the end of manual

[HKSpeed]

technology isn't always for the better. if google and other companies have it their way, in 20 years we'll be riding (not driving) in autonomous cars. although my wife loves her mini cooper, she would trade in a heartbeat for a self driving Prius (not because she likes Prius'). then driving wouldn't get in the way of texting and facebook.

Jay Leno made a comment once that sports cars will eventually go the way of the horse: horses were standard transportation for everyone 100 years ago, but now it is a luxury few can afford.

[martinm13]

I have a DSG mk5 and my last vw was a 5 speed. Although the DSG is cool, I really prefer the manual. I feel more connected with the car when I drive it. I am in complete control instead of having a computer do it for me. The way things have been going in the auto industry, although it's sad the manual transmission is disappearing, the technologies that are coming out will only get better.

[HKSpeed]

i'd rather have a manual 328i than an auto 335i. if we were talking manual 328i vs auto M3, then that would be a touch decision.

[Matt]

Unless your arms are made of rubber, try taking a hairpin turn and then ripping through three gears while your hands are still at nine and three.

If you're past like, 120 degrees of input, you're going too slow. During "spirited" driving, I've never actually crossed arms unless I'm stopped at a light.

[M0ar.Stickers]

Why do you have to hunt? Hands would be on nine and three, Aaaaand if they rotate with the wheel it should be easy.

Unless your arms are made of rubber, try taking a hairpin turn and then ripping through three gears while your hands are still at nine and three.

[Matt]

I test drove both manual and SMG when I was shopping for my e93M and while I liked the raw feel of the 6 speed, I couldn't pass up the lightning fast response and customization of the SMG. Not to mention it rev matches automatically when you downshift. Two pedals and two paddles is a pretty fun alternative.

The only issue I have with the SMG set up in BMWs is the paddles are too small and rotate with the steering wheel. So when your making hard turns and have to shift up or down, you have to hunt for the correct paddle. So I mainly use the shift knob while I feel like cranking through gears really fast.

Why do you have to hunt? Hands would be on nine and three, Aaaaand if they rotate with the wheel it should be easy.

[Ollie]

True. I've never had the pleasure of enjoying a vert in nice weather but I bet it's awesome

[M0ar.Stickers]

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the body lines of the coupe. I would rather have the sedan but when I was shopping, the dealership my father works at was running a crazy residual on the hard top convertible. So not only did it make monetary sense, but being in Southern California, we are pretty much sunny and warm 300 days a year, so why the hell not?

[sCrapp]

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[Ollie]

SMG and convertible for a new m3? you dun fucked up


One of the few instances where I just don't understand but hey still an awesome vehicle.

[M0ar.Stickers]

I test drove both manual and SMG when I was shopping for my e93M and while I liked the raw feel of the 6 speed, I couldn't pass up the lightning fast response and customization of the SMG. Not to mention it rev matches automatically when you downshift. Two pedals and two paddles is a pretty fun alternative.

The only issue I have with the SMG set up in BMWs is the paddles are too small and rotate with the steering wheel. So when your making hard turns and have to shift up or down, you have to hunt for the correct paddle. So I mainly use the shift knob while I feel like cranking through gears really fast.

[Ollie]

It's got nothing to do with age or mindset

It has a little bit to do with it. When I was 16 I would shit on people for driving autos and thought I was sooo cool. I would say things like "I refuse to even look at purchasing a car unless it has 3 pedals." 6 years and 10+ manual car/trucks later, I'm driving my first automatic and dgaf.

[Matt]

Auto in a street car doesn't bother me. Got a sick in the racecar.

[MommysLittleMonster]

I remember being 16 lol.

I see what you did there, Kelly. That's cute.

Maybe I should be more specific: I would never buy a toy/fun/sport/race car in an automatic.

It's got nothing to do with age or mindset, some of us just prefer a car with 3 pedals. I wouldn't consider buying a car that I want to enjoy driving in an automatic- it detracts such a large amount of fun from any car. Now, if you were to talk about a pickup truck, or an SUV, maybe even a big, cruiser car- that's a little bit of a different story.

[SuperMegaDeathRay]

i read an article in Motortrend or Car & Driver last year stating that americans and europeans have different views about manual transmissions. the article said europeans view manuals as a cost saving option, like getting manual windows or no A/C to save money when buying a beater car. conversely americans associate manuals with performance in sports cars. so an american would demand a manual in a M5 because its a sports car. an european would demand the fancy auto in a M5 because its considered a luxury option. in a toyota corolla the american would demand an auto because the car isn't sporty in the first place and the auto is viewed as a convenience option like power windows. a european would get a manual in a corolla because it's beater (would be like asking for leather interior option). that's what the article stated.

it's not only about saving up costs on purchase...it's also a gas saving issue...until a few years ago the manual transmission was more efficient in comparison to automatic transmissions...besides 7, 8 or 9 speed ats and double clutch stuff the ordinary manual seems to be the gas guzzler ...but it's still pure fun...but i would definitley prefer the double clutch over torque converter trannys...