[lumberman]

I am ordering my 330i, but still struggling to order manual or auto. I live in a small city, I know auto would be suitable for daily use, however I want every bits of control from this machine

For those who had ordered, just want to hear what did you chose?

[thedocmoz]

Hey there, also check out this thread on manual vs auto.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181

[tim916]

I'd say that unless you sit in bumper to bumper traffic for an hour every day then go with the manual. It will make the car much more fun to drive and you will save yourself $1200.

Some people will still choose a manual even if they have to deal with traffic.

[bzzbenz]

I too am contemplating the same thing. For some reason, I think it will be strange to drive a manual sedan. I had a manual coupe, which was fun, but the sedan seems funny. I will need to drive both before I decide, but I think I am leaning towards the manual. The $1200 savings is nice too!

[sierramadre]

If you're leasing, a manual transmission is not an issue. If you're buying, an automatic transmission will be easier to sell, IMHO.

[mfstout]

Just my opinion, but this car is a sports sedan, not just a sedan. The manual is safer and keeps you that much closer to the engine. If you're truly looking for a drivers car, although a ton of Bimmers are sold as autos, I would definitely consider the stick. It just drives so differently with a stick. You are actually driving, not just pointing and accelerating. If you were looking for a Lexus or an Audi, I'd say auto is fine. BMW's auto's are great, but the new stick is getting rave reviews and the old one was great. One test drive will probably help you make your choice.

cheers.

m

[jl215]

How much traffic do you deal with everyday? Bumper-to-bumper type? If it's minimal then I say go for manual 100%. Like mfstout said this is the finest handling/performing car in its class so why not extract the most from it.

[davinet78]

getting a manual is more driver involved and you get better control of the car it is also more fuel efficient and faster than an auto.

[Black325i]

I live in Toronto where rush hour (or rush hours) is bumper to bumper. The E90 manual has a unique feature where I can basically be at a standstill (RPM less than 1000) in 1st or 2nd, and even 3rd and the car purs along...not jumping, no near stall outs. You would honestly think you are in an automatic.

Do yourself the favour and go manual. If you go auto, you'll be wanting to drive it hard and have "pretend" you've got a 6speed manual with the step, which would just be disappointing.

[1stTbuyer]

take a look at this other forum:
http://www.standardshift.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1834

[nexus66]

You Americans!!!

Manual or Auto is hardly even a consideration over here! It's manual all the way!!!!

It's only with bigger engined 5,6,7 series and Mercs that people tend to get manuals - and those people are definately, how shall we say "more mature - a lot more..."!

[chef13]

If you live where there is traffic, manual is a pain in the ass. My daily commute consists of coffee and talking on a cell phone in bumper to bumper traffic, which would make continuous manual shifting a bit difficult. I got the auto with the tiptronic shifting. Granted the tiptronic is not a manual trani, but you can hear the engine rev...get that lag as you shift...then punch it and feel the push. I get about 90% satisfaction from it.

Good luck with your new ride!!

[stressdoc]

SAve the initial 1200, better gas mpg, faster acceleration, more reliable, cheaper repairs, and a lot more fun. Simple choice unless you are in bumper to bumper most of the time.

[MPowerE90]

If like driving a BMW you SHOULD drive a manual!

[silverado]

Manual was an easy choice for me. The fun/joy of driving factor is unparalleled!

[TwinPowerF30]

so how does manual save more gas than an auto
always wondered

[stressdoc]

My memory banks are fading, but the torque converter in an automatic saps energy. In a manual, once the clutch is engaged, all the other links from crankshaft to wheels are 'direct' metal to metal, without any hydraulics. Hence SMG is as efficient as the manual, but steptron looses about 1-3%.

[fredtoo]

The clutch in a manual transmission provides a direct link from the engine to the transmission, and the driven wheels.
In an automatic, the torque convertor drives the transmission.

Since it is a fluid coupling, (not mechanical) it is not 100% efficient.

[NY3Drvr]

Gotta go with the manual !! That's why you're getting a bimmer and not a honda civic ! (unless your signficant other can't drive stick and you only have one car).

[booforty]

To get the best out of the "ultimate driving machine" a manual is essential. Auto takes half the fun away.

[ward]

even if you sit in LA traffic every day

DON'T BE A PANSY AND GET AN AUTOMATIC

just drive the manual transmission, maybe cut back to just drinking coffee rather than eating a sandwich, drinking, and talking on the phone

IT'S NOT HARD TO DRIVE A MANUAL IN TRAFFIC

No whining about how difficult it is to move your left foot.
If you're not handicapped you have no excuse not to drive a manual

[ward]

Originally Posted by weiweiwei

so how does manual save more gas than an auto
always wondered

don't forget manual tranny is lighter than the auto too