Having second thoughts on 6MT

Matts435coupe · 11-08-2013, 02:58 PM

My car is on order and will be here in a few weeks. Today I had a chance to finally drive a 435 coupe with a 6mt, and it didn't compare to my current 335is. I think I actually liked the 8spd auto using the manual mode. It felt quicker, more, responsive and more fun to drive. Am I crazy? How many guys have left stick for the 8spd and how close is the new 8spd to the 7dct in the 335is. It feels pretty close to me.

dc503 · 11-08-2013, 03:10 PM

Even though I've had a 6MT 335i and 135i, I always thought the auto mated up well to the turbo motors. I ordered my current 335i with the 8AT and don't regret it. Is it more fun? Maybe not, but I like the added performance of it versus the manual. I don't think you're crazy though.

vip · 11-08-2013, 03:16 PM

The best part of the 8AT is the upshift fart sounds lol. I don't miss the 6 speed from my e90.

becker800 · 11-08-2013, 03:35 PM

It is quicker. Thats a fact. its .3 sec quicker on the 1/4 miles compared to Manual.

But people that want manual, want manual cause its more fun to drive.

I'm finally getting back into manual since my 05 TL and really looking forward to it.

Its about preference, I cant imagine you can really feel that .3 difference that much.

Sp82 · 11-09-2013, 12:03 AM

6mt ftw! Esp on a 4

James550i6spd · 11-09-2013, 07:45 AM

Don't think you can go wrong on either..the manual guys will like their left pedal regardless. (Heck i ordered my 335i 6spd without a test drive...I just don't get excited driving an auto)

Tron-M3 · 11-09-2013, 08:02 AM

I was torn as well when I placed my order. 6mt offers fun, control and a true sense of driving a performance car. However I opted for the 8at this time after test driving a 435. Not because it's better than the 6mt, but because I felt it was not sacrificing the qualities I mentioned about the 6mt. Also, living in Ny and having to deal with traffic some times, the 8 at made sense for me. Just my opinion.

nick1212 · 11-09-2013, 08:43 AM

I think both are good choices. I had initially ordered the auto but switched to the manual within 15 minutes of leaving the dealership. My old one was manual and I just couldn't go auto. In saying that the auto is an excellent option.

435iaffair · 11-09-2013, 09:06 AM

If it's the only car I'd probably opt for the 3 pedals. I just need to row my gears sometimes.

But the ZF8 and N55 are a perfect match. You're always in the powerband and the torque is always there. I still get a stupid grin from the upshift fart noise every time. The transmission is very smooth when you're just in traffic, but aggressive when you want to get on it.

The best part IMO is that the downshifts are instantaneous - tap the paddle 3 times and it jumps straight to the gear for you, almost as quick as doing it yourself with a manual transmission, and as a result you don't really feel like you lose too much "control" switching over from a 6mt. This made replacing my old manual tranny DD with the auto 435i easier for me.

It's hard to beat downshift rev-matching/heel-toe with a 3rd pedal though. For me that's pure bliss. If that's a big thing for you then you may regret the switch. Otherwise the ZF8 makes the 6mt feels like a technology from the last century (better MPG, much faster shifts, easier in traffic, etc.), as I'm sure you're well aware of coming from a DCT car.

M3AWD · 11-09-2013, 02:03 PM

I've had both manual & autos, non-Ms & Ms.. This time I decided to get an 8AT with paddle shifters.. I love manuals but for some reason it doesn't give me the same fun factor that it used to a few years ago, and I'm still 33!

949 · 11-10-2013, 09:15 AM

I hope my auto will be fun when it arrives. im a true manual but traffic sucks.

Matts435coupe · 11-10-2013, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 949

I hope my auto will be fun when it arrives. im a true manual but traffic sucks.

It is very fun. I am just concerned after a couple of months I will regret my decision and want a manual car, plus I am rarely in traffc.

nicknaz · 11-10-2013, 10:27 AM

I notice the difference between 8spd sport auto vs. 7spd DCT the most during downshifts to 2nd and 1st gear. 1st is particularly rough in the 8spd vs. the DCT. For most other situations I think it is very close

Regardless of transmission your current 335is just has more hp and tq than 435....

949 · 11-10-2013, 12:21 PM

don't worry about power. when the cobb accessport comes out for these newer cars youll see a huge improvement when the cars get a professional tune.

Matts435coupe · 11-10-2013, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 949

don't worry about power. when the cobb accessport comes out for these newer cars youll see a huge improvement when the cars get a professional tune.

When does the cobb come out? and what about the jb4?

949 · 11-10-2013, 10:02 PM

here is what they have for now.

http://www.cobbtuning.com/bmw-s/1000.htm

version three is out but not for the newer 2012+ 335i bmw's.

435iaffair · 11-11-2013, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matts335coupe

and what about the jb4?

JB4 is already available for the F30/F32 chassis cars.

For more info check out n54tech.com.

JK479 · 11-13-2013, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matts335coupe

My car is on order and will be here in a few weeks. Today I had a chance to finally drive a 435 coupe with a 6mt, and it didn't compare to my current 335is. I think I actually liked the 8spd auto using the manual mode. It felt quicker, more, responsive and more fun to drive. Am I crazy? How many guys have left stick for the 8spd and how close is the new 8spd to the 7dct in the 335is. It feels pretty close to me.

Honestly, I debated this for a year. Went with the automatic. First auto in 10 years! The 8 Speed auto is really great. Will I miss the rare quality of shifting, yes. Will I like the smooth shifting auto better. I think so.

a friend of mine gave me some advice. He said... nothing is forever. Go with the manual. if its not smooth, go auto next time.

Zoolander10z · 11-13-2013, 02:57 PM

I was in the same boat as you. I ultimately decided on the 6mt for my 428i. Should be picking it up this weekend.

Matts435coupe · 11-13-2013, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoolander10z

I was in the same boat as you. I ultimately decided on the 6mt for my 428i. Should be picking it up this weekend.

Nice! Have you driven one with a 6mt? What did you think? Where in FL do you live and where did you purchase it?

Zoolander10z · 11-13-2013, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matts335coupe

Nice! Have you driven one with a 6mt? What did you think? Where in FL do you live and where did you purchase it?

I havent driven the F32 yet but I had a e92 328i 6mt before my current 6mt G37s coupe. I live in central florida (orig. from ft. laud) but i leased it through steve thomas bmw in california.

Matts435coupe · 11-13-2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoolander10z

I havent driven the F32 yet but I had a e92 328i 6mt before my current 6mt G37s coupe. I live in central florida (orig. from ft. laud) but i leased it through steve thomas bmw in california.

Was deal at Steve Thomas BMW so good, that it was worth buying from them and shipping to FL? I have considered them before but never did it. I was able to get $4,000 off sticker with rebates here in FL which I think is pretty decent considering how new the car is. How did you do? Feel free to PM Me.

11-08-2013, 02:58 PM	#1
Matts435coupe Major 111 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 435i Coupe Msport 6MT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida iTrader: (1)	Having second thoughts on 6MT My car is on order and will be here in a few weeks. Today I had a chance to finally drive a 435 coupe with a 6mt, and it didn't compare to my current 335is. I think I actually liked the 8spd auto using the manual mode. It felt quicker, more, responsive and more fun to drive. Am I crazy? How many guys have left stick for the 8spd and how close is the new 8spd to the 7dct in the 335is. It feels pretty close to me. __________________ 2013 BMW 335is Coupe AW/CR 6MT 2012 BMW 335 coupe ( Sold) 2012 Audi S5 coupe( Sold) 2010 BMW 335i coupe( Sold) 2009 BMW 335i coupe ( Sold)
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11-08-2013, 03:10 PM	#2
dc503 First Lieutenant 131 Rep 347 Posts Drives: 340i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (3)	Even though I've had a 6MT 335i and 135i, I always thought the auto mated up well to the turbo motors. I ordered my current 335i with the 8AT and don't regret it. Is it more fun? Maybe not, but I like the added performance of it versus the manual. I don't think you're crazy though. __________________ IG: LBR_uno
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11-08-2013, 03:16 PM	#3
vip Major 159 Rep 1,136 Posts Drives: 2001 Alpine White M5 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Fremont, CA iTrader: (1)	The best part of the 8AT is the upshift fart sounds lol. I don't miss the 6 speed from my e90. __________________ sent from bimmerpost Android app
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11-08-2013, 03:35 PM	#4
becker800 First Lieutenant 49 Rep 337 Posts Drives: BMW M8 GC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: PA iTrader: (1)	It is quicker. Thats a fact. its .3 sec quicker on the 1/4 miles compared to Manual. But people that want manual, want manual cause its more fun to drive. I'm finally getting back into manual since my 05 TL and really looking forward to it. Its about preference, I cant imagine you can really feel that .3 difference that much.
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11-09-2013, 12:03 AM	#5
Sp82 Colonel 166 Rep 2,000 Posts Drives: F15 X5/G30 5er Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: DFW, Tx iTrader: (1)	6mt ftw! Esp on a 4
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11-09-2013, 07:45 AM	#6
James550i6spd Second Lieutenant 49 Rep 255 Posts Drives: BMW x5 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Knoxville iTrader: (0)	Don't think you can go wrong on either..the manual guys will like their left pedal regardless. (Heck i ordered my 335i 6spd without a test drive...I just don't get excited driving an auto)
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11-09-2013, 08:02 AM	#7
Tron-M3 Second Lieutenant 88 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2023 G20 M340i XDrive Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	I was torn as well when I placed my order. 6mt offers fun, control and a true sense of driving a performance car. However I opted for the 8at this time after test driving a 435. Not because it's better than the 6mt, but because I felt it was not sacrificing the qualities I mentioned about the 6mt. Also, living in Ny and having to deal with traffic some times, the 8 at made sense for me. Just my opinion.
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11-09-2013, 08:43 AM	#8
nick1212 Lieutenant 74 Rep 471 Posts Drives: '13 335i Sport 6MT - Gone soon Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I think both are good choices. I had initially ordered the auto but switched to the manual within 15 minutes of leaving the dealership. My old one was manual and I just couldn't go auto. In saying that the auto is an excellent option. Last edited by nick1212; 11-09-2013 at 11:39 AM..
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11-09-2013, 09:06 AM	#9
435iaffair Private First Class 7 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 435i, Z4M, M157 E63 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: San Marino, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 435i [9.00]	If it's the only car I'd probably opt for the 3 pedals. I just need to row my gears sometimes. But the ZF8 and N55 are a perfect match. You're always in the powerband and the torque is always there. I still get a stupid grin from the upshift fart noise every time. The transmission is very smooth when you're just in traffic, but aggressive when you want to get on it. The best part IMO is that the downshifts are instantaneous - tap the paddle 3 times and it jumps straight to the gear for you, almost as quick as doing it yourself with a manual transmission, and as a result you don't really feel like you lose too much "control" switching over from a 6mt. This made replacing my old manual tranny DD with the auto 435i easier for me. It's hard to beat downshift rev-matching/heel-toe with a 3rd pedal though. For me that's pure bliss. If that's a big thing for you then you may regret the switch. Otherwise the ZF8 makes the 6mt feels like a technology from the last century (better MPG, much faster shifts, easier in traffic, etc.), as I'm sure you're well aware of coming from a DCT car.
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11-09-2013, 02:03 PM	#10
M3AWD Lieutenant Colonel 3183 Rep 1,902 Posts Drives: 2022 G80 M3 AWD Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	I've had both manual & autos, non-Ms & Ms.. This time I decided to get an 8AT with paddle shifters.. I love manuals but for some reason it doesn't give me the same fun factor that it used to a few years ago, and I'm still 33! __________________ 2022 G80 M3 Comp M xDrive
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11-10-2013, 09:15 AM	#11
949 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 312 Posts Drives: ????? Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: the OC, socal iTrader: (0)	I hope my auto will be fun when it arrives. im a true manual but traffic sucks.
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11-10-2013, 10:27 AM	#13
nicknaz Lieutenant General 3188 Rep 10,509 Posts Drives: C6Z Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	I notice the difference between 8spd sport auto vs. 7spd DCT the most during downshifts to 2nd and 1st gear. 1st is particularly rough in the 8spd vs. the DCT. For most other situations I think it is very close Regardless of transmission your current 335is just has more hp and tq than 435....
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11-10-2013, 12:21 PM	#14
949 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 312 Posts Drives: ????? Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: the OC, socal iTrader: (0)	don't worry about power. when the cobb accessport comes out for these newer cars youll see a huge improvement when the cars get a professional tune.
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11-10-2013, 10:02 PM	#16
949 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 312 Posts Drives: ????? Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: the OC, socal iTrader: (0)	here is what they have for now. http://www.cobbtuning.com/bmw-s/1000.htm version three is out but not for the newer 2012+ 335i bmw's.
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11-13-2013, 02:57 PM	#19
Zoolander10z Private First Class 13 Rep 123 Posts Drives: 2019 M4 CS Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I was in the same boat as you. I ultimately decided on the 6mt for my 428i. Should be picking it up this weekend.
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