those with auto trans.

[Eyeman]

I think many on this site are tired of the transmission discussions but I usually read them. I bought my car off the lot so I got a non-sport auto model whereas I would have preferred both the other way around. I still miss the sport seats although I'll like not having to replace the side bolster leather in a few yrs due to rubbing while getting in and out of the car. I just spent $480 repairing the side bolster in one of my old cars.

But the auto is great to me and now I'm sure I prefer it over the manual. And speaking on final drive ratios/rpms, my speedo is definitely calibrated too fast but my auto tachs right at 2500 rpms at 80mph. I haven't heard anyone else mention such low rpms.

[singular]

I've driven stick for years (translate decades) and thought I'd never move. But the pull on the 135 is so strong and the step so good, I decided to move to step to give myself a break in traffic.

I've had my 135 a little over one week and don't regret my decision. Only down-side I've seen so far is my left leg has been getting 'twitchy' from lack of participation.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Eyeman

. And speaking on final drive ratios/rpms, my speedo is definitely calibrated too fast but my auto tachs right at 2500 rpms at 80mph. I haven't heard anyone else mention such low rpms.

It should be 2,600 @ 80 mph, so your speedo is about 3 mph high (a true 77 mph @ 2,500 rpm) - pretty much a normal error. The auto is geared 12% higher than the manual so it would be about 2,900 @ 80 in 6th gear with the MT.
Tom

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Recent BMW 5 speed manuals have had 5th as a 1 to 1 direct drive. The current 6 speeds have similar internal ratios, but with the added 6th being an .85 or .87 to 1 overdrive. My 6 sp. 128i turns about 2200 revs at 60 mph compared to my E46 328i 5 speed's 2,450 - both cars having the same size rear tires with the 128i having a slightly higher FD ratio.

According to the BMWNA website, the 135i 6 speed has slightly closer ratios than the 128i - but the difference is pretty small.
Tom

Interesting... like I said, apples to oranges.

My E30 has 1:1 in 4th gear... Ive noticed that it IS slightly more efficient...

[135iUSN]

Originally Posted by singular

I've driven stick for years (translate decades) and thought I'd never move. But the pull on the 135 is so strong and the step so good, I decided to move to step to give myself a break in traffic.

I've had my 135 a little over one week and don't regret my decision. Only down-side I've seen so far is my left leg has been getting 'twitchy' from lack of participation.

BTW, I think its time for some updated pics

[singular]

Originally Posted by 135iUSN

BTW, I think its time for some updated pics

I'll try to do some more this weekend!

[Yogijet]

Originally Posted by JohnnyTT

I'm pretty sure it holds in M and DS modes. I'll have to confirm.

It does, and makes for a completely different car when compared with regular D mode which is purely for good fuel economy faithfuls. I chose the auto because of an injured left knee that the stiff clutch in my Forester XT wouldn't allow to heal! I'm generally happy except for one thing - the fact that the auto upshifts for you at around redline and does not allow you to bounce off the limiter as you could in a manny trans.

[Yogijet]

Originally Posted by jkp1187

And it actually works? Very interesting.... A big reason I was avoiding the manual was b/c of all the hills around Pittsburgh; I really hate that whole sinking feeling when you engage the transmission on a hill. I may just have to give one of these manual gearboxes a try.

Is it a good gearbox for a beginner?

I've driven the manual and the shifts are crisp, the clutch action is light and smooth and there is a keen sense of the 'biting point' that a beginner will be sure to find useful.

[BMW86]

SD and Manual mode are unbelievably quick but last few months I've been driving in normal D mode where I can (especially on the highways instead of M6 or SD) and I'm saving heaps of fuel. I think on average i'm getting another 50-100km per tank!! When I want to mash it I switch back to M mode though