[hyperzulu]

[BMW335iOn18s]

Here's my opinion. Having lots of experience with the ZF8 and the 6MT, here's my opinion:

Get the automatic:
1. if you're a racer and you compete
2. want to drive at the limit and not worry about shifting
3. hate driving stick in traffic
4. like to floor it at every traffic light

Get the manual if you:
1. value your connection with the car over all else
2. don't care if you're the fastest guy on the street as long as you're having more fun
3. dont mind driving stick in traffic
4. want to own a manual transmission BMW before they're gone for good - a really good one at that

Both are good options. I got the 6 speed this time, but who knows? Maybe in 3 years i'll want the automatic? Eh, probably not, but you never know!

[gaijin]

Originally Posted by m0viestar

I wouldn't say I am an avid 3-pedal driver. I love a good manual trans as the next guy, but I also appreciate good automatic transmissions. We are getting rid of my wife's civic but will also probably get rid of the STi as well just to make the m235i more "affordable"

Ultimately I think my wife will drive the car more than I will, and she only drives automatics. She literally cannot physically press the clutch pedal down all the way. I think it will work out. It was just a big purchase and I didn't want to screw it up lol.

You've pretty much solved your dilemma. Go with the two-pedal.

Regardless of which one you go with, both you and as important, your wife will enjoy the M235i. It is that great of a package!

[jstnstr]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

OK I'll bite. What the hell?

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by jstnstr

OK I'll bite. What the hell?

I have no idea what this is about either, but I know there is no need to bite, or even have teeth! This mush slides right down!

[hyperzulu]

Originally Posted by jstnstr

OK I'll bite. What the hell?

Just my reaction to this whole thread. Another week, another "manual vs automatic" thread which spawns a dozen pages of the same crap. So I'm adding something new. I'll be posting mango smoothies inside the "rwd vs xdrive bcuz I livez in the norf" threads.

[jstnstr]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

Just my reaction to this whole thread. Another week, another "manual vs automatic" thread which spawns a dozen pages of the same crap. So I'm adding something new. I'll be posting mango smoothies inside the "rwd vs xdrive bcuz I livez in the norf" threads.

Go drive your car dude.

[hyperzulu]

Originally Posted by jstnstr

Go drive your car dude.

Ok mom. I left the laundry out. I'll need it cleaned before I get back. Thanks! You're the best.

[m0viestar]

I wasn't trying to start another auto vs manual flamewar. I was more just curious to know what other people drove before their m235i's and if are happy with their choise.

Ultimately, it seems like most are happy with the automatics and it seems I will be too.

Now, if only the dealer could confirm our ED :|

[caycep]

off topic, but hypothetically if you had a miata to drive in the canyons or twisties, would an automatic be equally suitable vs. a stick?

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by caycep

off topic, but hypothetically if you had a miata to drive in the canyons or twisties, would an automatic be equally suitable vs. a stick?

USA is the only country who rates a Japanese MX5 a great drivers car.

[ABPReader]

.

[bacampbe]

Originally Posted by caycep

off topic, but hypothetically if you had a miata to drive in the canyons or twisties, would an automatic be equally suitable vs. a stick?

Do you mean for the Miata, or for a 2er coming from a Miata?

In the first case, probably not. None of the Mazda autos through the NC could compare to the ZF8. Not even a little bit. Time will tell for the upcoming new generation.

If you mean the latter; I did just that. My previous car was an MT Miata. So far I'm not missing the manual. But I was not a clutch fanatic so much as I want to be able to select the gear for the job. The ZF8 does that just fine.

[Dr Fatpuss]

I went with the auto coming from a 2011 sti it was a hard choice to choose the auto but i did. so far after 9000 miles It has grown on me, the car is so comfortable when you want it to be and can transform into an animal with a few clicks. You can still feel the drivetrain connected to the rear axle just like you would in a manual trans. the zf 8 box does a great job of banging thru the 8 gears at 1.8 rpm in comfort mode while saving gas being civilized zoning out to music in traffic. just for that alone i like it but then when you experience the off the line sprints the zf8 can do you are sold. gear 1, 2, 3, are quick and then 4 is ludacris warp speed gear. 5 6 7 8 are see you later gears. consistent off the line 0-100 sprints are like clockwork its so inspirational. it burbles on downshifts and thumps on upshifts. it feels like a version of a dct to me and i have driven a few pdk and bmw dct as well as mercs new and old dct transmissions.

i think you are getting more for you money with the auto zf8 box.. for me it would have been a way easier choice for the manual if the zf8 was an upcharge lol. i love manuals and live to heal toe but this box is on par with the good dct's out there and i think is worth considering.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by caycep

off topic, but hypothetically if you had a miata to drive in the canyons or twisties, would an automatic be equally suitable vs. a stick?

I traded my 6-speed manual transmission 2004 Mazda RX-8 on my automatic M235i. The automatic transmission version of the RX-8 really sucked, in my opinion. The manual was a blast to drive, and it handled and braked well. Just needed a bit more torque.

[Legal Bill]

Originally Posted by BMW335iOn18s

Here's my opinion. Having lots of experience with the ZF8 and the 6MT, here's my opinion:

Get the automatic:
1. if you're a racer and you compete
2. want to drive at the limit and not worry about shifting
3. hate driving stick in traffic
4. like to floor it at every traffic light

Get the manual if you:
1. value your connection with the car over all else
2. don't care if you're the fastest guy on the street as long as you're having more fun
3. dont mind driving stick in traffic
4. want to own a manual transmission BMW before they're gone for good - a really good one at that

Both are good options. I got the 6 speed this time, but who knows? Maybe in 3 years i'll want the automatic? Eh, probably not, but you never know!

I've seen contradictory advice from others about item 1 under automatic. Please explain why this is the correct tranny for people who race and compete. I would like to hear why this tranny is better on the track than a manual and how well it will hold up to the abuses of racing.

[e90post_user]

No way a wife will stand b/w me and my choice of the transmission. Get a divorce!

[Gatte]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

Just my reaction to this whole thread. Another week, another "manual vs automatic" thread which spawns a dozen pages of the same crap. So I'm adding something new. I'll be posting mango smoothies inside the "rwd vs xdrive bcuz I livez in the norf" threads.

Maybe strawberry smoothies for the "M235i is not a real M" thread.

[BMW335iOn18s]

Originally Posted by Legal Bill

I've seen contradictory advice from others about item 1 under automatic. Please explain why this is the correct tranny for people who race and compete. I would like to hear why this tranny is better on the track than a manual and how well it will hold up to the abuses of racing.

Honestly I was talking more about street or drag racing than racing at the track. A lot of guys around philly street race automatic 135/335s. At the track, I think the ZF8 can hold its on. Although I personally have no experience at the track, the transmission is found in the X5/X6 M and even the M235i Racing but it's probably upgraded in those applications. I'm willing to put money on the fact that if the M2 is offered with anything other than the 6MT, it will be the ZF8. Non of the currently manufactured N55 cars have a DCT as an option other than maybe the E89 Z4? I'm not quite sure. But to put it simply, it's fast, reliable, and you don't have to worry about rev matching or being in the right gear. Just like the DCT.

[ocN55]

Originally Posted by BMW335iOn18s

Honestly I was talking more about street or drag racing than racing at the track. A lot of guys around philly street race automatic 135/335s. At the track, I think the ZF8 can hold its on. Although I personally have no experience at the track, the transmission is found in the X5/X6 M and even the M235i Racing but it's probably upgraded in those applications. I'm willing to put money on the fact that if the M2 is offered with anything other than the 6MT, it will be the ZF8. Non of the currently manufactured N55 cars have a DCT as an option other than maybe the E89 Z4? I'm not quite sure. But to put it simply, it's fast, reliable, and you don't have to worry about rev matching or being in the right gear. Just like the DCT.

Can't say I agree, but lets see! You make a good point about no n55 currently being offered in a dct. There has been the 135is in the 7speed dct though...