[m0viestar]

We put in an order for an ED M235i in automatic this past weekend. However, I think I am suffering from a bit of buyers remorse right now.

We ordered the car in automatic. The idea being my wife will be driving the car and she can't drive a 6spd. But I will be the primary driver and I feel like i'll be jonesing for the row your own option after some spirited drives.

Everything I read says its a beautiful automatic transmission, but in my head I still have this stigma about automatic transmissions being like my beater 97 Corolla and for people who get cars without caring about them much. Please tell me i'm wrong.

Also, on a side note has anyone made a switch from an STI to an M235i? After test driving the M235i I was impressed by how comfortable and quick it was compared to my STI, we almost sold both cars and got two!

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by m0viestar

We put in an order for an ED M235i in automatic this past weekend. However, I think I am suffering from a bit of buyers remorse right now.

We ordered the car in automatic. The idea being my wife will be driving the car and she can't drive a 6spd. But I will be the primary driver and I feel like i'll be jonesing for the row your own option after some spirited drives.

Everything I read says its a beautiful automatic transmission, but in my head I still have this stigma about automatic transmissions being like my beater 97 Corolla and for people who get cars without caring about them much. Please tell me i'm wrong.

Also, on a side note has anyone made a switch from an STI to an M235i? After test driving the M235i I was impressed by how comfortable and quick it was compared to my STI, we almost sold both cars and got two!

It's probably the best application of an automatic trans you've ever experienced. OTOH, only two pedals and not as much to keep your right arm involved. You're not wrong, or right, it's just how you feel and what you enjoy....and might miss.

[sstarrx3]

The way I see it there will eventually be that time she will need to drive the car and with the AT you will be set. With the 6MT you will be in a pickle. My wife does not drive MT either. She still has not driven my 2er yet...but when that day comes she will be able to. It really is a nice AT...always in the right gear.

[Silvermike]

I've found the better solution was to teach the wife how to drive manual.

[Wheelwright]

Good choice. Much quicker and more reliable. As an owner of M235i I personally got burned on manual because it continues to grind 2nd gear. Now I live in constant fear that my dealer (or BMW itself) won't replace the transmission for the second time blaming my shifting technique instead. If they do replace it I will probably sell this BMW-branded POS because ALL IT TAKES IS ONE GRIND in 2nd gear to keep degrading the synchro which will eventually in a month or two require a complete transmission replacement (which in my estimate costs 7-8k outside of warranty). I can't live with that fear of financial ruin hanging over me. As an owner of an automatic you can actually enjoy the car in peace because it is much harder to shift the blame on the driver if something goes wrong with the transmission.

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by Silvermike

I've found the better solution was to teach the wife how to drive manual.

Tried that 20 years ago....in no way is that a better solution.

[Silvermike]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

Tried that 20 years ago....in no way is that a better solution.

Maybe I'm just lucky then

[m0viestar]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

Tried that 20 years ago....in no way is that a better solution.

I have been trying, unfortunately she's 5 foot nothing and can't press the clutch pedal down all the way on any car we've tried

[TXSoxFan]

I was just grappling with the same thing, and have the same exact circumstance in that the wife can't drive a 6MT. I tried teaching her once before, but she was not getting it and we abandoned it. That being said, I ordered my M235i in a 6MT. I just really wanted a MT in this particular car, and the wife really wants to learn MT, so we will make another run at it. I figured I drive it 90% of the time anyway, so hopefully it ends up being a win-win. We'll see how it goes.

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by Silvermike

Maybe I'm just lucky then

You are lucky...cant tell you how frustrating my experience was. I would rather get a colonoscopy than go through that again!

[Luftwaffe1O1]

I went for the auto instead of the manual (I have a 5MT Z3 for my rowing gear needs), but basically I had heard nothing but good things about this auto, and I really don't regret getting the manual.

Buddy of mine picked up a 6spd M235i, and after driving the auto, he said he preferred the 8AT, car just felt quicker. But he had a similar issue wen he got his first M4 with the DCT. Got rid of it after a few weeks for an M3 6spd (had a kid wanted rear doors), and after about a month or so, got rid of the 6spd M3 and got a DCT F80.

From my viewpoint, if I had no other manual car, I would have gone for the 6speed, but I do not regret the auto at all.

[Gatte]

It is your car after all so your happiness and contentment should probably take first priority over the Mrs.' and vice versa. If you like the manual, you should just go for it.

Then again, I've never been married so probably don't know what I'm speaking about.

[Silvermike]

Originally Posted by m0viestar

I have been trying, unfortunately she's 5 foot nothing and can't press the clutch pedal down all the way on any car we've tried

Tell her u will buy her a sexy pair of Louboutins if she can reach the pedal.

Where there is a will there is a way.

[hyperzulu]

Originally Posted by Silvermike

Tell her u will buy her a sexy pair of Louboutins if she can reach the pedal.

Where there is a will there is a way.

There is an Agent Provocateur in Munich. Tell her you'll buy her a new dress

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by Gatte

It is your car after all so your happiness and contentment should probably take first priority over the Mrs.' and vice versa. If you like the manual, you should just go for it.

Then again, I've never been married so probably don't know what I'm speaking about.

Having been married for 20 years I can tell you this approach is not in his best interest. I have used this approach on a couple of motorcycles and a car. Its not worth it!! Its really hard to make a decision without spousal approval. Everything must be talked through and agreed upon. Marital red tape I call it!

[SmoWilly]

You'll have people tell you that you won;t have a true "connection to the car" but in the end, you'll still have a connection with your wife. Given the choice, the car be damned.

Either way you're getting a great car that drives equally well, if not better with the auto, is quicker, more fuel efficient, and will have better resale in the future (if it matters). It will also save your leg in traffic, free up an arm to drink a coffee with or hug your wife.

Don't look back.

[m0viestar]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

Having been married for 20 years I can tell you this approach is not in his best interest. I have used this approach on a couple of motorcycles and a car. Its not worth it!! Its really hard to make a decision without spousal approval. Everything must be talked through and agreed upon. Marital red tape I call it!

Happy wife happy life. The only reason she agreed to spending this much on a car in the first place is so that she could drive it!

I think I might just have to convince her to keep the STI now...

[edhawk]

I have had 2 Sti's, an 08 hatch and 12 sedan. No comparison between the 2 in my opinion. I loved my Sti's, but this is a whole different ball game. The adjustable suspension is great, being able to go to comfort mode and my coffee doesn't bounce out of the cup holder like it would in the ever so stiff Sti. I had an Accessport on my Sti, just level 1 but the M235 is still faster and smoother power delivery. The 08 was an understeering pig, the 12 handled better than the 08. Haven't pushed the M235 much yet as I still have on the winter tires right now.
I opted for the x drive and have the automatic and don't regret it 1 bit. This is my first auto in over 20 years, but it is a great transmission. Can still have fun in manual mode and it is very aggressive with up and down shifts.
Best option I can recommend is the M Performance Exhaust, love it!
If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask!
Ed

[configt]

I have also owned an STi, a 2015 STi to be exact. I went from STi to GTR to M235i within a year. I also went with the automatic and absolutely love it. I find that in most cases in sport mode it actually shifts quicker and is smarter than the GTR. Compared to the STi it is a much smoother revving, smoother driving, refined experience. You made the right choice.

[Silvermike]

Originally Posted by configt

I have also owned an STi, a 2015 STi to be exact. I went from STi to GTR to M235i within a year. I also went with the automatic and absolutely love it. I find that in most cases in sport mode it actually shifts quicker and is smarter than the GTR. Compared to the STi it is a much smoother revving, smoother driving, refined experience. You made the right choice.

u owned a Sexually Transmitted Infection?



...my beef with the GTR is that tranny.

[Cyberdemon]

The 8AT is a phenomenal transmission, I gave up a long line of MT cars due to wife + knee problems and I miss the 6MT but as soon as I hit a traffic jam I realize I'm still happy with my choice 99% of the time.

[3.0L]

I rowed manual transmissions for 50 years and generally enjoyed it. And of course, until recently, automatic transmissions really sucked. Automatics of the past reduced car performance and fuel mileage. But that is not true anymore.

So the way I see it, manuals are becoming more nostalgic than anything, and I think that is fine.

There seems to be 3 reasons for going with the very fine automatic: your spouse can drive it; better performance, and simply old age - you've done if for decades and your left knee is now reminding you.

I'm thankful that I didn't have to give in to an old 2-speed peanut-butter drive automatic. Heh!

Yes, things have improved. Pick your tranny and have fun.