..AUTO V MANUAL TRANNY.. (EVERY DAY DRIVING)..

Breville · 11-19-2008, 05:35 AM

I talked myself into an auto as I was looking at the R32/GTI or S3 with DSG (which is brilliant), however when I drove the 135 auto and compared with the manual I decided it was no contest. There's nothing like dropping it to 2nd and giving it a foot full!!

Dr_Jones · 11-19-2008, 06:33 AM

It will be a cold day in hell when i buy a car with DCT.

fooled me once shame on you...fool me twice shame on me.

jpick · 11-19-2008, 09:21 AM

I find the manual in the 1 so easy to use, I never mind it in traffic or not. The engine is extremely flexible so doesn't even require much shifting. I never had a car you could take a turn in 4th! Not that I do that regularly but you can.

I have been teaching my daughter and wife a bit in the 1. Both of them have had a pretty easy time, as compared to my VW 06 GTI. The BMW's clutch is just easier to use.

qstix · 11-19-2008, 11:56 AM

You all have seemed to missed the point behind my question, and for some reason you all go into defence mode, come on guys chill out..

I wanted to know, what the manual was like to live with everyday, what it's like when you put you foot down out of a corner or go to overtake..

I appriciate that manual will be more responsive out of the corners and when you go to over take, but what is the auto like in these conditions..

Did someone mention that the torque converter locks up at low speeds, and if so, does that mean it acts like a manual.. At what speed does it unlock..

I find autos good at spped, just rubbish at low speed..

I will never drive the car on a track, and I don't drive like the Stig, but do like to drive in a spirited way..

Come on guys, help me out here, or will we have to get a UK forum set up, where people are generally more helpfull, take the UK TT forum, as far as I'm concerned, its the friendliest, most helpfull forum on the planet..

Cheers..

Tom K. · 11-19-2008, 12:47 PM

While this probably doesn't answer the OP's questions either, has anyone considered the life expectancy of the auto vs. stick? Reports on other forums seem to indicate an average lifespan of only 50,000~100,000 miles for BMW automatics - with a very expensive replacement cost once out of warranty. Or don't 1addicts plan to keep their cars that long?

Tom

modbargains · 11-19-2008, 12:54 PM

This will be a never ended battle between which is bette for a DD, for myself I like driving a manual daily. I do get the question for time to time, asking if my leg is ever sore or if i get annoyed from having to constantly shift in traffic or not; but to me, driving manual comes as a habbit now, I don't think about it and therefore it doesn't bother me at all.

With the new trannys coming up in the new Ms, GT-R, Lambos, Ferraris, etc, they will all be faster then manual; However when it come down to it for ME, there is nothing like a traditional manual tranny, it gives me the feeling the I AM DRIVING the car and not the other way around.

pit1 · 11-19-2008, 12:56 PM

Stick around, you'll find this group is very helpful and respectful.

That said, I think a few responses have answered your first question (How livable is the manual trans?) I'll concur, it is VERY livable, nearly effortless, forgiving, and smooth. I sit in stop and go traffic for 50% of my commute, I don't have a complaint. Personal opinions about manual vs auto go on from here...so I digress at that point. (I become downright challenged when I get behind the wheel of an auto trans, I become disconnected, lazy and don't pay attention, perhaps a factor why those in DC drive like morons?)

Regarding the Auto tran in the 1er specifically, that can only come from a member who's had experience with other auto performance cars to compare it with. I've only ever driven rentals or loaners, but my time testing the auto 1er was VERY nice. Still not worth it IMO, but if you enjoy or need an auto, I didn't feel any difference in responsiveness while in S-manual mode...if left in D, well that's another story...disconnected and BLAH. But that was a short trip.

I can't speak to the your more technical torque converter issues.

Question for you, OP. You said your commute is down back roads and forest roads and you enjoy spirited driving...why even consider an automatic for a car like this? Just curious

JohnnyTT · 11-19-2008, 01:22 PM

I've been driving manuals my whole life. This is my first auto. If I could rebuild my car, I'd still get the auto. The shifts are amazingly fast!!

To answer your question, if you are in DS or manual mode, there is zero lag when you hit the gas. One thing that is special about this tranny is that it's locked up almost 98% of the time in those modes, and about 94% in D.

You won't be disappointed for a daily driver.

Oz135i · 11-19-2008, 02:33 PM

Having the auto convertible i can also confirm that this car is lightening quick with auto - especially using DS mode with paddles. I'm not sure about timing but i would guess that the gear changes are as fast as the manual (maybe faster). Just flick the paddle and instant gear change. All with both hands on wheel.

Most of the people that have posted responses here indicate that their primary interest with this car is performance based driving (all the time). The auto gets all those benefits and the added option of lazy mode (standard D) where you can just sit back and enjoy the drive without having to use a clutch and change gears. I find this highly valuable when slow moving traffic for extended periods. Also nice when you just want to sit back and relax.

I love pushing the car around every now and then and the DS auto is fine for that. All you have to do is review the sprint speeds and there is only .1 of a second difference in the 0 to 100km sprint. One of the video reviews on you tube (see review section above) even placed the 135 auto up against an EVO around track and sprinting etc. The stock standard auto in the video is shown to be doing 0 to 100 in under 5 seconds.

If your not wanting to push it all the time then the auto is simply a great balance - really the best of both worlds.

AchtungF80 · 11-19-2008, 03:01 PM

Manual for me... You can't be an enthusiast and drive an enthusiast sporting car in an autotragic...jmo.

Oz135i · 11-19-2008, 03:11 PM

I guess my point is that the great thing about this car appeals to non enthusiasts as well - thats why auto caters well for that market. Best of both worlds. Almost everyone on this forum is an ethusiast (it is 1addicts) and thats why the auto owners are massively under represented here.

JohnnyTT · 11-19-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AchtungE30

Manual for me... You can't be an enthusiast and drive an enthusiast sporting car in an autotragic...jmo.

I don't know why I respond in the auto-manual posts. It never gets anywhere.

I'm an Enthusiast. I just drive differently than you do.

AchtungF80 · 11-19-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyTT

I don't know why I respond in the auto-manual posts. It never gets anywhere.

I'm an Enthusiast. I just drive differently than you do.

Yeah, i'm not flaming you...just my opinion...:w00t:

JohnnyTT · 11-19-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AchtungE30

Yeah, i'm not flaming you...just my opinion...:w00t:

Jimmythepage666 · 11-19-2008, 03:43 PM

My 135i Auto is in North Carolina right now, and hopefully I will be picking it up on Mon/Tues. I tested an Auto first, and then I drove a manual, and then I drove the Auto again... Coming from a manual Mustang GT with a 3.73 gear I couldn't see myself ever buying an auto and it wasn't easy for me. My commute is on a back road/forrest road at 4:50 A.M and there is never any traffic/cops and I normally do over 100 on my way to work. I was simply blown away by the ZF transmission in the 135i and downshifts come with a nice little throtle blip. I dont have any experience driving everyday since I havn't taken delivery yet so I can't really answer your question, but I know I will be happy with my decision. :thumbup:

This is my second post on 1addicts... I have actually been lurking here for the past 6 months while contemplating buying a 135i... I can say that this forum is very helpful and certainly less biased/ignorant than other Auto forums...

CoolToolGuy · 11-19-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AchtungE30

Manual for me... You can't be an enthusiast and drive an enthusiast sporting car in an autotragic...jmo.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind if I ever get an autotragic. In the meantime, I'll let y'all know how it goes with my Steptronic/twin mode/paddles

You know, sorta like the F1 cars use? :wink:

Have Fun,
Rick

05C4R · 11-19-2008, 05:19 PM

I wanted to know, what the manual was like to live with everyday, what it's like when you put you foot down out of a corner or go to overtake..

obviously its gunna be good.

there are about 100 threads on this topic

i even posted one.

someone replyed to my silly question with: get an auto because your asking. he was dead right.

AchtungF80 · 11-19-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolToolGuy

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind if I ever get an autotragic. In the meantime, I'll let y'all know how it goes with my Steptronic/twin mode/paddles

You know, sorta like the F1 cars use? :wink:

Have Fun,
Rick

Haha, ok Mr. Hamilton, you do that!

subscience · 11-19-2008, 06:38 PM

I can't imagine NOT driving an MT anymore. I absolutely love being actively engaged in driving.

CoolToolGuy · 11-19-2008, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AchtungE30

Haha, ok Mr. Hamilton, you do that!

Thank you - you can call me "Last Lap Lewis"

Have Fun,
Rick

m7ammed · 11-19-2008, 09:59 PM

well it depends on how you look at it , having an Auto could give you a better driving experience by making you focus more on steering and brake/throttle inputs, so to some people your actually more involved in driving

iamthewalrus · 11-19-2008, 10:53 PM

I drive a 2006 X3 3.0i manual/sport/premium. At this point, I can't imagine going back to an automatic. The manual is so much more engaging.

Bottom line: If traffic is so bad that you can't stand driving manual, then what are you doing in your car contributing to all that traffic? Use mass transit or find a job closer to home.
Enjoy your manual-tranny car on weekends and drive it like it was meant to be driven!

-James
Seattle, WA

11-19-2008, 05:35 AM	#23
Breville Scum in the sun 30 Rep 938 Posts Drives: 135i Coupe TiAg Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Syndey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i Coupe [0.00]	I talked myself into an auto as I was looking at the R32/GTI or S3 with DSG (which is brilliant), however when I drove the 135 auto and compared with the manual I decided it was no contest. There's nothing like dropping it to 2nd and giving it a foot full!! __________________ One should love animals. They are so tasty.
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11-19-2008, 06:33 AM	#24
Dr_Jones Major 71 Rep 1,027 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	It will be a cold day in hell when i buy a car with DCT. fooled me once shame on you...fool me twice shame on me. __________________ Just like Indiana...I love my whip
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11-19-2008, 09:21 AM	#25
jpick Enlisted Member 0 Rep 30 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2008 iTrader: (0)	I find the manual in the 1 so easy to use, I never mind it in traffic or not. The engine is extremely flexible so doesn't even require much shifting. I never had a car you could take a turn in 4th! Not that I do that regularly but you can. I have been teaching my daughter and wife a bit in the 1. Both of them have had a pretty easy time, as compared to my VW 06 GTI. The BMW's clutch is just easier to use.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2008, 11:56 AM	#26
qstix New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	You all have seemed to missed the point behind my question, and for some reason you all go into defence mode, come on guys chill out.. I wanted to know, what the manual was like to live with everyday, what it's like when you put you foot down out of a corner or go to overtake.. I appriciate that manual will be more responsive out of the corners and when you go to over take, but what is the auto like in these conditions.. Did someone mention that the torque converter locks up at low speeds, and if so, does that mean it acts like a manual.. At what speed does it unlock.. I find autos good at spped, just rubbish at low speed.. I will never drive the car on a track, and I don't drive like the Stig, but do like to drive in a spirited way.. Come on guys, help me out here, or will we have to get a UK forum set up, where people are generally more helpfull, take the UK TT forum, as far as I'm concerned, its the friendliest, most helpfull forum on the planet.. Cheers..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2008, 12:47 PM	#27
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	While this probably doesn't answer the OP's questions either, has anyone considered the life expectancy of the auto vs. stick? Reports on other forums seem to indicate an average lifespan of only 50,000~100,000 miles for BMW automatics - with a very expensive replacement cost once out of warranty. Or don't 1addicts plan to keep their cars that long? Tom
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11-19-2008, 12:54 PM	#28
modbargains Brigadier General 170 Rep 3,160 Posts Drives: 08 E90 335i & 01 Toyota Avalon Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: La Habra, CA iTrader: (5)	This will be a never ended battle between which is bette for a DD, for myself I like driving a manual daily. I do get the question for time to time, asking if my leg is ever sore or if i get annoyed from having to constantly shift in traffic or not; but to me, driving manual comes as a habbit now, I don't think about it and therefore it doesn't bother me at all. With the new trannys coming up in the new Ms, GT-R, Lambos, Ferraris, etc, they will all be faster then manual; However when it come down to it for ME, there is nothing like a traditional manual tranny, it gives me the feeling the I AM DRIVING the car and not the other way around.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2008, 12:56 PM	#29
pit1 Captain 239 Rep 790 Posts Drives: F87 M2 Join Date: May 2008 Location: It's always Sunny... iTrader: (1)	Stick around, you'll find this group is very helpful and respectful. That said, I think a few responses have answered your first question (How livable is the manual trans?) I'll concur, it is VERY livable, nearly effortless, forgiving, and smooth. I sit in stop and go traffic for 50% of my commute, I don't have a complaint. Personal opinions about manual vs auto go on from here...so I digress at that point. (I become downright challenged when I get behind the wheel of an auto trans, I become disconnected, lazy and don't pay attention, perhaps a factor why those in DC drive like morons?) Regarding the Auto tran in the 1er specifically, that can only come from a member who's had experience with other auto performance cars to compare it with. I've only ever driven rentals or loaners, but my time testing the auto 1er was VERY nice. Still not worth it IMO, but if you enjoy or need an auto, I didn't feel any difference in responsiveness while in S-manual mode...if left in D, well that's another story...disconnected and BLAH. But that was a short trip. I can't speak to the your more technical torque converter issues. Question for you, OP. You said your commute is down back roads and forest roads and you enjoy spirited driving...why even consider an automatic for a car like this? Just curious
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11-19-2008, 01:22 PM	#30
JohnnyTT Captain 29 Rep 750 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 3.5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	I've been driving manuals my whole life. This is my first auto. If I could rebuild my car, I'd still get the auto. The shifts are amazingly fast!! To answer your question, if you are in DS or manual mode, there is zero lag when you hit the gas. One thing that is special about this tranny is that it's locked up almost 98% of the time in those modes, and about 94% in D. You won't be disappointed for a daily driver.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2008, 02:33 PM	#31
Oz135i New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	Having the auto convertible i can also confirm that this car is lightening quick with auto - especially using DS mode with paddles. I'm not sure about timing but i would guess that the gear changes are as fast as the manual (maybe faster). Just flick the paddle and instant gear change. All with both hands on wheel. Most of the people that have posted responses here indicate that their primary interest with this car is performance based driving (all the time). The auto gets all those benefits and the added option of lazy mode (standard D) where you can just sit back and enjoy the drive without having to use a clutch and change gears. I find this highly valuable when slow moving traffic for extended periods. Also nice when you just want to sit back and relax. I love pushing the car around every now and then and the DS auto is fine for that. All you have to do is review the sprint speeds and there is only .1 of a second difference in the 0 to 100km sprint. One of the video reviews on you tube (see review section above) even placed the 135 auto up against an EVO around track and sprinting etc. The stock standard auto in the video is shown to be doing 0 to 100 in under 5 seconds. If your not wanting to push it all the time then the auto is simply a great balance - really the best of both worlds.
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11-19-2008, 03:01 PM	#32
AchtungF80 Brigadier General 276 Rep 3,465 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3, '17 G30 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135is [9.50] 2010 Cooper S [10.00] 1991 318is [10.00]	Manual for me... You can't be an enthusiast and drive an enthusiast sporting car in an autotragic...jmo. __________________ ig: 0verrev
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11-19-2008, 03:11 PM	#33
Oz135i New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	I guess my point is that the great thing about this car appeals to non enthusiasts as well - thats why auto caters well for that market. Best of both worlds. Almost everyone on this forum is an ethusiast (it is 1addicts) and thats why the auto owners are massively under represented here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2008, 03:43 PM	#37
Jimmythepage666 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 09 sgm 135i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin Tx iTrader: (0)	My 135i Auto is in North Carolina right now, and hopefully I will be picking it up on Mon/Tues. I tested an Auto first, and then I drove a manual, and then I drove the Auto again... Coming from a manual Mustang GT with a 3.73 gear I couldn't see myself ever buying an auto and it wasn't easy for me. My commute is on a back road/forrest road at 4:50 A.M and there is never any traffic/cops and I normally do over 100 on my way to work. I was simply blown away by the ZF transmission in the 135i and downshifts come with a nice little throtle blip. I dont have any experience driving everyday since I havn't taken delivery yet so I can't really answer your question, but I know I will be happy with my decision. :thumbup: This is my second post on 1addicts... I have actually been lurking here for the past 6 months while contemplating buying a 135i... I can say that this forum is very helpful and certainly less biased/ignorant than other Auto forums...
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11-19-2008, 05:19 PM	#39
05C4R Major 62 Rep 1,147 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sydney iTrader: (0)	I wanted to know, what the manual was like to live with everyday, what it's like when you put you foot down out of a corner or go to overtake.. obviously its gunna be good. there are about 100 threads on this topic i even posted one. someone replyed to my silly question with: get an auto because your asking. he was dead right.
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11-19-2008, 06:38 PM	#41
subscience Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 237 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I can't imagine NOT driving an MT anymore. I absolutely love being actively engaged in driving. __________________ 08 jet black 135i \| sport, 6-mt
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11-19-2008, 09:59 PM	#43
m7ammed Captain 210 Rep 959 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Saudi Arabia iTrader: (0)	well it depends on how you look at it , having an Auto could give you a better driving experience by making you focus more on steering and brake/throttle inputs, so to some people your actually more involved in driving
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11-19-2008, 10:53 PM	#44
iamthewalrus Enlisted Member 0 Rep 35 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	My $0.02 I drive a 2006 X3 3.0i manual/sport/premium. At this point, I can't imagine going back to an automatic. The manual is so much more engaging. Bottom line: If traffic is so bad that you can't stand driving manual, then what are you doing in your car contributing to all that traffic? Use mass transit or find a job closer to home. Enjoy your manual-tranny car on weekends and drive it like it was meant to be driven! -James Seattle, WA
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