live in the city and my commute sucks, it would have been easy and justified to get an auto. But honestly, on the weekends and in the evenings when the roads are clearer the free revving inline six and ripping through the gears manually tickles all the right senses
__________________
BMW CCA Member #516012
2016 340i, Estoril Blue, Manual Transmission, MPE, MPBBK, HRE FF04
Instagram: @brandons340i
Appreciate 3
nozydog465.00
Bbb34730.50
otay826.00
      11-21-2016, 12:51 PM   #17
nozydog
Driver
nozydog's Avatar
United Kingdom
465
Rep
1,002
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Bristol

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by goj View Post
Since I live in the city and my commute sucks, it would have been easy and justified to get an auto. But honestly, on the weekends and in the evenings when the roads are clearer the free revving inline six and ripping through the gears manually tickles all the right senses
I'm sure it does... and I'll probably end up with the same car as you then, since none of the available colours (even the individual ones) do it for me apart from EB!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 01:11 PM   #18
goj
Brigadier General
goj's Avatar
United_States
2252
Rep
3,622
Posts

Drives: 2016 EBII 340i 6-MT
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nozydog View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by goj View Post
Since I live in the city and my commute sucks, it would have been easy and justified to get an auto. But honestly, on the weekends and in the evenings when the roads are clearer the free revving inline six and ripping through the gears manually tickles all the right senses
I'm sure it does... and I'll probably end up with the same car as you then, since none of the available colours (even the individual ones) do it for me apart from EB!
You will no doubt enjoy it!
__________________
BMW CCA Member #516012
2016 340i, Estoril Blue, Manual Transmission, MPE, MPBBK, HRE FF04
Instagram: @brandons340i
Appreciate 1
nozydog465.00
      11-21-2016, 01:47 PM   #19
eluded
2JZ-GTE
eluded's Avatar
Bulgaria
2961
Rep
3,951
Posts

Drives: 340 6MT, 50e, others
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Sofia

iTrader: (0)

I would never own an auto. Driven both and it's an easy choice. Plus the 330 is even slower than the 340....
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 02:02 PM   #20
Bbb34
Major
Canada
731
Rep
1,472
Posts

Drives: '11 535i 6sp. DHP/RWD
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ON

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nozydog View Post
The misses only drives auto anyway...
Wait, what, that's borderline deal breaker ??

Was answer to this question during "pre-screening" interview simply ignored ??
Appreciate 1
nozydog465.00
      11-21-2016, 02:35 PM   #21
Buzzo
First Lieutenant
169
Rep
326
Posts

Drives: MT 244'80 V70R'07 Golf R'19
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

I wouldn't have bought a 340 if not for the manual transmission. I prefer VW/Audi's DSG 6AT over BMW's ZF 8AT. Had some back to back drives in a 335 and S4 with both transmissions and out of those 4 options BMW's auto is the only one I'd definitely not buy.
That said, the B58 engine with the manual transmission is an extremely pleasant combination.
Appreciate 2
nozydog465.00
eluded2960.50
      11-21-2016, 03:27 PM   #22
nozydog
Driver
nozydog's Avatar
United Kingdom
465
Rep
1,002
Posts

Drives: 2020 X2 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Bristol

iTrader: (0)

So far then there's no doubt over what you lovely helpful drivers would go for. I've never really considered an auto and it seems there's no known reason why I should forego two cylinders just to have the sport auto box! Anyone had any clutch issues on F30/31 at all?
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:40 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST