Manual or auto?

STRMTRPR · 07-15-2016, 09:24 PM

Having learned how to drive manual recently I regret somewhat for having automatic. I wanted to see your guys opinion on driving manual over auto or visa versa. As of now I am thinking on getting a manual for my next car.

clutchy · 07-15-2016, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STRMTRPR

Having learned how to drive manual recently I regret somewhat for having automatic. I wanted to see your guys opinion on driving manual over auto or visa versa. As of now I am thinking on getting a manual for my next car.

If I have the option I always opt for the stick.

I search them out and I'm almost always disappointed with an auto.

obviously DSG's are superior but you can't beat the dynamic of a manual. I'm not trying to inch every last bit of performance out of the car. I just want to enjoy the experience.

zero2sixtyZ · 07-15-2016, 11:28 PM

Pointless thread. Everyone will just advocate for whichever transmission is in their car parked outside.

If you like Auto, drive one. If you like Manual, drive one.

GMe90 · 07-15-2016, 11:31 PM

Manual. Whoever would choose an automatic probably doesn't know how to drive a manual (or is really bad at it). The one exception is folks who live in big cities and have bumper to bumper commutes.

larrysing · 07-15-2016, 11:33 PM

Age applies here. I drove a manual from age 20-28 and loved it. At age 52, that's just too much dang work.

MOST cars today will go as fast in the automatic version, with exceptions, and allow a "manual shift mode" for when you want to PLAY.

PureE92 · 07-15-2016, 11:37 PM

Agree with above^ Manual for now since im young and definitely auto when I become a freaking fossil.

Hacksaw · 07-15-2016, 11:45 PM

I have both and am nearing fossilization stage...

I enjoy both for what they are and use them for different things. I like the cushy lazy approach with the auto.. but I have the flappy paddles and rather surprised at the 6spd auto in the 335i.
My tow vehicle is an auto... because I want to focus on driving and not crashing with the trailer and the car onboard.

You can speed with both.

You can crash with both.

You can HPDE with both.

You can enjoy one or the other or both if that is your cup of tea.

Buy what makes you happy. It's your money and life. Enjoy it.

Kevinl · 07-16-2016, 12:41 AM

I wont buy anything but a real 3 pedal manual

Efthreeoh · 07-16-2016, 04:49 AM

Good post.

Automatics in whatever form, suck.

Period.

pruettfan · 07-16-2016, 06:02 AM

There are ridiculous discussions. Manual guys think anyone with anything else is a wimp who doesn't know cars and guys with automatics feel like they have to convince the manual guys their cars are acceptable and the are in fact men. I can tell you that the automatic in the E90 is excellent and performs very well, I would say if you have to ask the question your probably not a manual guy. A manual transmission guy would never ask that question. I like both, for me it comes down to what I am using the car for, for commute I won't have a manual, too much work for stop and go traffic. For a weekend car driving on the open road or track day manual.

Fundguy1 · 07-16-2016, 06:10 AM

I love manuals. For 32 yrs all I've bought is manuals except when I buy SUVs or one car, a 2004 g35. I hated the auto every second I drove it. Autos are faster now and convenient. Manuals are just plain more fun and cheaper. It's your choice.

BSM n54iS · 07-16-2016, 06:11 AM

I fell asleep driving an auto once

Wilt · 07-16-2016, 08:49 AM

I drove manual transmissions for 35 years. But then traffic in the SF Bay area started getting like driving in L.A. and mile after mile of stop and go driving on supposed 'freeways' is masochistic with a clutch. So I have had automatic tranny (Steptronic) for the past 16 years.

It is not a case of 'better', it is a case of your predominant driving conditions making one (the clutch) unbearable for most of your driving. Unfortunately we all cannot drive open mountain roads with manual transmission cars and have fun doing so. The clutchless manual is a nice alternative, but BMW doesn't put those in cars I can afford to buy.

My wife and I recent were in the Czech Republic on holiday, and driving a manual transmission car was fun...until the highways clogged up driving back into Prague and turned a 2 hour drive into 5 hours!

John 070 · 07-16-2016, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutchy

If I have the option I always opt for the stick.

I search them out and I'm almost always disappointed with an auto.

obviously DSG's are superior but you can't beat the dynamic of a manual. I'm not trying to inch every last bit of performance out of the car. I just want to enjoy the experience.

Agreed....I have a '16 328 step loaner. Even tried sport and using the paddles, seem like a gimmick. Even at 70 mph the car goes into 6th, not 8th, like it would be in Eco pro. Computer can't outthink a human...manual ft was. Plus manuals don't need repairs if not abused.

Efthreeoh · 07-16-2016, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pruettfan

There are ridiculous discussions. Manual guys think anyone with anything else is a wimp who doesn't know cars and guys with automatics feel like they have to convince the manual guys their cars are acceptable and the are in fact men. I can tell you that the automatic in the E90 is excellent and performs very well, I would say if you have to ask the question your probably not a manual guy. A manual transmission guy would never ask that question. I like both, for me it comes down to what I am using the car for, for commute I won't have a manual, too much work for stop and go traffic. For a weekend car driving on the open road or track day manual.

Exactly.

I obviously commute in my manual 325i. And 20 miles of my commute (one way) is Northern Virginia stop and go traffic on I66. I took my driving test in a manual. I've only ever driven a manual as my DD for the 38 years I've been driving; it is so natural to me to drive a manual that automatics are just too foreign to me to understand the benefit. I do have an automatic pickup (it only came that way) and I hate the transmission in it. Automatics are never in the correct gear for the driving situation other than open highway travel. If your answer is "then manual shift the automatic", my reply is then "what is the point?"

fmoua916 · 07-16-2016, 09:58 AM

For sport car if it aint manuel im not getting it haha

335NJ · 07-16-2016, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmoua916

For sport car if it aint manuel im not getting it haha

Leave Manuel out of this.

Sgop335 · 07-16-2016, 10:33 AM

ssdara · 07-16-2016, 10:44 AM

Get an auto, your girlfriend will thank me later for the free right hand

but on a serious note it's great to have a free hand for other things, cell, center console, drink, flicking people off, etc. Besides the autos have a m1-m6 mode if you want a semi-manual experience.

Tom K. · 07-16-2016, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PureE92

Agree with above^ Manual for now since im young and definitely auto when I become a freaking fossil.

I feel sorry for you. My last A/T was a 1973 Plymouth Torqueflite and now at age 72, I will continue to only buy a manual.

OP - other folks' opinions on this really don't mean much, so drive what you want.

Tom

E30_335i · 07-16-2016, 11:08 AM

The A/T is awesome on track. Put it in DS, turn off nannies, and go. Always in the right gear, and the shifts don't upset the chassis no matter how hard you push.

Wilt · 07-16-2016, 11:08 AM

One should differentiate that 'gear selection' is a decidedly different issue than 'manually clutched'. Unfortunately all too many modern drivers lack both the insight into gear selection and the skill of manipulation of a clutch (even on level ground, which is less demanding than starting motion on an incline).
Ferraris and other powerful exotic cars prove that point, with the clutchless manual gear selection.

07-15-2016, 09:24 PM	#1
STRMTRPR Second Lieutenant 74 Rep 295 Posts Drives: 13 E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Death Star iTrader: (0)	Manual or auto? Having learned how to drive manual recently I regret somewhat for having automatic. I wanted to see your guys opinion on driving manual over auto or visa versa. As of now I am thinking on getting a manual for my next car.
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07-15-2016, 11:28 PM	#3
zero2sixtyZ Colonel 951 Rep 2,669 Posts Drives: e92 + f15 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Cambridge, MA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [9.50] 2015 X5 xdrive50i [10.00]	Pointless thread. Everyone will just advocate for whichever transmission is in their car parked outside. If you like Auto, drive one. If you like Manual, drive one.
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07-15-2016, 11:31 PM	#4
GMe90 Captain 356 Rep 928 Posts Drives: 2007 328i Coupe, ZSP, Premium Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Knoxville iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [6.00] 2007 BMW 328i [10.00]	Manual. Whoever would choose an automatic probably doesn't know how to drive a manual (or is really bad at it). The one exception is folks who live in big cities and have bumper to bumper commutes.
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07-15-2016, 11:33 PM	#5
larrysing First Lieutenant 95 Rep 308 Posts Drives: 2011 335d M-Sport, Nav/Blinds Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Arlington, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335d [0.00]	Age applies here. I drove a manual from age 20-28 and loved it. At age 52, that's just too much dang work. MOST cars today will go as fast in the automatic version, with exceptions, and allow a "manual shift mode" for when you want to PLAY.
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07-15-2016, 11:37 PM	#6
PureE92 First Lieutenant 90 Rep 315 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Agree with above^ Manual for now since im young and definitely auto when I become a freaking fossil.
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07-15-2016, 11:45 PM	#7
Hacksaw Private First Class 25 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: May 2016 Location: SA TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i [0.00]	I have both and am nearing fossilization stage... I enjoy both for what they are and use them for different things. I like the cushy lazy approach with the auto.. but I have the flappy paddles and rather surprised at the 6spd auto in the 335i. My tow vehicle is an auto... because I want to focus on driving and not crashing with the trailer and the car onboard. You can speed with both. You can crash with both. You can HPDE with both. You can enjoy one or the other or both if that is your cup of tea. Buy what makes you happy. It's your money and life. Enjoy it. __________________ '11 BMW///335i Sedan Black Sapphire Metallic\|Dakota Blk Lthr\|Sport Seats\|M Sport Sus PKG\|Nav\| '02 BMW ///M3Imola Red\|Blk Cloth\|6M\|TFS CSL TUNE - MSS54HP\|CSL Rep Airbox\|Euro Headers\|StopTech ST-40 BBKs\|Kirk 4pt Bar\|CF CSL Trunk\|GC Race F/R Sways\|
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07-16-2016, 12:41 AM	#8
Kevinl Lieutenant 210 Rep 563 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW M3 Alpine White 6MT Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Phoenix iTrader: (0)	I wont buy anything but a real 3 pedal manual
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07-16-2016, 04:49 AM	#9
Efthreeoh General 17309 Rep 18,733 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Good post. Automatics in whatever form, suck. Period. __________________ A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
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07-16-2016, 06:02 AM	#10
pruettfan Brigadier General 1622 Rep 3,402 Posts Drives: 2017 M2, LBB, DCT, Exec Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (0)	There are ridiculous discussions. Manual guys think anyone with anything else is a wimp who doesn't know cars and guys with automatics feel like they have to convince the manual guys their cars are acceptable and the are in fact men. I can tell you that the automatic in the E90 is excellent and performs very well, I would say if you have to ask the question your probably not a manual guy. A manual transmission guy would never ask that question. I like both, for me it comes down to what I am using the car for, for commute I won't have a manual, too much work for stop and go traffic. For a weekend car driving on the open road or track day manual.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

07-16-2016, 06:10 AM	#11
Fundguy1 Major General 2032 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	I love manuals. For 32 yrs all I've bought is manuals except when I buy SUVs or one car, a 2004 g35. I hated the auto every second I drove it. Autos are faster now and convenient. Manuals are just plain more fun and cheaper. It's your choice.
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07-16-2016, 06:11 AM	#12
BSM n54iS Brigadier General 2685 Rep 4,202 Posts Drives: '11 335is \| '16 Macan Turbo Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Everywhere and Nowhere iTrader: (7)	I fell asleep driving an auto once __________________ '11 335is BSM MT "BMW Performance Editon" \| '16 Porsche Macan Turbo GruppeM CF Intake \| AR Resonated DP \| ER CP \| Turbosmart RacePort BOV \| Cobb FMIC \| RB Inlets \| RB External Mishi/Turner OCC \| Michelin PS4 \| BMW Performance Springs/Bilstein B8 + Dinan & M3 bits \| BMW Brembo BBK \| BMW Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW Performance CF Lip \| BMW Performance Alcantara \| PS Designs GTS Armrest \| AG H6-40 \| Rear Seat Delete
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07-16-2016, 08:49 AM	#13
Wilt Major 228 Rep 1,045 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: SF Bay area iTrader: (0)	I drove manual transmissions for 35 years. But then traffic in the SF Bay area started getting like driving in L.A. and mile after mile of stop and go driving on supposed 'freeways' is masochistic with a clutch. So I have had automatic tranny (Steptronic) for the past 16 years. It is not a case of 'better', it is a case of your predominant driving conditions making one (the clutch) unbearable for most of your driving. Unfortunately we all cannot drive open mountain roads with manual transmission cars and have fun doing so. The clutchless manual is a nice alternative, but BMW doesn't put those in cars I can afford to buy. My wife and I recent were in the Czech Republic on holiday, and driving a manual transmission car was fun...until the highways clogged up driving back into Prague and turned a 2 hour drive into 5 hours! Last edited by Wilt; 07-16-2016 at 08:56 AM..
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07-16-2016, 09:58 AM	#16
fmoua916 First Lieutenant 72 Rep 385 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: sacramento iTrader: (1)	For sport car if it aint manuel im not getting it haha
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07-16-2016, 10:33 AM	#18
Sgop335 Colonel 648 Rep 2,011 Posts Drives: 07 335i e92, 08 535i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: MD iTrader: (1)	__________________ 335i e92 TPC 19Ts
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07-16-2016, 10:44 AM	#19
ssdara Second Lieutenant 65 Rep 285 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Baton Rouge, LA iTrader: (1)	Get an auto, your girlfriend will thank me later for the free right hand but on a serious note it's great to have a free hand for other things, cell, center console, drink, flicking people off, etc. Besides the autos have a m1-m6 mode if you want a semi-manual experience. Last edited by ssdara; 07-16-2016 at 10:59 AM..
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07-16-2016, 11:08 AM	#21
E30_335i Second Lieutenant 169 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Huntsville, AL iTrader: (0)	The A/T is awesome on track. Put it in DS, turn off nannies, and go. Always in the right gear, and the shifts don't upset the chassis no matter how hard you push. __________________ 2011 335i Sport, M3 control arms front/rear, ECS Tuning rear trailing arms, Bilstein HD's, StopTech BBK, Drexel LSD, Dinan camber plates, FBO's with Cobb Stage 2 tune, Corsa exhaust, 18x9 D-Force, 255/35 R-S4's
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