AUTOMATIC or Manual ??
08-25-2007, 11:24 AM
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My Ride: 08 535i Monaco Blue, Cream Beige, 20x8.5 and 20x10 Iforged Vertex, Toyo T1R, M aero kit coming soon (From Quad M)
i would encourage you to drive the Sport Automatic Transmission. I had my heart set on the manual but after driving the SAT for an exended test drive I really liked it. It shifts much faster than almost any person can and with the paddle shifters I felt like I had some control of the transmission. I do wish it did not shift automatically at redline but it does blip the the throttle on downshifts. Just my 2 cents
08-25-2007, 12:06 PM
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My Ride: 2011 E92 335i M-Sport 6MT
Originally Posted by iversonm' post='462420' date='Aug 25 2007, 09:26 AM
The manual requires more involvement from the driver ... However, with an auto ... it actively impedes your ability to do so.
Perfect explanation! I still get that shocked look on people's faces when they notice I have a manual in a luxury car. My response: I'd rather drive the car than have the car drive me!
08-25-2007, 01:20 PM
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I've been driving manuals since my first BMW, a '76 2002. It's just more fun to shift and blip the throttle to match the rpms when downshifting. Luckily my wife doesn't mind driving sticks, so her 5 and our E60 are both manual transmissions.
As for what to do with your left foot when driving an automatic, I brake with my left foot when I'm in the company car. It allows me to drive a bit more agressive (tailgate) and still stop in time. So far, I haven't gotten confused by braking with the clutch in the bimmers.
Next week I get to baby sit a buddy's M6 with SMG. Not sure what I'll do with my left foot.
As for what to do with your left foot when driving an automatic, I brake with my left foot when I'm in the company car. It allows me to drive a bit more agressive (tailgate) and still stop in time. So far, I haven't gotten confused by braking with the clutch in the bimmers.
Next week I get to baby sit a buddy's M6 with SMG. Not sure what I'll do with my left foot.
08-25-2007, 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by E1142860' post='462496' date='Aug 25 2007, 05:20 PM
Next week I get to baby sit a buddy's M6 with SMG. Not sure what I'll do with my left foot.
08-26-2007, 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by vinm5' post='462321' date='Aug 25 2007, 12:27 AM
Ive only ever had autos, but having ridden in an Manual Audi A4 the other day,
It looks like a lot of fun, but do you get tired of after a while, Does it become tiresome or too much work while driving ?
How is the Manual tranny on the 06 5 series?
Does manual affect resale value?
Thanks,
EDIT I MEANT 5 -series
It looks like a lot of fun, but do you get tired of after a while, Does it become tiresome or too much work while driving ?
How is the Manual tranny on the 06 5 series?
Does manual affect resale value?
Thanks,
EDIT I MEANT 5 -series
And auto is not that bad.
If I had a third car and only used it for fun or weekends, it would be manual, but for my daily driver, I have a 550 sport with Sport automatic, and in all honesty, I don't miss the manual.
08-31-2007, 08:55 AM
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My Ride: 2004 BMW 330xi, Premium Package, Cold weather package
my $0.02 .....
I learned driving back in a third world country on a '68 standard herald.....as that was our family car....and since then i had always driven a manual until i came to US. Mostly because we did not any cars with auto trans.... When i got shopping for cars in US, I was more like "what ??? they have automatic gear shifters...cool!!" For the last 7 years i have been driving BMW automatics and to say the least I am tired of it ....:-). It is never as fun as driving a manual tranny........no matter what they call it steptronic, SMG, SAT , DS etc etc....with out a working clutch pedal that you can depress it is never the same........
My wife has always driven a manual and she would not even drive my car unless and until it has a manual tranny. anyways, i am getting a manual 535xi (on order) this time.
IMHO, it is too damn expensive a car to NOT enjoy it......and having a manual tranny is one of the best ways to enjoy the mechanics of the car. But having said that if you have never enjoyed driving a manual in your life, then your mileage will vary.....
I learned driving back in a third world country on a '68 standard herald.....as that was our family car....and since then i had always driven a manual until i came to US. Mostly because we did not any cars with auto trans.... When i got shopping for cars in US, I was more like "what ??? they have automatic gear shifters...cool!!" For the last 7 years i have been driving BMW automatics and to say the least I am tired of it ....:-). It is never as fun as driving a manual tranny........no matter what they call it steptronic, SMG, SAT , DS etc etc....with out a working clutch pedal that you can depress it is never the same........
My wife has always driven a manual and she would not even drive my car unless and until it has a manual tranny. anyways, i am getting a manual 535xi (on order) this time.
IMHO, it is too damn expensive a car to NOT enjoy it......and having a manual tranny is one of the best ways to enjoy the mechanics of the car. But having said that if you have never enjoyed driving a manual in your life, then your mileage will vary.....
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