Has BMW Ever Explained Why They Won't Offer a Manual in the M235i xDrive? |
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02-06-2014, 12:09 PM | #1 |
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Has BMW Ever Explained Why They Won't Offer a Manual in the M235i xDrive?
I've been shopping a 435i xDrive with a manual transmission for about 4 months now. Because of some of the poor feedback I've been hearing in terms of the 4-series size / steering / feedback, however, I've also started to consider the possibility of an M235i which seems like a really nice car (and also about $10k cheaper fully loaded if you're going to buy it outright).
My understanding from reading news and forum posts is that xDrive iscoming to the 2-series in the US-- BMW is being kind of coy about formally confirming it but everyone knows it should be here by the summer. But I've also heard--more speculatively--that they don't plan to allow customers to select a 6MT if they select xDrive. If that's true, it's really disappointing news to me! Is this a "for sure" thing? Meaning, is there really no chance that they're going to allow us to pair xDrive with a 6MT in the US? Usually, BMW seems to be willing to flood the market with as many possible combinations of models / options as they can think of. So it's hard for me to understand why they wouldn't offer this particular combination. Especially when they do offer it on the 435i. (I'm a manual enthusiast but I also strongly prefer to have AWD because of the area I live in.) Is this a technical limitation? A marketing decision? Something else? Last edited by ArthurKing1220; 02-06-2014 at 12:24 PM.. |
02-06-2014, 12:36 PM | #2 |
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According to a leaked November 2013 internal bulletin from BMW Canada, "no manual will be offered on either xdrive variant." I would think BMW will do the same for the states, but who knows.
BMW usually limits options pretty significantly imo. For instance, colors for the 235 and 228 MSport line are limited, and you can't get black window trim for 228 unless you opt for MSport, among other things. |
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02-06-2014, 03:02 PM | #3 |
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It's a business decision. The number of people who buy any M235i with a manual is small and the number who opt for Xdrive and a manual is an even more minuscule fraction of sales. Developing that car simply isn't worth it
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02-06-2014, 03:22 PM | #4 |
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Is there really that much additional engineering design cost required to create that combination? They are manufacturing F22s with xDrive. They are manufacturing F22s with manual transmissions. What's the great engineering / cost leap involved in combining a manual and AWD system on the same platform? Particularly where they've already demonstrated an ability and willingness to do that exact combination with the F30/F32. I feel like I'm trying to convince the BMW board here to reconsider their decision.
Last edited by ArthurKing1220; 02-06-2014 at 03:42 PM.. |
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02-06-2014, 03:44 PM | #5 | |
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02-06-2014, 03:56 PM | #6 | |
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Not sure why it would be offered on the F30 but obviously they sell a lot more of those so maybe that's why. I'm sure it's not really THAT costly to offer the option on the 2-series but its pretty easy to see why they would forego it. |
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02-06-2014, 04:35 PM | #7 |
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It simplifies the build process. IF the take rate on the manual trans were higher they'd offer it. This car will be a hoot w xDrive and the 8speed you may like mormight have expected. Drive it, you may still but it, only you will know.
Resale is also going to be higher on the 8speed Auto. |
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02-06-2014, 05:28 PM | #8 | |
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Sadly the take rate for manuals is so low that I am surprised they offer it at all in any of their cars. I will also say that I am not buying a new F31 because I can't get it in RWD + manual. I'm going to save $10k and get a 228i instead, and keep my e91 until the wheels fall off. |
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02-06-2014, 06:02 PM | #9 | ||
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to address the original poster, I'd say BMW knows it's customer base and knows the majority of 'enthusiasts' who want a manual will *probably* go after the RWD version over the AWD one. |
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6-speed, 6mt, m235i, manual, xdrive |
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