[metallicpea]

I appreciate both sides here, but I really do enjoy driving a manual, even if it is not cutting edge technology. In fact, there are only a few newer tech items I really enjoy in a car, so I am certainly not with the popular opinion when it comes to "advancements".

I don't really value the stopwatch benefits of autos or computer controlled clutches either. And flappy paddles are just dumb unless you are at the track. Even at the track I enjoy my manual. Either ocassional autocross or faster road course tracks don't require that many gear changes. But if the drag strip or serious track time is a concern I get it. Otherwise stick is still more fun for me.

And this opinion isn't that uncommon, as you can see by the resale values of sports cars with and without manual.

That being said, I appreciate the ease of an auto for commuting.

Although, if I were to have one vehicle to do everything, it would have to be a manual and I would have to leave BMW to find one if they chose to drop them - or drive old technology cars, which I am also OK with if that's my only choice.

[switchman8]

Originally Posted by kern417

with a 500hp car there's nothing you can do. you'll be hitting 6th in the straights at any decent track in america if the gears were shorter. really the goal should be that your gearing holds your max speed at the top of 4th.

the only waste i think is that 6th gear is too short. but, again, they make it that way for people that want to be able to accelerate in 6th rather than have it as a cruising overdrive gear.

Yeah its set up for track, not roads, 3rd gear on willow springs i think is what motortrend used, but then with 8250rpm redline, theres lots of room to play within a gear, I wish the gt350 would accel in 6th haha barely accelerated in 5th at 1:1 unless you had tons of rpms, which would need tons of mph to go with.

[bri1042]

Well, this idea is probably dead for the moment. Our local dealership (not the one I dealt with last time that has turned totally weird, but the one that's supposed to still be a good place) is holding firm at near MSRP on the replacement car, and I'm just not thrilled with my dealings with them at the moment on what they think the 340 is worth, either. My SO has decided I'd be happier if I waited and ordered a Cayman (maybe I can swing an S...if I let a few features go...) instead as I've made it clear that I prefer smaller cars anyway.

My plan now is to do my best to enjoy Manual mode.

[parabola]

Same reason I sold my E90 328i xDrive with 6AT...horrible suspension and Buick transmission (no offense to Buick folks).

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by parabola

Same reason I sold my E90 328i xDrive with 6AT...horrible suspension and Buick transmission (no offense to Buick folks).

Well, on the e90 328's it was a GM 6AT so I'm pretty sure it actually was a Buick transmission. I really didn't like that transmission for the brief time I had my '10 328xi. The ZF8 is certainly an improvement. My "Manual Mode Only" game for the last few days has been a bit fun (not 6MT fun, but amusing).

It's possible I should have played this game more regularly over the last few years. At least this way the throttle pedal's only job is throttle, not throttle and gear manipulation (which is one of the things about Autos that I really don't like). I'm not at the point where I'm sure I overreacted, but I'm accepting that I might have. I do feel that it's probably best that the dealership wasn't helpful and I need more time to be sure I don't make another mistake.

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by parabola

Same reason I sold my E90 328i xDrive with 6AT...horrible suspension and Buick transmission (no offense to Buick folks).

Oh, I don't have any problem with my suspension. I didn't like my e90's or my F30 328's base X-Drive Float-spension, but the Adaptive Suspension on this car is dandy. I'm very happy with it. I've considered Dinan Shockware, but the Comfort setting is actually useful for awful downtown roads.

[Turkish Pickle]

I love manuals, it's what I learned to drive with.
However I have to ask, how do the paddles take away? I'd gladly take any F-body BMW with the ZF 8AT with paddles over their manual equivalent - that transmission is super smooth and quick. Can't exactly say the same thing as the old Steptronic's maybe, but the current ZF box with paddles absolutely rock. Especially for cars like the M3/4 where there's tons of torque and are turbo, why "wait" on a manual?

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by Bayerische Motoren Werke

I love manuals, it's what I learned to drive with.
However I have to ask, how do the paddles take away? I'd gladly take any F-body BMW with the ZF 8AT with paddles over their manual equivalent - that transmission is super smooth and quick. Can't exactly say the same thing as the old Steptronic's maybe, but the current ZF box with paddles absolutely rock. Especially for cars like the M3/4 where there's tons of torque and are turbo, why "wait" on a manual?

agreed

[kern417]

Originally Posted by Bayerische Motoren Werke

I love manuals, it's what I learned to drive with.
However I have to ask, how do the paddles take away? I'd gladly take any F-body BMW with the ZF 8AT with paddles over their manual equivalent - that transmission is super smooth and quick. Can't exactly say the same thing as the old Steptronic's maybe, but the current ZF box with paddles absolutely rock. Especially for cars like the M3/4 where there's tons of torque and are turbo, why "wait" on a manual?

- no fart sound that comes with auto shifting
- the feel of torque after shifting each gear
- being able to take my foot off the brake without the car moving
- rev matching down shifts (where applicable )
- putting the car in the exact gear i want every time without worrying about being in sport/manual/whatever
- satisfaction in learning the car and getting better at launching, fast shifts, etc.
- nobody asks to drive my car


i can only imagine how this question will transform in the upcoming years.
"why wait for torque on a car that's not a hybrid or electric?"
"why drive yourself when the car's safety systems are so advanced and the back seat is so much more comfortable?"

[NWest]

Originally Posted by kern417

i can only imagine how this question will transform in the upcoming years.
"why wait for torque on a car that's not a hybrid or electric?"
"why drive yourself when the car's safety systems are so advanced and the back seat is so much more comfortable?"

True - and we're already there. I've asked my kids and their friends, who are not yet at driving age, "would you rather drive the car or the car drive you?" They replied, "both!". Maybe there is hope.