Manual or Automatic - Page 5 - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

BavarianFanatic · 01-28-2013, 07:13 PM

If I can only find an auto that suits my needs, I'll buy it. But then I swap in a proper trans to make everything right with the world. Hell, I've been on a quest for Getrag S6S 560G for my 750iL forever. But as soon as I find one, it'll have a new home in short order.

You DRIVE a manual. You RIDE in an automatic.

MinnesotaVegans · 02-18-2013, 02:10 PM

I would like a 2013 335i x-drive M sport manual wagon, but
Considering a 2013 335i x-drive M sport sedan manual or automatic?
My 335i x-drive sedan manual is getting old.

I test drove a 335d automatic a couple years ago. Went about 20 miles and hated it. It had about 9 miles on the odometer, so I was afraid to put many miles on it. The only way it would accelerate, was if I put the pedal all the way to floor. Small movements were ignored almost. It seemed more concerned with mpg than acceleration. I thought I was driving my lawn tractor until I floored it. Yuck.

I tried paddling, but it always shifted before I told it to. Could not get the hang of it.

On the other hand, I had a 1957 Ford automatic 352 cu in. The slightest foot twitch would instantly push me into the seat back. Great.

On the other, other hand, I had a 1982 Firebird automatic 5.7 litre. It would accelerate with knock and ping noises from the engine. Not enjoyable.

Do you need to floor the current BMW automatic to get it to move? Is that normal or desirable?

I think I would need to drive an automatic for several days before I would risk ordering one.

Elk · 02-18-2013, 02:40 PM

Welcome!

The latest eight speed AT is vastly better than most and responds very nicely to driver input. Additionally, by placing the shifter to the left one has a great deal of control over individual gear changes.

My impression is most MT drivers who bought the AT are pleased overall.

Make an appointment and take a car out for a long test drive. You will know quite quickly if you will be happy with the AT.

HighlandPete · 02-18-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MinnesotaVegans

...I test drove a 335d automatic a couple years ago. Went about 20 miles and hated it. It had about 9 miles on the odometer, so I was afraid to put many miles on it. The only way it would accelerate, was if I put the pedal all the way to floor. Small movements were ignored almost. It seemed more concerned with mpg than acceleration. I thought I was driving my lawn tractor until I floored it. Yuck.

Do you need to floor the current BMW automatic to get it to move? Is that normal or desirable?....

Something wrong with the diesel auto you tried, what you describe is nothing like it should be. The auto boxes are a very good match to the BMW diesels, very flexible and go well on light throtle.

And no, BMW autos are not like you have experienced.

HighlandPete

mweisdorfer · 02-18-2013, 05:45 PM

If I lived in the city or commuted to the city, no way would I ever order a stick.

shivaswrath · 02-18-2013, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcbrew

How many longtime MT drivers getting an F30 are going to switch camps and get the AT?
I am in that same situation - have driven MT since I got my first car in 1980 - but keep waffling between MT and AT.

Previously I could justify MT since it was less money AND more efficient. But, with the big improvement in performance & fuel economy of the new 8AT, and the fact that it is no extra cost in the US, curious to hear opinions from MT drivers.

I did.
This 8 speed is a force to reckon.

I didn't even get the sport version either!

kevlartoronto · 02-18-2013, 08:40 PM

it seems bmw is making this decision for us. most of their cars are automatic only. wrt the 3 series the 320i xdrive is auto only, 328i xdrive is auto only, the up and coming 328d xdrive and rwd will be auto only. the wagon? auto only. i live in canada where most cars are now awd. the a4 quattro comes with a manual and i actually save 1500 bucks by choosing it. why does bmw seem to think that if i need awd, it also means i want an automatic? oh right, the 335i xdrive starting at 54k can be had with manual as a no cost option. cue eye rolling.

yellowllewellyn · 02-18-2013, 08:51 PM

I'm a life time Manuel driver and until I'm to old to shift. I'm all stick shift.

Geekenstein · 02-18-2013, 10:40 PM

I wish I could say manual was definitely the way to go, but I'm not perfectly happy with it. With the N20 it's difficult to match revs on a downshift. In comfort or eco-pro there's some artificial throttle lag, so I found I had to learn to gradually press the pedal down instead of using a quick "blip". Also the engine is pretty quiet below 4000 rpm, so you don't always have good sound cues. In sport mode it's not too bad though. Also the stick is very notchy. Hoping it will loosen up with time.

f30fanboy · 02-19-2013, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geekenstein

I wish I could say manual was definitely the way to go, but I'm not perfectly happy with it. With the N20 it's difficult to match revs on a downshift. In comfort or eco-pro there's some artificial throttle lag, so I found I had to learn to gradually press the pedal down instead of using a quick "blip". Also the engine is pretty quiet below 4000 rpm, so you don't always have good sound cues. In sport mode it's not too bad though. Also the stick is very notchy. Hoping it will loosen up with time.

I would agree MT is better matched to the 335i I6 than the 328i I4, esp. for the sound cues.

weixp386 · 02-19-2013, 10:46 PM

MT 6 all da way....

Geekenstein · 02-19-2013, 11:52 PM

I should add, the clutch feel is superb. Much better than other cars I have driven. It's also a bit on the light side. So not too bad in traffic.

Digtlartst · 02-20-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weixp386

MT 6 all da way....

Straight 6 and MT 6 all da way.

335BBS · 02-21-2013, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevlartoronto

it seems bmw is making this decision for us. most of their cars are automatic only. wrt the 3 series the 320i xdrive is auto only, 328i xdrive is auto only, the up and coming 328d xdrive and rwd will be auto only. the wagon? auto only. i live in canada where most cars are now awd. the a4 quattro comes with a manual and i actually save 1500 bucks by choosing it. why does bmw seem to think that if i need awd, it also means i want an automatic? oh right, the 335i xdrive starting at 54k can be had with manual as a no cost option. cue eye rolling.

Lots of Audis available in man. I just got one and LOVE it. Had about 10 to choose from. I think more and more BMW drivers are being driven by those that want to drive a "BMW"......and the new DCTs are really good if you can't be bothered to shift yourself. Same with all marques I think.
Ferrari doesnt offer a manual gearbox. Porsches #1 seller is 911 cab PDK.

02-18-2013, 02:10 PM	#90
MinnesotaVegans New Member Drives: 2013 335i xdrive M Sport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Minnesota Posts: 18 iTrader: (0)	Will I love or hate the automatic? I would like a 2013 335i x-drive M sport manual wagon, but Considering a 2013 335i x-drive M sport sedan manual or automatic? My 335i x-drive sedan manual is getting old. I test drove a 335d automatic a couple years ago. Went about 20 miles and hated it. It had about 9 miles on the odometer, so I was afraid to put many miles on it. The only way it would accelerate, was if I put the pedal all the way to floor. Small movements were ignored almost. It seemed more concerned with mpg than acceleration. I thought I was driving my lawn tractor until I floored it. Yuck. I tried paddling, but it always shifted before I told it to. Could not get the hang of it. On the other hand, I had a 1957 Ford automatic 352 cu in. The slightest foot twitch would instantly push me into the seat back. Great. On the other, other hand, I had a 1982 Firebird automatic 5.7 litre. It would accelerate with knock and ping noises from the engine. Not enjoyable. Do you need to floor the current BMW automatic to get it to move? Is that normal or desirable? I think I would need to drive an automatic for several days before I would risk ordering one.

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01-28-2013, 07:13 PM	#89
BavarianFanatic Too much is never enough Drives: Too Many Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SE PA Posts: 718 iTrader: (0)	If I can only find an auto that suits my needs, I'll buy it. But then I swap in a proper trans to make everything right with the world. Hell, I've been on a quest for Getrag S6S 560G for my 750iL forever. But as soon as I find one, it'll have a new home in short order. You DRIVE a manual. You RIDE in an automatic.

02-18-2013, 02:40 PM	#91
Elk Captain Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: * Posts: 894 iTrader: (0)	Welcome! The latest eight speed AT is vastly better than most and responds very nicely to driver input. Additionally, by placing the shifter to the left one has a great deal of control over individual gear changes. My impression is most MT drivers who bought the AT are pleased overall. Make an appointment and take a car out for a long test drive. You will know quite quickly if you will be happy with the AT.

02-18-2013, 05:45 PM	#93
mweisdorfer Private First Class Drives: 2007 Black/black 335i e90 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Holly, MI Posts: 155 iTrader: (0)	If I lived in the city or commuted to the city, no way would I ever order a stick.

02-18-2013, 08:40 PM	#95
kevlartoronto Private First Class Drives: a4 3.2L avant 6spd Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: toronto Posts: 114 iTrader: (0)	it seems bmw is making this decision for us. most of their cars are automatic only. wrt the 3 series the 320i xdrive is auto only, 328i xdrive is auto only, the up and coming 328d xdrive and rwd will be auto only. the wagon? auto only. i live in canada where most cars are now awd. the a4 quattro comes with a manual and i actually save 1500 bucks by choosing it. why does bmw seem to think that if i need awd, it also means i want an automatic? oh right, the 335i xdrive starting at 54k can be had with manual as a no cost option. cue eye rolling.

02-18-2013, 08:51 PM	#96
yellowllewellyn Private Drives: 1999 540i black Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ky Posts: 58 iTrader: (0)	I'm a life time Manuel driver and until I'm to old to shift. I'm all stick shift.

02-18-2013, 10:40 PM	#97
Geekenstein New Member Drives: 328i 6mt with tech package Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: US Posts: 22 iTrader: (0)	I wish I could say manual was definitely the way to go, but I'm not perfectly happy with it. With the N20 it's difficult to match revs on a downshift. In comfort or eco-pro there's some artificial throttle lag, so I found I had to learn to gradually press the pedal down instead of using a quick "blip". Also the engine is pretty quiet below 4000 rpm, so you don't always have good sound cues. In sport mode it's not too bad though. Also the stick is very notchy. Hoping it will loosen up with time.

02-19-2013, 10:46 PM	#99
weixp386 Enlisted Member Drives: 2013 328i Silver Sport 6MT & Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Central Florida Posts: 42 iTrader: (0)	MT 6 all da way....

02-19-2013, 11:52 PM	#100
Geekenstein New Member Drives: 328i 6mt with tech package Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: US Posts: 22 iTrader: (0)	I should add, the clutch feel is superb. Much better than other cars I have driven. It's also a bit on the light side. So not too bad in traffic.