2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum - View Single Post - What's the deal with the 6MT in the 228i?

danimal · 05-22-2014, 10:10 PM

I drove a manual 228i M Sport this morning, and I was surprised by the transmission. The throws were on the long side and almost disconcertingly light, and the clutch travel seemed longer that what I'm used to. I also noticed an annoying tendency for the engine to hold onto revs between shifts. It honestly felt more like a VW than a BMW.

From the descriptions I've read on this forum about the 235i's 6MT, I'm wondering if the 228i's is actually less sporty. I had a manual 128i M Sport as a loaner a couple years ago, and I remember being really impressed with the feel of that gearbox--the throws felt just right. I thought the 228's would feel similar, but somehow it didn't.

I should mention that I'm coming from an E90 328i with an M short shift kit, and my particular transmission has always required a purposeful shove to shift, particularly into the lower gears, so maybe I just needed more time to get used to it.

My other impressions of the car were generally positive. Compared with my normally aspirated 3.0-liter, the torque of this turbo engine is awesome. No complaints at all about the ride, handling, and braking. We didn't go on a good enough driving road to really judge the steering feel, but the heft was actually pretty decent in Sport mode. The seats, driving position, and interior quality seemed at least as good as on my car, which is good enough for me. Despite being pretty technical, I didn't really get too into fiddling with all the infotainment features, but I have the impression BMW's are better than average. I do wish this car could be had as a 4-door or 5-door in the U.S., but I can't deny that this is one very pretty coupe.

Back to the transmission, I have a couple questions:

If you've experienced the manual in both the 228i and 235i, can you comment on whether you noticed a difference in feel? Was the 235i's sportier?
Same question for the 228i vs. the 128i.
For owners of a 228i with the manual, what do you think of it? Do you like the feel? Could you see yourself getting a short shift kit?

Thanks.

05-22-2014, 10:10 PM	#1
danimal Captain 50 Rep 755 Posts Drives: '14 228i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 228i [10.00] 2007 BMW 328i Sedan [0.00]	What's the deal with the 6MT in the 228i? I drove a manual 228i M Sport this morning, and I was surprised by the transmission. The throws were on the long side and almost disconcertingly light, and the clutch travel seemed longer that what I'm used to. I also noticed an annoying tendency for the engine to hold onto revs between shifts. It honestly felt more like a VW than a BMW. From the descriptions I've read on this forum about the 235i's 6MT, I'm wondering if the 228i's is actually less sporty. I had a manual 128i M Sport as a loaner a couple years ago, and I remember being really impressed with the feel of that gearbox--the throws felt just right. I thought the 228's would feel similar, but somehow it didn't. I should mention that I'm coming from an E90 328i with an M short shift kit, and my particular transmission has always required a purposeful shove to shift, particularly into the lower gears, so maybe I just needed more time to get used to it. My other impressions of the car were generally positive. Compared with my normally aspirated 3.0-liter, the torque of this turbo engine is awesome. No complaints at all about the ride, handling, and braking. We didn't go on a good enough driving road to really judge the steering feel, but the heft was actually pretty decent in Sport mode. The seats, driving position, and interior quality seemed at least as good as on my car, which is good enough for me. Despite being pretty technical, I didn't really get too into fiddling with all the infotainment features, but I have the impression BMW's are better than average. I do wish this car could be had as a 4-door or 5-door in the U.S., but I can't deny that this is one very pretty coupe. Back to the transmission, I have a couple questions: If you've experienced the manual in both the 228i and 235i, can you comment on whether you noticed a difference in feel? Was the 235i's sportier? Same question for the 228i vs. the 128i. For owners of a 228i with the manual, what do you think of it? Do you like the feel? Could you see yourself getting a short shift kit? Thanks. __________________ 2014 228i alpine white \| sport line \| 6-speed manual \| lighting package \| driver assistance package interior - black Sensatec \| aluminum & red trim Last edited by danimal; 05-23-2014 at 02:40 AM..
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