[cloewe08]

Hey everyone, I am a awaiting the arrival of my 228i

M-Sport
Estoril blue
Sunroof
Halogen lights
Dealer threw in free heated seats
6-speed manual

Has anyone else ordered a manual? BMW makes it so hard to choose the manual when you can get the 8 speed auto for free. Test drove the manual and it was nice. I just almost feel like I am throwing my money away when I get the auto for free which is faster and better gas mileage, but 50lbs heavier.

[overcoil]

Reliability and prevent myself from being bored, plus I like to heel and toe.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by cloewe08

Hey everyone, I am a awaiting the arrival of my 228i

M-Sport
Estoril blue
Sunroof
Halogen lights
Dealer threw in free heated seats
6-speed manual

Has anyone else ordered a manual? BMW makes it so hard to choose the manual when you can get the 8 speed auto for free. Test drove the manual and it was nice. I just almost feel like I am throwing my money away when I get the auto for free which is faster and better gas mileage, but 50lbs heavier.

Quite a few of us would have it no other way! The automatic is not free...the price is built-in to the base MSRP. They just provide no credit for the stick, which will be the minority of the most entertaining US-bound 2 Series...a revenue generator for BMW AG.

[HX_Guy]

6MT FTW!

[danimal]

The way I look at it: If you like driving a manual, don't throw away the opportunity to buy one while you still can. Five to ten years from now, I'm really not sure you're going to be able to find many cars that offer one. As it is, you can't get one on an Audi A3 or a Jaguar F Type, not to mention various Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens.

Yes the automatic is a little faster and more fuel efficient, and you get more tech for your dollar, but in this case, I recommend going with your heart, not your brain. One day, you won't have the choice. Besides, the 2 Series manual is one of the nicest ones you can find.

[Ricfutures]

I've always driven manuals and decided to try the auto with the 235. The auto is no slouch but I am definitely am starting to miss rowing my own gears.

My biggest concern is the throttle response with the auto... can any confirm if this is any better with the manual?

[HX_Guy]

What's wrong with the throttle response on the auto?

I don't notice any lag or anything wrong with the response on the manual, but then again I'm coming from a CVT Audi A4 which was the worst transmission ever so my senses may be skewed.

[Neckbeardz]

I wanted the manual very badly but BMW annoyingly does not offer it on xdrive cars. I needed xdrive more than I needed manual.

[phoenixbmwlife]

Keep in mind that the resale of manual cars are harder than automatic. The real truth is there is a small number of buyers out there that go for a manual. Unless it's some rare exotic sports car your car will take a slightly bigger depreciation hit with a manual.
That being said, if you're leasing go right ahead.

[ManCityFan]

If u have the 6mt I highly recommend the m perf shift knob. improves shift feel by miles imo.

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by ManCityFan

If u have the 6mt I highly recommend the m perf shift knob. improves shift feel by miles imo.

Tell me more.

Are you talking about this one? http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/44...EAR-SHIFT-KNOB

I'd be interested but I don't like the carbon fiber since it wouldn't match the aluminum trim in the rest of the car. Anyone know if there is an aluminum version of the M Performance shift knob?

[Ricfutures]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

What's wrong with the throttle response on the auto?

I don't notice any lag or anything wrong with the response on the manual, but then again I'm coming from a CVT Audi A4 which was the worst transmission ever so my senses may be skewed.

I feel there is some minor lag when getting on the pedal. Keep in mind that I am comparing this to an E92 M3 which was instant but I feel that it could still be better.

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by Ricfutures

I feel there is some minor lag when getting on the pedal. Keep in mind that I am comparing this to an E92 M3 which was instant but I feel that it could still be better.

Is it the same whether in auto or manual mode?

[abirmaher]

Originally Posted by cloewe08

Hey everyone, I am a awaiting the arrival of my 228i

M-Sport
Estoril blue
Sunroof
Halogen lights
Dealer threw in free heated seats
6-speed manual

Has anyone else ordered a manual? BMW makes it so hard to choose the manual when you can get the 8 speed auto for free. Test drove the manual and it was nice. I just almost feel like I am throwing my money away when I get the auto for free which is faster and better gas mileage, but 50lbs heavier.

Mines a manual and im loving it!

[nachob]

Originally Posted by cloewe08

Hey everyone, I am a awaiting the arrival of my 228i

M-Sport
Estoril blue
Sunroof
Halogen lights
Dealer threw in free heated seats
6-speed manual

Has anyone else ordered a manual? BMW makes it so hard to choose the manual when you can get the 8 speed auto for free. Test drove the manual and it was nice. I just almost feel like I am throwing my money away when I get the auto for free which is faster and better gas mileage, but 50lbs heavier.

Congrats! Kudos on not just settling for what everyone else gets. You will have no choice in the future so enjoy it while you can!

[Roshi]

Mine went into 150 status on 7/3. MW, 6MT, Premium, Tech & Driver Assist. H/K Stereo, Heated seats , Alarm & Enhanced Bluetooth.

[Alpine F31]

I have the 8AT in my F30 and although it's a great automatic I really, really regret choosing the auto. You made the right choice. Congrats!

[M235iSean]

I drove several miles out of my area to test drive one with a manual as they are far and few between. I was not expecting to buy it as I just wanted to see what it drove like but I ended up buying it on the spot. I tried an automatic and it was nice, but for this car, the manual really felt like the right fit.

[one1er]

I had a huge self debate on what to go for, manual or auto and even started a few threads about it, like "have you regret your transmission choice"...

Though I haven't been able to order mine yet, I've made up my mind for the manual, because almost every pro and con can be "fixed" when having a manual...let see:

- Auto is faster from 0-60, etc: Manual solution - Increase your manual bmw's HP...there are a million ways to do it!
- Auto is more economical: Manual solution - Drive your manual sensibly, google hypermiling techniques, etc...

Now let's see the other way around:

- Manual gives better control/envolvement: Auto solution - Use your auto's manual mode?! Yeah, not even close...
- You love rowing thru gears and heal&toeing: Auto solution - uhmmm...

If you love manuals, the auto's (slim) advantages won't keep you happy for long...that's my opinion!

[tccox]

I'm 62 and have had my manual trans 228 MSport fo about 10 weeks now and LOVE IT. Had a beautiful 128 , Crimson Red loaded But was a automatic. I took a considerable hit, money wise trading in such a new car but just never warmed up to having a auto. As far as resale, my perfect 2012 128 is still sitting on dealers certified pre owned lot after ten weeks but any manual he gets in seems to sell pretty quickly.

[ManCityFan]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

Tell me more.

Are you talking about this one? http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/44...EAR-SHIFT-KNOB

I'd be interested but I don't like the carbon fiber since it wouldn't match the aluminum trim in the rest of the car. Anyone know if there is an aluminum version of the M Performance shift knob?

yes, that is the one. wouldn't really worry about it not matching your other trim, e.g. i don't have the m perf handbrake but it looks fine together.

shifter feel is subjective but imo the stock knob makes it feel like you're driving a john deere. the m perf knob is sleeker, better weighted and sits lower...also seems to shorten throws but that could be a placebo. ymmv.

[mjposner]

Wow, nearly $49k for a 228i loaded. I paid a grand more for my 235i six speed, and the only thing I don't have is the cold weather and driver assist, lighting and alarm (but I do have the hk sound).