Stick or auto tranny?

[1ster]

My wife drives a stick, too, and wouldn't have it any other way. :wink:

[imported_MPower]

Originally Posted by TP 135i

Well.....in June of 2006 my wife took delivery of her new Cayman S (with the Porsche "tiptronic" auto transmission). She had been driving a 1995 Acura Integra with a 5 speed manual. She was tired of the manual in traffic so she opted for the tiptronic for her new "baby". I drive it on occasion when I need it for a special event. (I love it for going to the golf course with my friend. Two people and two golf bags.....perfect.) But that's not important for this discussion. The point is that for the first 6 months or so the automatic was fine (but only when driven in paddle shift mode. Full auto mode.......hate it). After the novelity wore off I found myself really not liking the auto. There is no "involvement" while driving. You really miss shifting, even in traffic. I now find as much (well almost as much) pleasure in driving her 12 year old Acura as the Porsche. I'm commuting in the Acura for now while I wait for my new 135i........with the manual tranny.
Is it spring yet !!!!!

I agree with you, especially in the case of Porsche automatics. The shift "buttons" are awkwardly placed and really hinder the attention you can give to your drive. Still, for me, driving a stick has become no different than brushing your teeth in the morning, you don't even have to think about it. Every time I pop back into an automatic, I enjoy it for a certain period of time but after a few miles, I really hate not having full control over the gearbox.

Anyway, I love being able to save the 1,250 that you would have to pay for the automatic and invest it in something else.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by gocal73

Don't waste your money on an automatic BMW. Hell, they shouldn't even offer an auto in the 135i. The 1 series is supposed to be the revival of the 2002 (I think it's the e30). Light, compact, powerful, nimble. And a manual transmission. A car that is to be driven. Not to be controlled for you by a computer chip in your slush box. If you want the full experience the 135i was desgined to provide, go 6 speed manual!

I assume you feel the same about other computer contolled aspects of the modern Bimmer (e.g. DTC, DSC, etc)?

[ARES45]

Anyway, I love being able to save the 1,250 that you would have to pay for the automatic and invest it in something else.[/quote]


Bingo! That nailed my thoughts exactly because that becomes a $1250 (+100 for the paddle shift you have to get with the sport package) mod to my 135. Never owned a manual and for a while I will probably be slower than I would have been in an auto, but manuals I have driven I have loved. If I enjoyed driving a manual ford escort because it was more involving (even though it was gutless beyond belief), then a 135 should be great.

If they were the same price, I would probably be driving another auto in 6 months, the $1350 just screams save it and enjoy driving more.

[gocal73]

Originally Posted by carnut

I assume you feel the same about other computer contolled aspects of the modern Bimmer (e.g. DTC, DSC, etc)?

As long as you can turn off the DTC, DSC, ASC, whatever, you retain driver control. As for engine management software, it is generally a good thing, but it can also be modified to suit the driver's needs. The same cannot be said for an automatic transmission unless you really believe that Sport mode is the same as a manual transmission. Sorry, but the lack of a clutch pedal is a sure clue that it is not. There's a reason why the 135i manual does 0-60 faster than the 135i Step. Plus, once in the twisties nothing compares to the manual.

:roundel:Rant Warning: BMW made it's mark as a driver's car. Along the way BMW has compromised to sell cars in America (the notable exception being the M-cars). By doing so they have become financially successful. But, at a price. They have turned their Ultimate Driving Machines into a designer label. The 3 series is the latest BMW to fall victim to super-sizing with an automatic because we know all Americans are big, fat, lazy and only buy the car for the Roundel. The American way. Now, BMW gives the enthusiast another chance by returning to their roots with a performance coupe in the spirit of the 2002tii, e30 325is, e46 zhp. The 1-series is here to re-establish BMW as a serious driver's car. This thing is just that. There's nothing practical or family about it (at least not by American standards). It's a relatively expensive 2+2, distinctively styled and engineered to be a hell raiser. The typical 3, 5 & 7 series buyer will not touch this car with a 10 foot pole - which is a good thing. I rejoice! Give me my little Bimmer with that sweet straight 6 and 6 glorious MANUALLY shifted gears! Don't blow it America! Do not pollute the potential of this wonderful machine with an automatic transmission. Take full control and drive this sucker!

[AwesomeBMW]

Originally Posted by carnut

I assume you feel the same about other computer contolled aspects of the modern Bimmer (e.g. DTC, DSC, etc)?

Not really. Those are there for when i do something stupid i don't really mess up my brand new bmw, as in flipping it/crashing it, etc. This will come in handy many a time :biggrin:
an automatic is for lazy people who feel three pedals is too complicated

[AwesomeBMW]

i don't know how i could cope with three pedals and having to move the shifter my self:eyebulge:


j/k manuals are the way to go:headbang:

[atr_hugo]

I'm going to use my 'dark' powers and merge this with the other 'Manual vs automagic' thread. Buhawha!!

Oh and if you haven't voted in the poll - please do! (Like it counts for anything. ; -)

[dmboone25]

MT all the way

[Dave]

this thread reminds me of a question my friend asked me...
whats better
sex or a bj?

its just your dam preference!

[c8 m 6p]

Manual no question.... its not about times or convenience for me. Its about having fun, and pressing buttons to shift doesn't do it for me. Plus nothing feels better than a properly executed revmatch. Don't care what the auto fanbois say. Let their computer do it for them. I want a car not a computer.

[gocal73]

Originally Posted by izzodesh

this thread reminds me of a question my friend asked me...
whats better
sex or a bj?

its just your dam preference!

Wow! Unless you're Bill Clinton I'm pretty sure a bj is still considered sex. However, a Step will never be confused with a manual transmission.

[Scuderia]

Originally Posted by msuka

Auto so I can laugh at manual drivers when they get smoked by the slush box!

Try smoking them in a road course. Late downshifts, no downshifts on hairpins (ewwww), unpredictable power delivery... Autos are just nasty.

Manual the way, or at least a DGS of F1 type tranny. With those you can left foot brake 100% of the time.

[investor27]

Originally Posted by TP 135i

Well.....in June of 2006 my wife took delivery of her new Cayman S (with the Porsche "tiptronic" auto transmission). She had been driving a 1995 Acura Integra with a 5 speed manual. She was tired of the manual in traffic so she opted for the tiptronic for her new "baby". I drive it on occasion when I need it for a special event. (I love it for going to the golf course with my friend. Two people and two golf bags.....perfect.) But that's not important for this discussion. The point is that for the first 6 months or so the automatic was fine (but only when driven in paddle shift mode. Full auto mode.......hate it). After the novelity wore off I found myself really not liking the auto. There is no "involvement" while driving. You really miss shifting, even in traffic. I now find as much (well almost as much) pleasure in driving her 12 year old Acura as the Porsche. I'm commuting in the Acura for now while I wait for my new 135i........with the manual tranny.
Is it spring yet !!!!!

What did your wife think about the auto after the switch?

[TP 135i]

investor27...
She loves her car. She's not a "sprited" type driver, so she loves the automatic for it's ease of driving. She actually drives it in full "do what you want" automatic mode......no paddle action there!
Bottom line...she's happy, I'm happy.
And it's still a Porsche and I do love driving it. Just would like a clutch.

[1ster]

Originally Posted by izzodesh

this thread reminds me of a question my friend asked me...
whats better
sex or a bj?

Please tell me this is an easy question to answer.

[Imola.ZHP]

^ it is for me, but I dont get the second option very often...

/hijack

[Dave]

the 2nd option is sometimes hard for your SO to commit to....its a tuff choice...on one hand you dont have to do any work and on the other its much more involved....

its like a bj is auto
and sex is manual...


just cuz my wife surfs these boards too i will reserve my anwser
heh.

[DG135I]

I AM A GIRL AND EVEN I KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS ONE... DUUR, LIKE MANUAL ALL THE WAY!

[04__STi]

Manual only for me!!!

[Dave]

Originally Posted by DG135I

I AM A GIRL AND EVEN I KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS ONE... DUUR, LIKE MANUAL ALL THE WAY!

that anwser was hotttttt

[Brandon26pdx]

Wow there's a hard decision...NOT!:roundel: