porsche911targa

Do you know how lame that sounded? It's like saying, "What's the point in having a brain if you leave part of your mental processing to the computer?" How's that abacus or slide ruler working out for you?

Again, if your opinion is that a manual is better, it does not mean that people who drive automatics are less skilled or "leave part of the driving to the car." Some of us have wives who, no matter what, just won't learn manual or some of us may have back/sciatica problems where we can't constantly push the left pedal, or some of us just got tired of driving manuals as we age and want a more comfortable drive in traffic. I personally have learned to make my auto tranny shift up or down whenever I want just with throttle manipulation and you'd think I was driving a manual, if you were next to me.

BMW's are great cars and they are fun to drive whether they're auto or manual. People should buy whatever transmission suits their needs. If autos are their thing, they should definitely get an auto because once you get the slam issue resolved, a BMW auto tranny shifts like no other brand; quick and smooth as velvet. If you are a manual driver, then manual is what you should stick with.

dusandimic

The fact of the matter is that you have more control of the car
with a manual than you would with an automatic.

I think this is an accurate statement because i've read it several
times in many different publications.

CWS530

+1 Happened about two weeks into driving my new 325 a few years ago. Scared the bajeezes out of me. Bad design. I was barely moving, hence, not power shifting. However, I do miss the manual. It was so smooth and solid. This is the first automatic I've had since my first car. It's great in traffic, but less fun when you you want to take the long way home.

Hopco

After 3 BMWs with manual transmissions ('80 320i, '83 533i and '91 M5), I transitioned to an automatic in my now deceased '06 530xiT and its replacement a 2010 535xit. There were several reasons behind my change of heart.

1. I live in the East. Anyone who speeds along I-95 in rush hour(s) at 5 mph can attest to the non-joy of a stick.
2. My wife can not/will not drive a manual. I must drive. That's OK when we travel just a thousand miles or so.
   But we have been traveling to Colorado the last several years. Having a relief driver is nice and when we get there she has a car to use. Otherwise I would have to chauffeur her about when we are at our house or she would have to hitch rides -- an you know what that would mean - double trouble!
3. The new automatics are very impressive. I imagine it picks the right gear 95% of the time - and that assumes I am paying attention to choosing the proper ration 100% of the time when driving a manual. If you believe that I do that, I have a bridge to sell you.
4. Not only are the new automatics smart, even downshifting when descending a hill, the gas mileages about as good as a manual.
5. Resale value: One reason manual BMWs are so hard to find it that the vast majority of BMW owners do not belong to the BMWCCA or visit sites like this - they are not car nuts. When you go to sell/trade you stick shift BMW you most likely will be selling your car at a discount to the price you would have received if it were an automatic. (Of course the discount does not pertain to M cars.)

Yes one has better control of a manual or SMG - particularly on the track - then perhaps its my age (69) and I am really getting lazy!

dbpack

If you want a manual, GET ONE, otherwise you will always regret it. I made the mistake of settling for an automatic on my first BMW, and about a year later I ended up trading it in for a manual...ended up costing me some $$ but was worth it (to me). It all comes down to personal preference, neither is "better."
That being said, BMW manuals have a few quirks. As mentioned before, the CDV should be removed. Also, the throw is kind of large, so a short shift kit helps a lot. Also, maybe it's just me, but I have trouble making a quick shift from 1st to 2nd...I've been able to make much quicker 1-2 shifts on my old nissan 240 as well as friend's WRX's and Honda's that I've driven...not sure what my problem is with BMWs

E60714

I have never driven manual but I'm sure my video game experiences would help me if I ever needed to. Someone above described Autos as "lazy" which I agree with since I'm somewhat of a lazy driver and would hate downshifting when slowing down in the traffic in our Chicago suburb. It's not bad traffic, but the stoplights really start to add up in our town. Do I realize I'm not getting full performance from the car? Yeah, but it's a small sacrifice.

Had I been fortunate enough to get an M5 with an SMG, again, it would be fun to dick around with the paddle shifting for a bit, but in the end, I'd be stupid and treat it like an automatic, having the shift dynamic switched all the way up to "donkey punch" and treat it like an auto and not have to worry about shifting.

BMRMEUP

I experienced that too...thought it was just me...and so did the drivers behind me I switched from a manual (in a 525) to a steptronic in my present car, as a matter of choice. I loved the manual for the additional control and performance. Just got tired of driving it day in and day out. Obviously on my way to a big old tuna cruiser in the sky Ok, probably not. Just bury me in my BMW...

jrsamps

6 banger or death

faarcanal

Oh yeah get a manual and while you are at it, get the one with a crank handle and with the manual indicators and without the wacky power steering for a fuller driving experience!

dmahon

I'm on my second BMW with a manual transmission and wouldn't trade it for an auto...it's too much fun to drive.