Stick or auto tranny?

[1050Wien]

Originally Posted by eMINI

I'm into the manual shifting thing because I like the increased involvement it provides. Call me old-fashioned, but none of the clutchless transmissions duplicates that experience.

Right on!

[plien69]

Originally Posted by Duckw

Somehow, a mechanical connection between engine and wheels just seems more right than a viscous one.

+1
For me, this is the primary differentiator between transmission types. It either has a mechanical coupling at all times, or it doesn't. How the shifts are effected (traditional stick+clutch, paddles, Steptronic) is secondary.

It's all about the linearity between throttle pedal position and accelerative force. If I stab at the throttle pedal, I want the engine to respond in like fashion. I don't want a torque converter buffering that input.

People tend to get hung up on paddles vs. no paddles, as if transmissions that have paddles (SMG, DSG, Steptronic) are all the same regardless of the interior mechanicals.

[chrisxy1]

Looking forward to going back to a regular auto; I do a lot of city driving, and don't care to manually change gears.

Audi DSG? I have it in my 3.2 A3; hate it! When it doesn't mis-shift, or lag, it works fast, and you will be impressed. Be sure to get it if you like jerky starts and slow downs, more challenges to parking in tight spots (it is at it's worst at driving 5mph or less, especially on a hill), and wondering if it will make the right gear selection when you really need the power the most, like passing another car. On the track, i'm sure its good. Real life driving, imho, it sucks!

Chris

[Bill K]

One of the reason im leaning toward the auto is because (flame me if you will) being that i have an S2000, any
other manual will probably not be as good.

[1ster]

Originally Posted by Bill K

One of the reason im leaning toward the auto is because (flame me if you will) being that i have an S2000, any
other manual will probably not be as good.

So an auto will be as good?

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by 1ster

So an auto will be as good?

Probably not, but it would be hard to go from snik snik
to longer throws. Dunno its a hard call.

[ttdmac]

Hopefully a new short shift kit with better bushings will help remove some of the rubbery feel of the BMW linkage.

[Bill K]

^^^ I belive the 335 has a kit, so there's no reason the 135 shouldnt have one as well.

[OniKoroshi]

Originally Posted by Bill K

One of the reason im leaning toward the auto is because (flame me if you will) being that i have an S2000, any
other manual will probably not be as good.

+1 for Honda transmissions, god I love em so much!

The Evo X DCT seems to be getting good reviews and that's tested on a pre-production model. They're still working out the tweaks but I would love my next car to have a DCT.

[AwesomeBMW]

stick

[gimme135]

Originally Posted by OniKoroshi

+1 for Honda transmissions, god I love em so much! ...

Hold on just a minute. Don't be so inclusive. Have you driven the stick (assuming you're talking love for their manual trannies) in an Accord or Civic or Prelude? They're totally soft and gross and a jello-like dissociated feel!

[Imprezin]

Manual all the way........

[MastaMind]

Originally Posted by plien69

+1
For me, this is the primary differentiator between transmission types. It either has a mechanical coupling at all times, or it doesn't. How the shifts are effected (traditional stick+clutch, paddles, Steptronic) is secondary.

It's all about the linearity between throttle pedal position and accelerative force. If I stab at the throttle pedal, I want the engine to respond in like fashion. I don't want a torque converter buffering that input.

People tend to get hung up on paddles vs. no paddles, as if transmissions that have paddles (SMG, DSG, Steptronic) are all the same regardless of the interior mechanicals.

I feel EXACTLY the same about expecting linear throttle response. It drives me nuts when I press on the throttle lightly to accelerate but I'm met with little or no response.

Those with medical conditions are definitely entitled to an auto, but most other enthusiasts will probably stick to stick.

[alex2364]

Originally Posted by gimme135

Hold on just a minute. Don't be so inclusive. Have you driven the stick (assuming you're talking love for their manual trannies) in an Accord or Civic or Prelude? They're totally soft and gross and a jello-like dissociated feel!

I've driven stick shifts in S2000, Civic, E46, and my modded RSX with short shift kit. The worst was E46 because the throws were so long. It felt like I was driving a tractor trailer compared to the S2000.

[DimaGt]

If you got two hands and two feet and know how to shift, why would even consider auto?... Manual all the way!!!!
P.S How many threads are we going to have about manual vs. auto?

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by DimaGt

I
P.S How many threads are we going to have about manual vs. auto?

My guess is an infinite number as long as this site is active.

[Mpulse]

I'm a stick guy but when I drove a 335 with the auto and new software, I was impressed. Upshifts and downshifts. One of the key elements is that BMW wrote the software so the torque converter locks up at a low speed. This means there is very little loss (slush) from the torque converter and so it acts more like a manual. The nice thing is you don't have to worry about putting the clutch in when you come to a stop. Also you don't have to worry about an over rev by going down too many gears.
:iono:
That said, I'm still undecided.

[Imola.ZHP]

I agree on the clicky click of a Honda 6-speed. Keep in mind there is a difference from a DX civic 5-speed and an s2000 or an RSX-S. I had an RSX-S with a neuspeed short shift kit and loved it.

The first thing I noticed and asked friends about was the gear-change action on my e46. Being a 6-speed ZHP its shorter than a normal 330i, but its far from stock or a short-shift kitted s2000 or RSX-S...

What it lacks in the clicky click shifter feel it makes up for in other area's. I've not researched a short or more positive feeling shift kit for my e46, I didnt want to be dissappointed after spending money and still not getting the clicky click of a 6-speed honda tranny...

With all of that said, I'll still keep buying manual's, until I'm physically unable to drive one...

[1ToBeOn2Wheels]

Originally Posted by gimme135

I've always thought of BMWs as silky-smooth stick shift ultimate driving machines...

Silky-smooth stick shift? I always found them a bit rough and notchy in comparison to the Japanese cars I've had. But then again, maybe the E46 M3's stick was just notchy by nature.

[Redline]

paddle shiftin don't feel like it fits a saloon car.
in my mind it fits super cars like Ferrari, M6, Lamborghini, and basically cars that look like it can really fly and only has 2 doors.

For sedan/saloon cars, stick shift is a must....

oh yea..i watch too much Transporter

[IrvRobinson2]

even though the traffic in the Chicagoland area is pretty bad, I still enjoy more a manual transmission. And especially on the 135i with that much power underneath the hood

[Mpulse]

I was talking to a new owner of a 335i (had for two months) and ask him how it shifts (auto with paddles).

He told me it shifts down and up right now. No lag.

I'm still undecided!