[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by Wheelwright

I own M235i for over 3 months and the manual gearbox started grinding when executing relatively quick first - second shifts (Mind you: not abusive or even hard shifts, just moderately quick in a straight line). This worries me because based on various forums BMWs, even M-models, have fragile and underengineered gearboxes compared to heavy, yet robust Borg Vagners or Tremecs they put in American muscle.

You mean BorgWarner.

[Neckbeardz]

Auto here. Basically it came down to 6MT vs. AWD for me. I live in a city with some of the worst traffic in the western hemisphere, and 8 month long winters. I also do a fair bit of commuting even further north in the winter, where the roads are often closed. Add in better mileage, slightly faster acceleration and it wasn't too hard a decision.

I'll eventually buy a proper sports car with a manual tranny, specifically for track days and spirited joy rides.

I don't think it's fair to say that auto drivers are somehow lesser enthusiasts than 6MT drivers. The experience is entirely subjective and some people simply have different priorities.

[alz0rz]

6MT!

[Autotech]

6sp always...cant wait till i get my car!

[buumer]

Ordered with a 6mt, but then switched to an auto. 2k miles on my ED trip and no regrets. I don't have a bum knee or any wife/girl pressuring me for the auto, just think it's a great box.

I've driven manuals all my life, because the older autos were horrible. But this transmission is great on the track and in stop-go traffic, why go with anything else? I don't really derive my masculinity from the transmission choice in my car.

Ps I fully support the option of a 6mt if that's your thing

[SmallTownBoy]

Originally Posted by buumer

I don't really derive my masculinity from the transmission choice in my car.

Ps I fully support the option of a 6mt if that's your thing

My most masculine vehicles were the minivans filled with my offspring.

I got the 6MT because it's fun to drive.

[mjayjock]

I once had a discussion with a scientist developing oil additives. He told me that in the first hundreds of miles of a new car the oil had a LOT of metal parts. He said changing the oil after 1000 miles made a lot of sense. I asked my BMW dealer about this in 2005 when I picked up my 325i. He said the engines are run on a block for a significant number of hours, then the oil is changed and they are put into the car. Thus, I could wait for 15000 miles for the first oil change which I did. I just turned that car in with 120k and no problems.

Does anyone know - was that true then? Is it true now? If not I plan to change to oil with OEM BMW oil filter and the recommended oil at 1000 miles. Any advice or sight into this issue is most appreciated. I really like this car: 228i with handling package.

[235newbie]

Oil change isn't required but doing it can't do any harm, that's how I look at it. May as well treat it as well as possible...it isn't an expensive procedure.

[bman6074]

6 MT. I got it because I like having the capability of skipping gears. I use this sometimes when needing to over take another car. I can go from 6th to 3rd or 4th without having to click down on the auto. And i am not reving the engine in 3rd waiting for my opening. Hold the clutch in till i am ready to pounce. Just nice having full control of a car. Being able to modulate the clutch out can be helpful, especially in snow.
I thought about getting an auto as my friend has a 2014 335i. I test drove it and did like the paddle shifting but when it came down to it, manual was just more engaging during spirited driving and the full control is something i have come accustom to.

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

6 speed manual and it's my 10th BMW manual
325
328
Z3
Z4
330ci
335ci
M3 coupe
M3 conv
M3 coupe
M235
The only auto BMW I ever bought (other than SUV's) was a 528 and I regretted it from day 1.

Like a boss

[kz1000]

6 speed. I have never owned an auto and never will. My Dad is 73 and his Cayman is a stick. Mom caved at 70, her 328ix is an auto. I still give her crap over it.

[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by kz1000

My Dad is 73 and his Cayman is a stick. Mom caved at 70, her 328ix is an auto. I still give her crap over it.

Damn, that's harsh!

[mathis.]

Manual. At my dealership we have an IDENTICAL 235 to mine, but with 8SP, and I ordered my car (and then waited) because three pedals are just more fun.

with that being said, if i were going to have a track car/race car i'd get an 8SP. but i'm not, its just going to see backroads hoonage.

[m1cism]

Automatic.

I previously owned a 350z with manual and it was fantastic. However, if you live the wonderful state of NJ like I do, then you would not be happy with a manual on the parkway. Its annoying, especially during rush hour.

I sometimes miss manual when city driving, but then again I feel more relaxed driving with auto.

In the end, the auto trans in the F22 is fantastic. Not disappointed by any means.

[3.0L]

For you youngsters enjoying your 6-speed manuals, I'm afraid the auto industry will stop offering manual transmissions long before your left knee craps out like mine did.

[tccox]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

For you youngsters enjoying your 6-speed manuals, I'm afraid the auto industry will stop offering manual transmissions long before your left knee craps out like mine did.

62 year old youngster here loving the hell out of his manual trans 228 Msport. And my doc say doing the clutch thing is great therapy for my bum left knee.

[snodgrass23]

Just ordered an auto here. This is only the 2nd auto I've owned, but like most people replying with auto, the wife cant drive a manual. If I got the 6 speed, we'd end up driving her SUV a lot more often because there would be no option for her to drive if needed.

[mfourn20]

Signing the papers on a 6 speed tomorrow!

[mathis.]

Originally Posted by m1cism

Automatic.

I previously owned a 350z with manual and it was fantastic. However, if you live the wonderful state of NJ like I do, then you would not be happy with a manual on the parkway. Its annoying, especially during rush hour.

I sometimes miss manual when city driving, but then again I feel more relaxed driving with auto.

In the end, the auto trans in the F22 is fantastic. Not disappointed by any means.

interesting, i love driving my 6 speed on the parkway, and turnpike, and really just everywhere

[Daddycat]

Hard to refute the argument that "autos suck", ain't it? Some do--CVT, anyone? Very persuasive but I'll open myself to a flame-job anyway by saying mine is an auto.

Been driving 3-6 speed sticks almost exclusively for nearly 45 years, including the 2 cars I traded in for this one. Test drove a stick but decided on the auto for a change because of the amazing responsiveness--never experienced anything quite like this 8-speed. Enjoying it so far, perhaps will go back to a stick on my next one if they still make 'em.

It's a shame to see self-shifters disappearing, but it's just technology. Kind of like CDs. (Cause, y'know, MP3s suck...)

[ewohar]

I test drove a m235 with a manual and though I love manuals I found the positioning of the gearshift to be awkward. I am normal height/weight 5'9" and 150 lbs. I felt that the gears were way to close and had to keep my arm on the center console arm rest and couldn't relax with my hand comfortably on the gearshift.

Was kind of shifting with my wrist.

[m1cism]

Originally Posted by mathis.

interesting, i love driving my 6 speed on the parkway, and turnpike, and really just everywhere

To be fair, I don't know if you have ever driven a MT 350z, but the clutch is pretty rough.

The BMW clutches are MUCH nicer to drive, especially in traffic. But all in all, the GSP has too much traffic, haha