[ambystom01]

Supposedly BMW is going to drop the manual option for the M240i, perhaps the entire 2-series line. Anybody else heard this?

[nikman011]

I wouldn't be shocked as the dealer (in August when I was buying) told me that fewer than 10% of the 2 series vehicles sold are manual trans

[SteveInfante]

This has been discussed a bazillion times in here. Not likely. The 2 series is the rebirth of the undercover enthusiasts car for BMW. Why would they screw that up by not offering a manual to us here in the US when the rest of the world drives manuals and they make them anyway.

[Ron Jeffries]

me, i’d upgrade to a dct if i could. thing i miss most from my 135is.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by Ron Jeffries

me, i’d upgrade to a dct if i could. thing i miss most from my 135is.

What does that have to do with BMW dropping the manual or not? The majority of BMW buyers opt for the automatic, we already know that. So you're far from being alone there. The question was if anyone heard definitive information that BMW would be dropping the manual from the 2 Series.

[p912guy]

Discuss ad nauseum here. Current trends at Ferrari, Porsche and even BWM suggest it will happen sooner or later. No worries for me now - I have my m235i convertible with MT and unless it's totaled in a accident sometime in the next 5-6 years, I won't be in the market for a replacement. By then who knows what flavors will be available.

[ambystom01]

I'm interested in getting an M240i in 2019. However, if they're gonna phase out the manual, maybe I'll have to move it up.

[CP911]

Just a rumor at this point. If it does happen, it likely won't be until the next-gen, possibly UKL (FWD) platform-based 2 series. I highly doubt the manual will be gone for the 2019 model year. Also, if I recall, wasn't there some BMW exec that is on record saying manuals will be around for the next gen due to the "people making their decision" (or something to that effect) i.e. opting for manual enough on the 2 series to make it worth their time even in the next-gen? Wish I could find it right now... the 10% take rate figure mentioned in this thread seems low. Maybe for cars sold off the lot, since BMW only seems to keep automatic/X-drive models on the lot 90% of the time. I'm curious to know how many 2 series vehicles have been special ordered vs. sold off the lot and of those ordered, how many were spec'ed with a manual transmission.

[rich8566]

The manual "take rate" for the M2 is 40%. This has exceeded BMW's expectations.

[BillD1953]

I ordered my 228i base coupe RWD 6MT. I'm in NH/ME....xdrive country. not many RWDs in addition to manuals.

[Maynard]

Originally Posted by ambystom01

I'm interested in getting an M240i in 2019. However, if they're gonna phase out the manual, maybe I'll have to move it up.

...and another ad exec gets his wings, once again exploiting the endless, and thus far groundless, fear that these are going away soon. But please buy one, and get your friends to buy one, because I really don't want them to stop making them in the next few cycles. I'm probably jaded, because I was actually worried when Porsche announced the definite end date for the 911. I think that was in 1979, and the resulting sales boom has served as a model for the corporate wide version of that used car salesman cliché ("somebody else was just looking at it, and is going to be here later with the cash - better buy it now....")

[amw896]

It's already been announced. Bmw is transitioning to cvt since it has the fastest shift times.

[Rony316]

Originally Posted by amw896

It's already been announced. Bmw is transitioning to cvt since it has the fastest shift times.

Do you mean DCT, cuz cvt don't really shift?

[amw896]

Originally Posted by Rony316

Do you mean DCT, cuz cvt don't really shift?

Exactly, the cvt is just that fast that it doesn't even need to shift.

[Dylan86]

New G platform for the next wave of M cars has 6MT options, and I suspect any M-variant will also have a 6MT option, with exception of the 4-door M340i w/LSD that will only be available in 8AT, at time of launch. I wouldn't be too concerned, yet, though.

Strongly considering an M340i/8AT as my future family car, though (as much as I love MT) it ticks all of the boxes for my DD wants

[Tpeterson]

I don't want see the demise of the MT, but I think a bigger threat to those of us who like to drive is the self driving vehicle. I hope they are like the announced end of the 911-premature. But I'm not optimistic about that.

[pz619]

Originally Posted by amw896

Exactly, the cvt is just that fast that it doesn't even need to shift.

Good god man.... don’t give them any ideas.

[Ron Jeffries]

I've got torque all the way across the rev range. Please, no, don't give me that stuck-RPM buzzing CVT acceleration.

I do confess I'm wondering why I need all those shift points that drop RPM by around 500-1000 RPM though ...

[amw896]

Originally Posted by pz619

Good god man.... don’t give them any ideas.

It's where all of it is going. Wouldn't shock me at all if they put one in. If somehow, it would be able to handle the power.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by amw896

It's where all of it is going. Wouldn't shock me at all if they put one in. If somehow, it would be able to handle the power.

Oh a CVT can handle the power if it's the right design.

CVTs come in several designs. The ones we're most familiar with, the belt-driven ones, are used primarily because they're relatively cheap to build and maintain. There are other designs, however, that range from those designed to supply propulsive power to multiple functions (hydrostatic CVTs in combines, earth-moving equipment, and military tanks) to others that operate much like differentials and are completely gear-driven.

Put it this way: CVTs were banned from F1 at one point because of the unfair advantage it could have potentially given the team that implemented it first.

[amw896]

Originally Posted by Viffermike

Oh a CVT can handle the power if it's the right design.

CVTs come in several designs. The ones we're most familiar with, the belt-driven ones, are used primarily because they're relatively cheap to build and maintain. There are other designs, however, that range from those designed to supply propulsive power to multiple functions (hydrostatic CVTs in combines, earth-moving equipment, and military tanks) to others that operate much like differentials and are completely gear-driven.

Put it this way: CVTs were banned from F1 at one point because of the unfair advantage it could have potentially given the team that implemented it first.

I believe it. My wife has one in her Ct. My conclusion is that it's the lamest pile of garbage ever. I'd rather drive my 68hp 5spd Mazda3. But yes, you are right. It is ever so efficient.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by amw896

I believe it. My wife has one in her Ct. My conclusion is that it's the lamest pile of garbage ever. I'd rather drive my 68hp 5spd Mazda3. But yes, you are right. It is ever so efficient.

Yeah, I had a CT F Sport two cars ago. The CVT in it was ... interesting ... (and that experience is why I know a bit about CVTs: rote curiosity.)

I think in the right application, a CVT in a performance vehicle could be incredible for some of the same reasons high-performance EVs are incredible. The problem is getting the public to subscribe -- and, thus, a CVT in a performance vehicle will be a tough sell. In fact, it'll be far more tough than an EV because automakers don't have any exterior incentive to manufacture one like they do EVs.