Reasons for your choice of transmission....???

[rocketpop]

I just have more fun driving a stick shift.

Although if my wife could not drive one, that would be even a better reason to get a stick shift. LOL

[AwesomeBMW]

Manual FTW

1.) Its fun
2.) Its fun
3.) Its fun
4.) Did I mention its more fun?
5.) this car begs to be driven with a MT
6.) Chick magnet

[pinksnyper]

hahah I dont have a pic of the old camaro...it was stock, so don't get all excited. But at 17 it was good enough eh

[BMW Dreamer]

Manual MUCH more fun. NO EXTRA $$$. Options add up WAY TOO fast already.

[Jewpac]

Originally Posted by pinksnyper

i'm still debating this. I feel like the saving of $ and the awesome-factor brings me back to my 1996 black bitchin' camaro ...ahhhh yes. I remember you, pussy wagon. The 128i lives on in your honor..in 6 speed

I hope you aren't claiming that to be your 1996 Camaro. Those headlights, along with the LS1 were introduced for the 1998 model year. The 93-97 Camaro's had an LT1 with recessed headlights, like this:

[ansun]

Manual Transmission.

That is what I first learned how to drive on (a kia sephia...yea we laugh now but i felt badass when i first got it!). It brings back childhood memories for me. Also keeps me awake.

I tell you what though; after driving my 1er for about 5 days in a row than taking my x5 out it feels like a world of different. Obviously it is but it just makes me appreciate my X5 so much and realize how much I do love her.

[imported_Gene]

Auto, to be used as our daliy transportation. We have 3 sports cars in the garage with manuals. The stick is more fun but for me the 135 with an auto.

[smcgt]

There is just something gratifying about a well executed heel/toe shift that reminds me that driving is more than going from point A to point B...and I cannot help but grin.

So manual for me.

[corneredbeast]

I love a manual tranny, but my 135 will be a step. The CTS-V's gearbox and clutch are the balkiest I've ever driven - they'd make Nick Heidfeld settle for a 2 speed HydraMatic. Most of my driving is stop-and-go and I've just had it with notchy shifting. I have driven a couple of e46 sticks and wasn't exactly bowled over by their shifting action, either.

[Rippy087]

Originally Posted by Jewpac

I hope you aren't claiming that to be your 1996 Camaro. Those headlights, along with the LS1 were introduced for the 1998 model year. The 93-97 Camaro's had an LT1 with recessed headlights

"hahah I dont have a pic of the old camaro...it was stock, so don't get all excited. But at 17 it was good enough eh"

Helps to read the entire thread before posting.

[pinksnyper]

Originally Posted by Jewpac

I hope you aren't claiming that to be your 1996 Camaro. Those headlights, along with the LS1 were introduced for the 1998 model year. The 93-97 Camaro's had an LT1 with recessed headlights, like this:

Haha. thats my car about as much as that's my girlfriend . Dont worry friend, I know thats not a 96 model. But it was the best MODEL i could find :wub:

[professor]

you know what, i have driven a DSG and i beg to differ that if the 135 had a BMW version of the DSG i would have opted for it instead. the DSG is awesome upshifting, but sucks at downshifting. a manual is nowhere near as fast as a dual-clutch and never can be but the downshifting experience of a DSG has put me squarely back on the side of a manual gearbox.

[1X3X3X3X5]

For most drivers:
Auto is better for city traffic.
Auto is better for stop and go freeway traffic.
Auto is better for twisty mountain roads when you need to keep both hands on the wheel.
Auto is better for driving the hills of San Francisco.
Auto is better when you have an a hand, arm or leg in a cast.
Auto means a faster car.
Auto means better resale value.
Auto means the majority of people who can't drive a stick can still drive your car (like when you need to borrow your wife's SUV).

But yes, a stick is more fun.

[Bringinthewolf]

I'd drive an automatic, if it had a clutch.

[valhalla]

Manual - More fun, more control (slipping the clutch if needed etc...) and less likely to be stolen since like 90% of Americans have no idea how to drive a manual. BTW my wife would never have anything but a manual either!

[Dan203]

Originally Posted by valhalla

less likely to be stolen since like 90% of Americans have no idea how to drive a manual.

I wonder if that's true? Not that 90% of americans can't drive stick, but that manuals are less likely to get stolen? I wonder if there is some statistic out there?

Dan

[TagMan]

Just to give you all an update...

While we have yet to hear from a lot of members, the current status shows that about 75% of those that have posted on this particular thread have selected a manual transmission. A more engaged "hands-on" driving experience seems to be the most popular reason, but it was surprising to learn that numerous posters expressed that the manual's less-expensive price was a consideration. Would they have actually chosen an automatic if the price weren't any different? Hard to say on that one.

Of the remaining 25% (so far) that have chosen an automatic, I got the impression that commute traffic was the most significant reason. If there is any kind of negative stigma or embarrasment attached to driving an automatic 1-Series, then quite possibly, we may not hear from everyone that has an automatic or has intentions of getting an automatic. I hope that is not the case.

Strangely, when I took delivery of my 135i, every other 1-Series that had been delivered to the dealership initially was with an automatic transmission. Mine was the only manual from what I could see.

It could possibly be determined that the 1addicts members' choices here on this website may quite possibly not be truly reflective of what the general public will be purchasing. The general public might end up buying a lot more automatics than is represented here by members... at least so far. That... or else the dealerships are going to find it to be more of a challenge to sell automatic 1-Series cars, while the manuals could then be harder to get.

The decision of which transmission to select continues to be quite possibly the single biggest decision as to what type of driving experience we will have. It's clearly an important decision, and certainly the reasons behind that decision are also important. So far, quite a few members have given their personal reasons for making their choice of a manual or an automatic transmission, and there are still many other members it will be interesting to hear from.

[3toM]

Originally Posted by TagMan

It could possibly be determined that the 1addicts members' choices here on this website may quite possibly not be truly reflective of what the general public will be purchasing. The general public might end up buying a lot more automatics than is represented here by members... at least so far.

My guess is that you are correct here. I doubt that active members on 1-addicts who are responding to this thread represent the average consumer.

[Kiety]

Auto, commute + relaxing while cruising top down

Not to mention shift paddles for more hands on approach.

[Zuzu]

You are correct...My 135i wont be for commuting either.It will probably come to work 1 day per week and the rest will just for pure driving pleasure. Thank god I only work 5 days per week.

[Yes2m3cs]

I have been flip flopping back and forth with the auto vs. manual decision but ended up with the manual. I test drove a 135i with the automatic trans and actually loved it! I was originally going to buy a 335i sedan and I was fine with my decision to get the auto trans. But when it came to the 135, I just felt that the fun factor would be so much greater with the manual. I have had mostly manuals for years but my current G35 sedan is auto and has some serious short comings. I do plan on altering my work schedule even if it means getting up at 5am so I can actually drive my car to work as opposed to sitting in traffic, (we will see how long that lasts lol).

I still think about my decision daily but cant wait to bang some gears in my new baby when it gets here.

Hope this helps.

Brian

2008 Alpine White 135i - 6spd, and lots of other options (ordered 3/5/08)

[thesmokingone]

Originally Posted by Rippy087

"hahah I dont have a pic of the old camaro...it was stock, so don't get all excited. But at 17 it was good enough eh"

Helps to read the entire thread before posting.

ball breakin