Automatic or Manual?

Hey guys i was just wondering wich transmission you prefer, an Automatic or a Manual? and why

I like both, and I also like the SMGs.

I like automatic. Here in the DC area, a manual would make driving in traffic even more difficult.

MEH

go with manual!!!!
i did.....will never go back!!!
so much more fun!!!!!

I hjave to agree with you Ukrainian:grinyes:

Definitely have to go with manual. I just get bored with automatic, plus I track my car so I definitely like being able to select what gear as I approach a turn.

I always say get a manual and learn to drive properly. Even in heavy traffic it is hardly any effort to crawl along using both feet to control the car.

depends what you use the car for and how ya drive it... and if ur lazy or not

Go with the stick. You ain't driven until you drive a stick.

The only reason I can think to buy an auto is if you do a lot of stop and go to work, like in Detroit. Then it can be a bit tedious.

Plus, everything I've read in the pubs that are supposedly in the know, say the steptronic tranny is only good for about 100k miles before it fails and has to be rebuilt. The only was around this is to the extended warranty (at about $2,500.00 if you buy it from BMW) and hope the damn things dies within the warranty period.

Just my :2cents: .

While I don't any more (better job came along), I recently was working in the service department of a BMW dealership, fairly high volume for a BMW dealership. We never had a sinlge SMGII M3 or SMGIII M5/M6 or any of the fairly rare SMGII E46 non Ms come in with a problem with the tranny.

While I don't any more (better job came along), I recently was working in the service department of a BMW dealership, fairly high volume for a BMW dealership. We never had a sinlge SMGII M3 or SMGIII M5/M6 or any of the fairly rare SMGII E46 non Ms come in with a problem with the tranny.

Interesting, my buddies SMGII E46 M3 shifted into second while on the highway.

now my turbo works great with a auto. it shifts before its ingaged so it doesn't burn up the engine but when i really need it i hammer it down and its engaged. works great.plus its real easy to drive. but stick is a lot more fun

I'll take both, but no automatics on any 6 cylinder from 92-99 don't matter what model. They don't last because of bad design by GM.

If you want reliability, get the manual. I've had 4 manuals (currently 1993 325is) and 1 auto in a 1987 535is. None of the manuals required service after over120,000 miles but the auto started to show signs of failure after 100,000 miles. Auto repairs are BIG bucks, so you pay for the convenience of the auto.

Definately manual. Not just because it's more fun and better control (I live where it's winter for almost 7 months) but when all four limbs are driving, you are truly "one with the car". If more people drove manual their minds would be more on "driving" and not on the 101 other things that people are thinking about when they get into an accident. That said, I love driving when I'm angry. It's hard to "take your anger out on the road" when you drive an automatic. ... they just don't scream as well. :swear:

I have a '93 325i with auto, minor inconveniences like starting out in cold weather in 2nd gear, pull over, start over and it's ok. go figure.
also a 98 540i no problems but I'd like to give that one to my wife and get a stick for all the afore-posted reasons. Had a Audi CQ 20v with 5spd and loved it but it was really my daughter's although she couldn't afford the insurance so I drove it to work etc:naughty: . when she got married she sold it, later apologizing knowing how much i enjoyed it.
anyway... STICK!!!

Automatic or a Manual?
True, you can't forget about the SMG!!! The SMG is most excellent--does a better job of shifting than most accomplished racers. However, get a manual transmission--be one with your car--and one that your wife CAN'T drive . :evillol:

I love my manual, but if it were my ONLY car, I'd have to settle for a steptronic because I do a lot of city driving.
Thankfully I can afford the luxury of having a FUN car in addition to a work car.