06-06-2018, 03:22 AM | #1 |
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No more manual 340/440i's?
Only caught-up with this recently but apparently there will be no more manual 340/440i's built after July 2018 (ditto M140/M240i's as well). I guess most 340/440i's are auto only already - so no real change there - and I don't dispute the 8-speed auto makes for a great daily driver; nevertheless, as a traditionalist and long-time supporter of the manual box it's a sad day IMO.
Still, might mean that one of the last of the M140i's with a manual box could be worth decent money in a few years time? Not only the end of an era in terms of the 6-pot RWD hatch but also the end of an era in terms of the manual as well.... |
06-06-2018, 03:32 AM | #2 |
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I love the 8 speed auto in my 340 and I know for a fact its quicker than I could do it manually. I'm sure on something like a 140 it might be more fun to have a manual but I've not found myself wishing for a manual in the 340 since I purchased it. Smack it into manual and sport+ and it'll hold on as long as you want it to.
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06-06-2018, 03:42 AM | #3 | |
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06-06-2018, 03:48 AM | #5 |
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I think that BMW have never got the manual right. I haven't particularly enjoyed any that I have driven.
It wont be long until only the three cylinder engines will have manual boxes. The dealer I bought my 440i off (GC was auto only anyway), they said that in the 40i, the clutch is so heavy that its almost undriveable. I didnt drive one, so I cant confirm.
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06-06-2018, 05:20 AM | #8 |
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Wasn't really seeking to open another manual v auto debate, was more just bemoaning the fact there will no longer be a choice! However, I guess BMW have looked at demand and decided there isn't enough for it to be viable for them to continue to offer the manual?
Whether that would be any different if their manual was better who knows. By all accounts Porsche do a pretty good manual gearbox but if you look at the 981 Cayman S's and Boxster S's that are for sale at the moment you're hard pressed to find a manual as the overwhelming majority are PDK. Says to me the move to auto is more a general trend and not really a consequence of how good or bad the manual alternative is.... |
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06-06-2018, 05:26 AM | #9 | |
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06-06-2018, 05:47 AM | #11 | |
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06-06-2018, 05:49 AM | #12 |
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06-06-2018, 05:52 AM | #13 | |
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06-06-2018, 05:56 AM | #14 |
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Or its down to emissions and mpg and Euro targets. Its been a few years now since manuals were better than auto's for that, with autos now producing better co2 figures, better mpg and better 0-60.
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06-06-2018, 06:02 AM | #15 | |
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06-06-2018, 06:24 AM | #16 | |
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As some evidence(ish!) to back that up, just had a quick look at the BMW AUC website for M135i/M140i hatches and M235i/M240 coupes and if my maths is right only 15% of the cars available are manual.... |
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06-06-2018, 06:25 AM | #17 |
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It's unfortunate but in the F31 manual never was an option in a 340i guise only auto, guess as it's a heavier car than the saloon the emissions were too far out.
I drive the wife's Z4 straight 6 manual on occasions, its very good and reminds me how much I miss 'the stick shift' much more involving to drive |
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06-06-2018, 06:29 AM | #18 |
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06-06-2018, 06:34 AM | #19 |
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This suggests there will be a manual G20 40i but not for Xdrive.
http://www.bmwblog.com/2018/05/23/bm...l-with-385-hp/
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06-06-2018, 06:45 AM | #20 | |
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06-06-2018, 08:09 AM | #21 | |
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The clutch I would probably describe as medium weight when compared to other road cars. Heavier than my ST220 but lighter than for instance, the 986 Boxster I used to have access to. It is fair to say that BMW don't seem to be able to engineer a brilliant shift quality, but they are very far from the worst available. They just require a firm hand and to not be unduly rushed. |
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06-06-2018, 11:26 AM | #22 | |
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In terms of clutch weight, I suppose that to some extent depends on what your reference points are. The 335i and 340i both produce a reasonable amount of torque from quite low in the rev range so a clutch has to be reasonably meaty to handle that; therefore, if you're coming from a smaller engined car producing less torque perhaps the clutch in a 335i or 340i will seem heavy in comparison? The borderline undriveable comment really is a load of rubbish though! |
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