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      09-20-2014, 04:08 PM   #1
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Is it odd that a fan of the 6-Speed manual is impressed with the 8-Speed Automatic?

I've driven a new 320i 6-Speed manual shift sedan, I loved it.

I've owned two BMW's in the past, both manual transmission, I loved them.

I ordered my 228i Sport with the manual transmission.

I've driven two luxury line 228i's with the 8-Speed automatic transmission. I freakin love it! It's more fun than imagined. It feels very sporty and very responsive. The paddle shifters only add to the fun! I truly understand why all articles rave about it. And oh yeah, it has launch control!

But why am I beating myself up for wanting the 8-Speed Automatic. It's an awesome transmission with a performance oriented attitude. I don't like it simply because it's the rage, I like it because it's more fun than I imagined. I don't understand how an automatic transmission can deliver just as much fun as a manual transmission.

My quandary is that I have one week to decide on a change-order. I love both transmissions. The biggest problem is that I am having a difficult trim wrapping my brain around the fact that its a new world in advanced technology in today's cars and their transmissions equating to better performance.
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      09-20-2014, 04:17 PM   #2
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What is there to worry about? LOL...been a manual person for over 45 years, and this new AT is just awesome. No debate, no regrets and in Houston traffic, you just might be glad you did.

I risk flames, but don't care. There is just a continued pride thing about manuals. So visceral some would say--as I used to.

But the AT is also such a stitch.

If you think you will be without "running water & electricity" or some other emotional trauma--get the manual.

BUT, just know that a lot of us are grinning a LOT with this AT now.

Your call.
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      09-20-2014, 04:33 PM   #3
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Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. I like the automatic transmission, provided that I order it, I know I'll love it.


Quote:
Originally Posted by zkeeper View Post
What is there to worry about? LOL...been a manual person for over 45 years, and this new AT is just awesome. No debate, no regrets and in Houston traffic, you just might be glad you did.

I risk flames, but don't care. There is just a continued pride thing about manuals. So visceral some would say--as I used to.

But the AT is also such a stitch.

If you think you will be without "running water & electricity" or some other emotional trauma--get the manual.

BUT, just know that a lot of us are grinning a LOT with this AT now.

Your call.
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      09-20-2014, 05:09 PM   #4
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What percentage of your driving is in traffic?
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      09-20-2014, 05:45 PM   #5
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I've always been a manual person myself, but I love my 8speed auto.
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      09-20-2014, 06:38 PM   #6
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I rarely drive in traffic. I'd say less than 5% of the time.
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Originally Posted by rickinaz View Post
What percentage of your driving is in traffic?
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      09-20-2014, 07:17 PM   #7
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If you have thought about getting the auto for more than five minutes then I will suggets to get it.
I ordered mine with manual transmission and I have absolutely no regret even after having driven a 2014 328i rental for a week.
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      09-20-2014, 07:29 PM   #8
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The 8spd is deeply impressive. The very best automatic I have ever driven. It is good enough that I would settle for it on a car where the manual is not offered, like the 328d. I still would not choose it over the manual.
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      09-20-2014, 08:14 PM   #9
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Quote:
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I rarely drive in traffic. I'd say less than 5% of the time.
And you live in Houston??
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      09-20-2014, 08:44 PM   #10
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Fortunately I have the option for a flexible schedule. I'm fortunate to have a job that allows me to not drive in predicted traffic times i.e. morning or evening rush hour. Start your day around 9 or 10 and be home by 4 and you avoid much traffic. Plan business meetings near your residence. It can be done, even in Houston.
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And you live in Houston??
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      09-20-2014, 08:48 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1ChrisRuck View Post
Fortunately I have the option for a flexible schedule. I'm fortunate to have a job that allows me to not drive in predicted traffic times i.e. morning or evening rush hour. Start your day around 9 or 10 and be home by 4 and you avoid much traffic. Plan business meetings near your residence. It can be done, even in Houston.
Nice isnt it!? I work from home office too 100% of the time. I will never put more than 5-6 thousand miles a year on my car.
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      09-20-2014, 08:54 PM   #12
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Agreed! I drive approximately 7-8 thousand miles a year. The best part is driving pretty much when its convenient for you...
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Nice isnt it!? I work from home office too 100% of the time. I will never put more than 5-6 thousand miles a year on my car.
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      09-20-2014, 10:21 PM   #13
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I use to be a manual person but got the 8 speed. No regrets. How can you complain when the car is faster and gets better mileage with the auto?
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      09-21-2014, 12:52 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1ChrisRuck View Post
Fortunately I have the option for a flexible schedule. I'm fortunate to have a job that allows me to not drive in predicted traffic times i.e. morning or evening rush hour. Start your day around 9 or 10 and be home by 4 and you avoid much traffic. Plan business meetings near your residence. It can be done, even in Houston.
Haha that's cool. I was only saying that bc Houston almost always has bad traffic cause of all the construction, but of course depends on where you gotta go.
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      09-21-2014, 12:53 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sstarrx3 View Post
Nice isnt it!? I work from home office too 100% of the time. I will never put more than 5-6 thousand miles a year on my car.
Dang, I'm the opposite... travel Mon through Thurs but few miles for me, too. What do you do?
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      09-21-2014, 05:43 AM   #16
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I was a manual guy as well, but drove an M3 DCT and was hooked. If the 235i had a 7 speed dct I would have gone that route, but I went manual instead. I drove the zf 8 in the new Jag F, and its a 1/2 slower than the dct, but still the best slush box I have ever driven.

I am thinking about a 235i convertible for ed next fall, may even consider testing the 8 speed before ordering.
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      09-21-2014, 09:26 AM   #17
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I am ordering 8 zf on my 2er. Just a phenomenal bit of technology. Better value.
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      09-21-2014, 09:42 AM   #18
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There can be no doubt that the 8 speed is faster, improves fuel economy (slightly) and is likely the finest auto ever made. This isn't about "grading" the quality of the transmissions. This is simply about whether you want to engage with three pedals every day...or not. The hardware with either choice is above reproach. I did and will again choose three pedals but this is as personal as color. There is no wrong or surprising answer.

If you live life by tenths of a second on a stopwatch and saw the clutch as a necessary evil, by all means enjoy the automatic. If you see two pedals as wasting and boring a part of your mind and body, it's a great stick!
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      09-21-2014, 10:32 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1ChrisRuck View Post
I've driven a new 320i 6-Speed manual shift sedan, I loved it.

I've owned two BMW's in the past, both manual transmission, I loved them.

I ordered my 228i Sport with the manual transmission.

I've driven two luxury line 228i's with the 8-Speed automatic transmission. I freakin love it! It's more fun than imagined. It feels very sporty and very responsive. The paddle shifters only add to the fun! I truly understand why all articles rave about it. And oh yeah, it has launch control!

But why am I beating myself up for wanting the 8-Speed Automatic. It's an awesome transmission with a performance oriented attitude. I don't like it simply because it's the rage, I like it because it's more fun than I imagined. I don't understand how an automatic transmission can deliver just as much fun as a manual transmission.

My quandary is that I have one week to decide on a change-order. I love both transmissions. The biggest problem is that I am having a difficult trim wrapping my brain around the fact that its a new world in advanced technology in today's cars and their transmissions equating to better performance.
When I bought my Cayman, I was wowed by the PDK (I think many of us on here can agree it's probably the best automatic transmission one can buy for under $100k...assuming you don't go crazy on other options ).

I thought it's so fast and so cool...but then I really thought about it (and I drive 60 miles a day in LA traffic), and I realized...the wow factor would wear off fast, I'd never really use the paddles and after a while I'd just be bored. I recently had a new 981 Boxster loaner with the PDK...again I thought it was solo cool at first. By the end of the day, I was so happy to have my 6MT back. I'm not saying that will be the case for you, but if you really are a stick lover, think long and hard about the switch.
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      09-21-2014, 11:31 AM   #20
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Add me to the list of long-time manual enthusiasts who went to the dark side. I absolutely love my 8-speed automatic. I'm mentioning this after 50 years of driving manual trannys.

Oh my, I think I just dated myself. Heh!
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      09-21-2014, 11:34 AM   #21
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I've also always driven manual. But I'm getting the sports auto for my next car. I can't do traffic anymore with a manual!
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      09-21-2014, 12:24 PM   #22
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I am definitely a manual guy and know that the wow wears off fast too but I have said it over and over again, the 8 speed in the M235i is really a great automatic. I said it in reference to many griping it wasn't a DCT. I found it quick but smoother than DCTs. It's great at stop and go too. If I had to go automatic for some handicap, I would be very happy with it. But as long as my left leg works fine, I enjoy the MT.
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