Stick vs Auto

[William330]

I've had a stick in my prior car (Miata) and thought it was more
of a hassle, than it was fun.

There were times when it was fun to wind it out a bit zooming
onto freeway ramps, but overall, it was generally a pain in the
arse.

So when I ordered the 330, it had the steptronic auto. And I just
love the BMW auto! It has 3 modes: Auto, Sport Auto (which has
shift points at higher revs), and steptronic 'manual' (where you can
flick the knob to change gears).

It's kept in regular Auto 90% of the time, and the Sport mode shift points
are nice when in a rush. Still haven't tinkered much with the steptronic
'manual' mode, as there hasn't been much need.

This is one great automatic transmission -- great shift points, it's 5
speed, and it adapts the shift points over time to your driving habits
(via the electronic key).

Anyone else prefer the BMW auto over manual?

Is this entire post sacrilege?

 

[CupraGTR]

I hate fully automatic cars...Especially cars like BMW.. You are not feeling that your driving.. But then again Im European and manuals are dominant here.. But William330 you said that your previous car was the MX-5.. You found the gearbox a pain in the ass?... How can that be?...

 

[bmwrocks]

People have many different reasons to prefer auto vs. manual and vise versa. I had many manuals and autos over the years, my previous car being a 6-speed manual. Personally, I prefer an auto in my 330ci because of how I use the car. I am at a stage in my life where I use my car more for the luxury than the sport, so the auto became appropriate. Also, all the other members of my family do not drive manuals, so convenience also plays a part.

Many BMW owners consider autos in a BMW to be sacrilege however.

 

[Average Jae]

when i was younger, i was like WHAT!! AUTO in a high perf car! but now i'm more like, well its your money, get what you like, and what fits you. unless you happend to pick up the RX-8 in auto. then you really should be beat over the head with the auto tranny shifter.

giving up 40+ horses for the sake of "less hassle" in a nice sports car, now that's sacrilege. rest of you are off the hook. until hard core manualists come by..

 

[newguy]

My present BMW is an auto...its ok and thats all. My next one..(I'm looking) will be at the very least, a manual, and if I can find a good one, a 95 to 98 M-series. These cars are made for standard shift. There is sooo much more potential for a standard shift...thats my thoughts..

 

[codex57]

I have an auto. Reason? It's called Los Angeles traffic. As famous as Mexico City's smog (not like our smog isn't famous either). Be nice to have a stick, but it'd be a real hassle commuting in traffic around here.

 

[~SUN-XTC~]

yup, ditto - and the steptronic is enough to feel like a manual when I have the urge.

 

[William330]

My present BMW is an auto...its ok and thats all.

Note that auto transmission technology has changed a bit
since 1992. There's a ton of electronics, and a bulit-in database
of optimal shift points at a given rpm/speed/acceleration level, etc.

Also, you're probably running a 4-speed auto, as well.

Newer bimmers use a 5-speed auto, and I think the lates E39 3-series
has an optional 6-speed auto available (?).

 

[PhatBimmer]

Why get auto when you can have SMG. I'm more for SMG than either Auto or a Clutch manual, I think you get the best of both worlds at times.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Newer bimmers use a 5-speed auto, and I think the lates E39 3-series
has an optional 6-speed auto available (?).

You're right that the new 3-Series has a standard six speed manual. But the code is E90!

 

[William330]

Why get auto when you can have SMG. I'm more for SMG than either Auto or a Clutch manual, I think you get the best of both worlds at times.

Isn't an SMG basically a steptronic auto with the controls moved
from the console to the steering wheel?

The SMG has three modes as well: Auto, Auto Sport, and 'manual.'

 

[mjbst111]

no smg is like an automatic manual gear box. It does all the clutch and shift work for you.

 

[dpnguyen]

If you want fun with a manual, try putting in a short-throw shifter. I put a UUC in mine and pledge to never own a manual without a short-throw. It def brings the fun back!

 

[///M SPEED]

Isn't an SMG basically a steptronic auto with the controls moved
from the console to the steering wheel?

The SMG has three modes as well: Auto, Auto Sport, and 'manual.'

Wrong...

 

[MrElussive]

This is easy. You go with automatic if you want practicality and convenience. You go with manual if you enjoy driving. Automatics are great these days but the manual shift mode does not come close to the experience of a real manual transmission. I know that US traffic is much better suited to auto trans, but I think more people need to man up and just drive stick...too many people are just mad ignorant about manual.

 

[William330]

Wrong...

Can you elaborate?

The description of an SMG transmission from bmwusa.com: "6-speed
Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with Automated, Manual and Sport
programs"

Sounds just like a steptronic, which has Auto, Sport Auto, and 'manual,' no?

 

[RokleM]

...too many people are just mad ignorant about manual.

I'll be honest myself, I have an automatic, and have no issues with that. I live/work in Columbus (horrible traffic many days) and would not enjoy a stick most of the time. Granted, when I'm out cruising I would probably love it.

In reference to MrElussive's post, you know that when I took Driver's Ed in High School in my area (back in '94) they had already phased out manual's? We didn't even have the option of learning to drive one. As a matter of fact, I didn't really know ANYONE with a stick at that point to even learn. Kind of sad, but the reality today as automatics have come so far technology wise.

 

[Kirby]

Can you elaborate?

The description of an SMG transmission from bmwusa.com: "6-speed
Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with Automated, Manual and Sport
programs"

Sounds just like a steptronic, which has Auto, Sport Auto, and 'manual,' no?

SMG is a fully manual transmission with a true manual clutch. But the clutch is connected to a hydraulic cylinder instead of a pedal. When SMG shifts, the computer activates the clutch cylinder just like you would be pressing the clutch pedal. Also, SMG is not a regular 5 speed manual gearbox with computer controlled clutch. It is a unique design.

For example, it is impossible to do a non-sequential shift with SMG. With a manual you can go from 5 to 3 if you like. SMG must shift 5 - 4 - 3 for the same result. Hence the "Sequential" name.

The automatic modes of the SMG just sequence through the gears, based on shift points determined by RPM and engine load.

The Steptronic is a true automatic transmission, using fluid, valves and a torque converter to power the car.

 

[William330]

Thanks for the SMG details Kirby!

 

[MrElussive]

In reference to MrElussive's post, you know that when I took Driver's Ed in High School in my area (back in '94) they had already phased out manual's? We didn't even have the option of learning to drive one. As a matter of fact, I didn't really know ANYONE with a stick at that point to even learn. Kind of sad, but the reality today as automatics have come so far technology wise.

Yeah, I know what you mean. People think I'm crazy for going with a manual in this NJ/NYC area, and girls don't like it much because it's not smooth. Even last night, a couple of friends were in my car and after a couple minutes of driving and shifting gears, this one kid asks "Is this tiptronic?" In my head I was thinking, is this kid freaking serious??? Nobody even comprehends the concept of full manual transmission these days....
I have no problem with automatic transmission, but when it is a sporty vehicle, I think it is best to always go with the manual transmission.