e90 owners: Do you have Manual (6MT) or Auto (Steptronic) Trans?

r3amir · 12-19-2005, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lux.sh

You didn't catch the main point. "Demand", not the "pricing".
Easier to sell doesn't necessarily mean more money.
Though according to basic demand theory, higher the demand, easier to sell at a better price.

Easier to sell does mean more money.

I lost some money and it was harder to sell my stick shift Integra GSR. You will be surprised how many people don't know how to drive a stick shift especially in US

poldim · 12-19-2005, 11:22 PM

I dont think it really matters, over the course of owning my car, probably 3 to 4 years, the difference will be a few hundred dollars a year in potential losses (I'm hypothesizing). Its a small price to pay to enjoy driving the 6MT.

I could really never agree with the people that complain about driving stick in rush hour traffic. I just usually put it in second and have a large enough gap in front of my that I never have to get out of that gear.

Yea, I'm the asshole with a 50 foot gap infront of me in bumper to bumper traffic.

cntlaw · 12-20-2005, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghunger

No one said step owners can't be enthusiasts. They just said enthusiasts are more likely to buy MT's than the general public (as this poll is so clearly showing

)
I'll be ordering my E90 with a 6MT. All my cars so far have had a MT and this one will be no different.

True and agree.
I admire E90 owners who has decided a 6sp even it is a hassle in jam traffic despite the Steptronic comes free. And they are definitely enthusiasts because the % of times a manual tran driver will enjoy driving is less than the Auto drivers who most of the time are more relax.

3aficionado · 12-20-2005, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r3amir

Easier to sell does mean more money.

I lost some money and it was harder to sell my stick shift Integra GSR. You will be surprised how many people don't know how to drive a stick shift especially in US

Very true. There's a reason 90% of US drivers purchase automatics. Everyone’s needs are different but an auto will sell faster and for more money than a comparably equipped manual. That being said, I choose my transmissions based on my need and not that of the next driver. My vehicles transmissions reflect their use.

croaker · 12-20-2005, 02:20 AM

6-Speed all the way

-Croaker

cntlaw · 12-20-2005, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3aficionado

Very true. There's a reason 90% of US drivers purchase automatics. Everyone’s needs are different but an auto will sell faster and for more money than a comparably equipped manual. That being said, I choose my transmissions based on my need and not that of the next driver. My vehicles transmissions reflect their use.

I believe over 98% of new private cars in Hong Kong are auto tran.

tightie · 12-20-2005, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aem

What do u mean by that?

as in, i wanted stick.

Xens · 12-20-2005, 03:26 AM

I thought the last poll returned more manual votes.

croaker · 12-20-2005, 04:41 AM

Not sure I buy the whole "AT'S are better at re-sale time" argument. I recently sold my 2000 MT Maxima and found that there was a huge demand for it simply due though the fact that it was a stick. The tuners love them. I got three grand over Blue Book for it.

-Croaker

- Paul - · 12-20-2005, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3aficionado

Very true. There's a reason 90% of US drivers purchase automatics. Everyone’s needs are different but an auto will sell faster and for more money than a comparably equipped manual. That being said, I choose my transmissions based on my need and not that of the next driver. My vehicles transmissions reflect their use.

I don't know the exact UK figures, but I do not know anyone who has an automatic.

They have an altogether different image here.

noflash · 12-20-2005, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lux.sh

Way to judge there buddy. You forgot one thing. Not everyone is stuck with one car.
Many people with BMW is rich enough to have a good life driving both manual and auto cars.

Nothing feels better than waking up in the morning, go to your garage and say, "so which tranny should I go for today?"

I'm not judging you for having an AT. I can appreciate the virtues of it.

I'm just judging those who made it to being an adult without learning to drive a MT -- thereby being slightly less of a man.

Oh, and if you can afford TWO CARS(!) then you are a SuperMan!!

davinet78 · 12-20-2005, 09:18 AM

if you want to have fun you just have to have a manual transmission.

lux.sh · 12-20-2005, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noflash

I'm not judging you for having an AT. I can appreciate the virtues of it.

I'm just judging those who made it to being an adult without learning to drive a MT -- thereby being slightly less of a man.

Oh, and if you can afford TWO CARS(!) then you are a SuperMan!!

hahaha I was just playing with ya with the judge comment. No harsh feelings.

I agree. Every men should know how to drive a stick. AT LEAST know how to drive a manual tranny. I don't care if they have one, had one, don't have one, never had one, or even if they don't want one.
So I totally understand your point. And as for the two cars comment, honestly, I just can't find a buyer yet. LOL.

but yes, I do drive the manual time to time, and its MUCH more fun to drive. Downshifting from 5th to 3rd while highway cruising and going wide open throttle is just pure adrenaline rush.

noflash · 12-20-2005, 10:14 AM

Mmmmm, 5th to 3rd...

shim · 12-20-2005, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcrox

I am enjoying the very versatile steptronic transmission.

couldnt have said it better. im with u on that one.

3aficionado · 12-20-2005, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stnewcar

I don't know the exact UK figures, but I do not know anyone who has an automatic.

They have an altogether different image here.

That is true. I can’t seem to find the articles online right now. The last article I read stated Europe (as a whole) sells 70% manuals and gave fuel cost/economy as the top reason. It went on to state automatic sales in Europe are on the rise due to better engine technology allowing autos to get increased mileage.

3aficionado · 12-20-2005, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by croaker

Not sure I buy the whole "AT'S are better at re-sale time" argument. I recently sold my 2000 MT Maxima and found that there was a huge demand for it simply due though the fact that it was a stick. The tuners love them. I got three grand over Blue Book for it.

-Croaker

Did it sell for 3 grand more due to the manual transmission or for numerous other reasons?

Every country’s resale market is different. In the US with 90% of vehicles sold being autos the demand for autos in the resale market is considerably greater. Some articles go as far as to state manuals in the US get 20-30% less than their automatic counterparts*. I’m not sure if I agree with that large of a number.

I have sold several vehicles with different transmissions. In my experience there is always a buyer for a good car. But manuals do take longer to sell and normally will go for less than an auto. The exceptions to that rule are sports cars where the average driver expects a manual (M series, Porsche, Vette, etc).

As I have stated before, I buy my vehicles based on what makes me happy and for what I plan on using the vehicle. Loosing some time and money doesn’t bother me.

* http://www.smartmotorist.com/awd/awd.htm

View Poll Results: Do you have Manual (6MT) or Auto (Steptronic) Trans?
Manual Transmission (6MT)	168	56.38%
Automatic Transmission (6-spd Steptronic)	130	43.62%
Voters: 298. You may not vote on this poll

12-19-2005, 11:22 PM	#68
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	I dont think it really matters, over the course of owning my car, probably 3 to 4 years, the difference will be a few hundred dollars a year in potential losses (I'm hypothesizing). Its a small price to pay to enjoy driving the 6MT. I could really never agree with the people that complain about driving stick in rush hour traffic. I just usually put it in second and have a large enough gap in front of my that I never have to get out of that gear. Yea, I'm the asshole with a 50 foot gap infront of me in bumper to bumper traffic. __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
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12-20-2005, 02:20 AM	#71
croaker First Lieutenant 56 Rep 340 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	6-Speed all the way -Croaker __________________ E90 330i Monaco Blue, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim, Six Speed, Aluminum Pedals, M-Shifter, Sport Package, Premium Package, Winter Package, Comfort Access, Navigation Holding a space for Racing Green Lotus Elise
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12-20-2005, 03:26 AM	#74
Xens Eh 108 Rep 653 Posts Drives: Is Turbo'd Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I thought the last poll returned more manual votes.
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12-20-2005, 04:41 AM	#75
croaker First Lieutenant 56 Rep 340 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Not sure I buy the whole "AT'S are better at re-sale time" argument. I recently sold my 2000 MT Maxima and found that there was a huge demand for it simply due though the fact that it was a stick. The tuners love them. I got three grand over Blue Book for it. -Croaker __________________ E90 330i Monaco Blue, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim, Six Speed, Aluminum Pedals, M-Shifter, Sport Package, Premium Package, Winter Package, Comfort Access, Navigation Holding a space for Racing Green Lotus Elise
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12-20-2005, 09:18 AM	#78
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	if you want to have fun you just have to have a manual transmission. __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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12-20-2005, 10:14 AM	#80
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Mmmmm, 5th to 3rd...
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