Stick or auto tranny?

[gimme135]

I've always thought of BMWs as silky-smooth stick shift ultimate driving machines... that the auto tranny option is for women who purchase cars just for looks. And with these two (128 and 135) having such powerful engines, I expected only one transmission -- the manual clutch. But looking at those Canadian photos, I realize auto trannies have come a long ways (and that they're really real!).

How does any bimmerphile rationalize driving an auto tranny?

[dino007]

For me, it's a bit of a toss up.
Where I live, we have quite a lot of traffic, and sitting in traffic makes me want an automatic.
But then on an open road, manual is beautiful.

Anyways, I'm new to the forums, so just wanna say watsup to everyone.
I own a 120i hatchback, and it's a beautiful car. Thinking of getting the 135i next year. The 120i handles like a demon!

[atr_hugo]

Welcome Dino!

What we've heard about the automatic (a ZF unit in the 135i) is that it's a good one, it shifts quickly and will rev-match downshifts. It would also appear based on the weight information we've seen - that the automatic is not that much heavier than the manual (though there have been too many typographical errors in the brochures published to know for sure). It's a tossup. Personally, I'll be getting a manual, but I work out of the den in my home - so my commute isn't that tough. ; -)

[Duckw]

The only automatic box that would tempt me is the Audi DSG (or an equivalent), which would represent the best of both worlds: auto when you need it, fully controllable manual when you want it. Yes, I know those worlds are both available in the 135i, but the actual tranny is still a slushbox. And, yes, I know this particular slushbox is only minimally slushy (read, "wasteful"), so it's really a philosophical (read "irrational"?) prejudice that keeps me from getting the auto. Somehow, a mechanical connection between engine and wheels just seems more right than a viscous one. I wonder if there aren't quite a few out there who feel much the same.

[imported_sbw]

I've owned many cars and not one has been an automatic! I love stick shifts! Last two were six-speeds: Mini Cooper S, RSX Type-S. Current is 2006 330i six-speed manual (photo below).

[1ster]

I've never owned an automatic. Never plan to.

If I was going to buy a slushbox, I would just get a C350 Sport and enjoy the smoother ride, increased interior room, and Mercedes cachet.

[Fission]

Originally Posted by 1ster

I've never owned an automatic. Never plan to.

+1!! if i could put more I would. Manual all the way, no matter what car it is. I'd rock it if it's a stick!

[Imola.ZHP]

While I totally agree that the stick is the way to go, the auto's are not that bad. I have yet to drive one with paddles, but even the 325/328 loaner auto's have impressed me. Whatever it is they call their "shiftable" auto tranny is pretty slick, slap it to the left and control her yourself, or slap her back to the right if you dont feel like fooling with it...

I'll never buy an auto, unless I have too (I had too when I bought a Titan, no manual option), but I wouldnt dog someone so much for getting one of these new trick auto's. I've yet to drive a VW/Audi DSG, but I've heard they are amazing too...

I'm sure you'll love whichever you purchase, but I'll keep purchasing manual transmission cars...

[ARES45]

I will probably get a manual just for cost purposes, if auto was a no cost option I would probably choose that so the ol' lady could be happy. But I think I have her convinced sticks are sexier and chicks that can drive sticks are very sexy.

[1050Wien]

Driving in heavy traffic doesn't make me want to get an auto but I can see why some people feel that way. Also, some people feel that automatic is easier to sell.

Definitely manual for me. Always have, always will.

[imported_sbw]

Auto transmissions have definitely come a long way over the years. Most, if not all, no longer rob the engine of power or economy, especially true with modern BMWs. I remember my first car, an '85 Jetta, was advertised as having 90 horsepower with the stick shift, 81 horsepower with the automatic. That was a slow car, any way you slice it!

[tommy]

Originally Posted by 1ster

If I was going to buy a slushbox, I would just get a C350 Sport and enjoy the smoother ride, increased interior room, and Mercedes cachet.

Not to mention being on a first-name basis with your service advisor, too.

Hmmm - more expensive and less fun. Just doesn't make any sense to me, but whatever floats your boat.

[1ster]

Originally Posted by sbw

I remember my first car, an '85 Jetta, was advertised as having 90 horsepower with the stick shift, 81 horsepower with the automatic. That was a slow car, any way you slice it!

I remember when 8.5 seconds 0-60 meant you were driving a pretty hot hatch.

Originally Posted by tommy

Not to mention being on a first-name basis with your service advisor, too.

I wouldn't get too smug about driving a BMW. Mercedes topped them in the JD Power rankings this year.

And for the record: I will not be buying a C350. My point is that once you spec the auto tranny, you've sapped most of the fun, anyway, so you might as well get a cushy ride.

[tommy]

Originally Posted by 1ster

I wouldn't get too smug about driving a BMW. Mercedes topped them in the JD Power rankings this year.

And for the record: I will not be buying a C350. My point is that once you spec the auto tranny, you've sapped most of the fun, anyway, so you might as well get a cushy ride.

Well, my MB has been quite the money pit, honestly. I'm hoping for better luck with the 135, which is why I will be getting it with as few options as possible, to keep the gremlins at least controllable. (I hope!)

[gimme135]

Accelerating out of a slow turn -- that's my litmus test for auto trannies. The momentary downshift lag is what EVERY auto tranny suffers. Varies by temperature, too. It totally annoys the heck out of me, though I'll admit I haven't put the latest and fanciest autos through their paces. Does there exist ANY auto tranny that can control it like a manual?

(There's also engine-breaking, power dragging, etc., but the momentary downshift lag is huge for me)

[Fission]

Yeah I agree the new autos in most cars these days are more fun than standard autos (being able to shift yourself) the one I drove from Acura wasn't bad but still was a little laggy and I got bored of it very quickly. I'm sure Audi/BMW autos are much nicer and more responsive than those, but still to me nothing like a manual. My whole family and girlfriend all have sticks! (rsx type s, 2 cooper S, a unimog and my gf drives a supercharged cobalt) Autos not available on any of those so I don't have to worry about it. Just when my grandma visits...welll, that's a different story.

[asv]

Driving an auto BMW is an absolute waste. My mothers 330ci is auto, and its not nearly as fun to drive as my 328ci.

[Genericuser1]

I'm betting at least half of the 135s sold will have a stick whereas the 128s will be 70/30 auto/stick. Most cars sold in the US have an automatic transmission. Its only on cheap cars or performance cars where you see a higher take rate on manuals.

Do some searches on ebay or autotrader and you'll see even roadsters and coupes will tend to have more automatics.

[bimmerfile]

Auto tranny with paddles for me, thank you very much! :tongue:

[eMINI]

Originally Posted by 1050Wien

Driving in heavy traffic doesn't make me want to get an auto but I can see why some people feel that way. Also, some people feel that automatic is easier to sell.

Definitely manual for me. Always have, always will.

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.

[theslik1]

Gonna have to vote undecided on this one. I've always driven manuals, but I now have a left leg that's slightly weaker and prone to cramping due to residual nerve damage from a herniated disc. It makes driving stick more of a chore in traffic, and my wife has politely suggested that I go auto or DSG next time around.

I've driven a manual E46 M3 and found the clutch to be surprisingly light, therefore I'm willing to give the 135i manual a chance. I've also driven the 335i with Steptronic and have to say that there's very few issues for most of the driving I'd be doing. It's just a damn shame that BMW is playing catch-up with their next SMG (whatever it's called). It would be nice to have that available at launch.

[TESLAASTRO]

Originally Posted by carnut

Auto tranny with paddles for me, thank you very much! :tongue: