what is ur transmission? auto or manual [Archive]

Phil Marx

10-22-2004, 04:57 PM

Hey, my '98 with automatic is still a very nice car. I bought if for my daughters to learn to drive on expecting they'd learn stick on my 535is after they'd learned how to stay between the lines, etc. But I enjoy it, too. Especially when I have to go to DC and get stuck in endless traffic jams on I-66 or the Beltway. Nothing wrong with the automatic. Nice short diff to maximize what little power there is and yet it still delivered 32mpg at an average speed approaching 90mph on the way back from Texas where I purchased it. Never gets less than about 28mpg even in my "city" traffic in Charlottesville. By the way, I use mid-grade gas with no problems.

-Phil

gooten1

10-22-2004, 07:48 PM

After driving both the automatic and manual ti, it's a close race to see which I like better. The automatic definately has its perks, as does the manual. Being stuck in traffic was easier with the auto, but acceleration and upshifting makes the manual shine. The manual would probably take the auto off the line, but in the time between shifts, the auto might could catch up. Having never driven both cars at the same time, I can't tell you for certain, however. (= I enjoy the manual more, since it lets me choose my shift points rather than having the computer choose them...which means that I can be in the best gear for the upcoming situations.... i.e. dead stop traffic or accelerating then hill climbing...you get the point.

GDB

10-22-2004, 08:43 PM

I got a manual since I don't know how to drive automatic :_peace: .I would really be interested to see a stock 5 spd run a stock auto ti. Since the auto got the 4.44:1 rear end then it could be a good race. Ya'll with the autos need to get out to the track and get some times so we can compare (I'm gonna see what I can do in the 1/4 tonight).

tastade

10-25-2004, 07:22 PM

I prefer the manual. I only like manuals, so my opinion is biased. I will say, that in a small displacement engine (less than 2.0 L) the automatic will suck up a good chunk of your horsepower and performance. Automatics are generally better suited to larger 4 cylinders, or better yet, 6 and 8 cylinders.

NEKO

10-25-2004, 09:35 PM

I have a manual transmittion in my 97. I feel weird when I drive an automatic, Im always looking for the clutch to shift. I also think driving an automatic car is a little mindless.

robcarync

10-25-2004, 10:20 PM

i would have prefered a manual...but i didnt pay for it...so i cant complain

i have auto by the way

socal318ti

10-31-2004, 11:07 PM

It took me a while to find a manual Ti but it was worth it. After driving a few auto ones I was totally set on getting a manual one.

aceyx

11-01-2004, 12:30 AM

i have the benefit of having driven both the manual and automagic 318ti for quite some time.

the torque converter on the auto is impressive, and with the gearing i think it is only marginally slower.

the manual is undoubtedly more fun, but can be tedious at times (heavy or stop & go traffic). it also takes work to drive as smoothly as the auto, but i feel i'm a much more smooth driver overall because i have to plan shift points, can let the engine brake, etc instead of having to goose it to get power, or brake to slow down.

regardless of what tranny you have, the ti is still a fun car around the corners.

bmw318tiChic

11-01-2004, 01:01 AM

Mine is a manual. I can't stand driving automatics, it's way too boring. Whenever I have to drive an auto I'm always looking for the clutch and reaching over to shift. I love manuals.

atlanta318ti

11-17-2004, 03:47 AM

Mine is a manual, too. Before buying, I looked into it and found that a lot of automatic drivers said they wish they'd gotten the manual. A lot said that they felt that there wasn't enough low-end torque in the automatic. ie, slow starts. Not sure if this is true, but do any you autos feel like they're getting left at the stop lights?

Guy Massey

11-17-2004, 11:40 AM

Mine is a manual also.

I like autos, and they are great for our traffic congestion, but I think the M44 is too small an engine to be really successful with an auto box.

ElementalFiend

11-30-2004, 08:27 AM

I wish mine was a manual, but I bought it before I had a clue how to drive a stick.

The slow start thing is absolutely true. Its not impossible, but with the safety its very hard to launch the car at all. It can be done in the "manual" mode, but that is more trouble than its worth and still isn't the same thing.

derek0606

11-30-2004, 05:42 PM

I guess i will use this for my first post, i had a question regarding my Auto 98 318TI. After driving short trips around town my car makes a funny noise like pressure is being dumped off and I have heard it do this before when leaving a gas station but this time i was actually inside the car, it sounded like it was coming from the tranny. Also my gas millage is peaking at 22.8mpg on the highway at 80mph and around 20mpg in the city.

P.S. My father had the car looked at by a mechanic but i dont think he did anything....

swits

11-30-2004, 08:30 PM

I have an auto. I didn't really care too much about what transmission I got as long as the car was in excellent shape, had low miles, and a good price.

I've only ever driven a Saturn and a Porche 914 manual, and never had the opportunity to get a lot of practice in since I never really had to. Since central Seattle consits of a lot of big hills and I'm in traffic a lot, an auto is good enough for now. Strangely enough, when I drive in my dreams it's always a manual.

L84THSKY

11-30-2004, 09:01 PM

I have NEVER owned an automatic transmission. Here on Long Island, we get plenty of traffic. When I here comments like, "You can't own a manual transmission with all this traffic", I go nuts. Those people who bought manuals to save a few bucks on the cost of the car, are just cheapskates. Those who bought them to save on gas, will still save on gas. Those who bought them because they LOVE driving a stick, will NEVER buy an automatic transmission.

To use a crude analogy, driving a stick is like sex without a condom.

***Disclaimer for those underage and promiscuous individuals. I do not condone reckless sexual behavior***
:_peace:

Mine is a manual. I can't stand driving automatics, it's way too boring. Whenever I have to drive an auto I'm always looking for the clutch and reaching over to shift. I love manuals.

Rhys

12-02-2004, 05:26 PM

I used to have an old '85 model 316 E30 in manual flavour. The prblem I had with it was the pedals were too close together, so I ended up catching the brake and clutch at the same time (big feet), got an '88 E30 320i after that, and was hooked on autos (and it shifted too). Now I have a '95 E36 318ti with an auto (switchable, sports mode is fun) and I find it great, plus if you get it chipped (or re-mapped), it takes the flat spot out and improves responsiveness.
Just wish it was a 6 pot like the 320, that was a lot smoother.

mhl03

12-03-2004, 06:15 AM

manuel.........is there any question, I've never owned an auto. I know some prefer an auto, but it defeats the purpose in a sports car.

liquidgraphix

12-20-2004, 08:12 PM

I have the automatic. The traffic to work sucks and couldn't see myself driving a standard in that.
I wouldn't mind trying out the stick version though.

L84THSKY

12-20-2004, 09:21 PM

AMEN :joy:

manuel.........is there any question, I've never owned an auto. I know some prefer an auto, but it defeats the purpose in a sports car.

Shaggy

02-17-2005, 03:02 AM

I say automatic all the way. I have driven manual in my dad's mercedes benz (E55 model if you wanted to know) and I think after a while of driving manual, it gets annoying. I just more used to auto cause its what I been driving since day 1.

angel318ti

02-17-2005, 01:12 PM

Well, even though cars were meant to be driven manually Ij ust love my automatic. Most people will say that they are boring ....this and that but I have the sport shift button in mine so I can actually drive it like a manual. You can say I have the best of both worlds. I get to choose where I shift and when without the hassle of a clutch.

bluebastion

02-17-2005, 01:58 PM

I have an auto as well. To be honest I don't know how to drive a manny... *sob* my dad never taught me.... (he drives an '91 E30 318is manual). *tears drying up* Anyways... to answer some dude's (yes, dude... I'm from FL) question, the auto is sometimes slow from a stop... sometimes you do feel left at the light, sometimes you don't.... and sometimes I think it's just the engine power, not the tranny. However I have beat an E39 5 series before... don't know how... He was on a merging lane and I was in the right lane... and that dude was accelerating so he could cut me off (which I hate), so I accelerated with sports mode on with him... believe it or not I won. Don't know how? (weight?)... but it happened. That was a couple years back so I can't tell you what engine it had, I also exited shortly after I passed him, so I don't even think I got to see his rear end. Good to go.

mickd

02-18-2005, 05:40 PM

Manual here. Never owned an automatic in my life, and would never own one. I have owned approximately 15 cars in my life, all have been German or Swedish, and all were manual. There are times in rush hour traffic an auto might be nice, but I'm seldom in that situation so it wouldn't be worth it. Can't see driving anything but a manual for fun on back country roads.

barische

02-18-2005, 06:14 PM

mickd

02-18-2005, 08:10 PM

i drove my dad fiat back at turkey thats where im from and when i was driving his manual station wagon around the city it was alotta fun. there is not many speed limits or people doesnt just obey the speed limit so i was driving pretty fast there witht a station wagon which has like 120-130 hp, yes the car was really slow off the line but at least i learned to drive manual. and u know what the ext car i will buy will definietely will be a manual.Hey barische, I was just curious about driving conditions when you lived in Turkey. I'm always interested to hear about places outside the U.S. I don't mean to knock anyone for driving an auto. I really don't know what it would be like to drive an auto on a daily basis since I have never owned one, but I do know I would miss shifting. I don't think I would feel as involved with the whole driving expierience if I couldn't shift and clutch.

PettitWC

02-18-2005, 09:49 PM

But I enjoy it, too. Especially when I have to go to DC and get stuck in endless traffic jams on I-66 or the Beltway. Nothing wrong with the automatic.

-Phil

I could never imagine having an auto except when I'm stuck on 66 or the beltway...but then again, a little calf exercise never hurt...

Chris

GDB

02-18-2005, 10:07 PM

BiimerDude97

03-02-2005, 03:32 AM

yeah i have an auto....it gets really boring to drive, does anyone know if i would be able to convert it to manual?

97Hellrot318ti

03-02-2005, 04:08 AM

Like most people nowadays, I learned in an automatic... I always loved driving, but I always wanted to have the control of a stick. The first car that was specifically mine was a 92 Cadillac Eldorado... lol it wasn't incredibly fast or anything, but it sounded like a MONSTER... anyway, I digress... I INSISTED on a manual when I bought my 318ti, I found a couple of autos, but I wouldn't buy... and then my baby popped up at a dealership in Bayside, NY... And the rest was history. I taught myself to drive stick on this car, with the only lesson I ever had in a friend's Jetta Wolfsburg. Driving it home from the lot was fun... I remember gunning it up my first daunting hill after stopping for a light, so I wouldn't stall, or smash into the car behind me... lol It was an experience. I've come a long way since then. Read up and implemented some double-clutching and heel-toeing... if for nothing else but fun. Even in stop and go, I feel much more comfortable in a stick, I just feel like I'm in control rather than just along for the ride. Probably more of a mental thing, but there is definitely something to be said for you having exact control of your shift points.

OH, and PS- GDM, I used to put my auto cars in neutral when I was stopped too... because I'm a lazy mofo.

BimmerBabe

06-06-2005, 08:20 AM

Mine's an automatic cuz I've never learned to drive manual...I also wear heels all the time, so that would make it difficult. And the slow thing is also true...it takes a while to get up to speed at first.

L84THSKY

06-06-2005, 03:08 PM

That is the caveat of driving an automatic in traffic. Sure you don't have to keep putting it in gear constantly, but you have to keep your damn foot on the brake all the time :evil_lau:

I actually prefer manual when in stop and go traffic since you don't have to keep your foot on the brake. Back when I had an auto (a few years ago) I would pop it in neutral when in traffic. I guess I'm just lazy, really lazy.

rennerb

07-02-2005, 06:28 AM

I bought an Auto for the wife, but then I am getting a bit lazy these days anyway ;)

stormos

07-06-2005, 09:52 PM

I drive an auto, simply because i do at least 3,000 miles a month through london and the rest of the uk and suffer from a slight hint of road rage :2gun:

I am tempted to get a manual Integra Type R though for evening and weekend playtime. :O))

Nickos.

maherbaz

07-06-2005, 11:25 PM

I guess it was not that important a factor in my decision to buy. In retrospect, though, I don't think I would be able to eat nearly as much taco bell driving in the city in a manual.

Gabriel_318

10-22-2005, 06:34 PM

I like my autos. Wil probably never go manual. Mayeb F1 paddle shifters...

A mediocre driver in a well programmed automatic (which this BMW sure is) can beat a mediocre driver in a manual any day. My friend has a 1997 standard Ti and I have a 1998 auto, I know I have .1L on him but he's not even close at 1/4mile. Maybe 1/8th, and I'm gone in traffic.

He's never owned an auto in 10 years of driving (I know, we're young) and I've never owned a standard. I use the free hand to keep my woman happy on long rides, wouldn't want my gearshift to replace me.

Its mostly preference, but not many purebread racers use manuals, padals at best, autos in the rest.

Just MHO

Viper3812

10-22-2005, 08:47 PM

i just wanted to know what kind of transmission everyone has i have a auto, i know auto is corny but the car was passed down to me from my parents and i am happy to own it.
Same here.

myblueTI

10-22-2005, 10:33 PM

Same here.
plus 2

city

10-22-2005, 11:38 PM

Manual for me, I could never drive an auto again. Its something that keeps you busy, and makes me feel more part of the car.

canadian_ti

10-22-2005, 11:51 PM

I've got the manual,.. it's a good tranny but with a I-6 the tranny would be put to better use,.. although when downshift on 3rd doing 100km/h it's fun :wink:

S10mafia50

10-23-2005, 02:06 AM

I actually prefer manual when in stop and go traffic since you don't have to keep your foot on the brake. Back when I had an auto (a few years ago) I would pop it in neutral when in traffic. I guess I'm just lazy, really lazy.
I hate Autos, I have owned only one in my life(1965 Stang Coupe), but everytime I drive my sister's focus I drive it as a manual, same with my mom's mustang. It is always funny when I get accelerating, and let off the gas to shift and realize there isn't a clutch there. I know that any talented driver in a stick should beat an automatic, in practically any type of vehicle. And I don't know about that ti manual losing to an at. I mean, AlaskaBlue's ti owns my moms 94 stang, but we roughly have the same hp, and the stang has about 1000lbs on him. I could beat the 01 v6 stang we used to race, Andy would usually beat him by a car length and i would by about 1.5-2 car lengths, before I got gears!! I hate automatics!!!! No offense guys
Andrew
P.S. I have owned 3 5speeds in my 3.5 years of driving(00' 4cy s10, 89 taurus sho, and my baby 98 4.3L s10!!:evil_lau: ) And yes I do put any auto i am driving in neutral when I stop at lights and in traffic! I am lazy!!!

cali-ti

10-23-2005, 03:47 AM

personally, i can't STAND autos, especially in a 4 cyl car with a limited power band. i want to be able to choose when/where to shift, that's part of the enjoyment of the car. when tracking (if i did it), an auto's not an option as you need to be able to choose your shift points when cornering, etc.

John W

10-25-2005, 10:29 PM

I love driving, so I have a manual. Honestly, it's still pretty slow off the line and perhaps the 4.44 rear end in the automatics is really better suited to the limited low-end torque of the M43/4. I've never driven an automatic ti ...

I really don't get the whole "automatics are easier in stop and go traffic" thing. You're already using one of your feet for the gas and brakes. What's the big deal about using your second foot?

To each, his/her own, but I really don't understand why you would drive an automatic unless you are physically impaired or just plain lazy. I know this sounds harsh, but I guess I am just getting bitter about the increasing lack of cars available in this country with manual transmissions.

michaelhofastcar

10-30-2005, 06:18 AM

I know this sounds harsh, but I guess I am just getting bitter about the increasing lack of cars available in this country with manual transmissions.
Many of the highline sports cars only give you automatic, e.g. Mercedes Benz SL500, Lexus SC430, etc. That essentially kills a good sports car.

SDKmann

12-18-2005, 07:12 PM

I hate my auto and plan to get rid of it as soon as possible.

andyman7931

12-20-2005, 04:17 PM

I have both an auto and manual. I'm a manual fan, but my wife doesn't know how to drive one. With the mountains here and windy roads, I think I'd prefer her concentrating on the road rather than on shifting gears. The auto isn't bad, but the manual is way more fun. I need something to keep me occupied while driving anyway.

I'm so much a manual fan that I've swapped 2 e30's over to 5 speeds. Conversely I've also swapped one to an auto (for the wife)

DustenT

12-20-2005, 04:28 PM

I didn't mind my automatic tranny. It was slow, but it worked really nice, until I put the SC on. Even then it only acted up when it was like -20.

stormos

12-20-2005, 09:37 PM

don't spose you still got the auto diff D ? might need one next year ;)

DustenT

12-20-2005, 09:52 PM

don't spose you still got the auto diff D ? might need one next year ;)

I scrapped all my auto pieces. I probably could have sold the diff and tranny, but I don't sell things that might be abused. My auto WAS abused very badly, so I just junked everything. Sorry.

cali-ti

12-20-2005, 10:16 PM

I scrapped all my auto pieces. I probably could have sold the diff and tranny, but I don't sell things that might be abused. My auto WAS abused very badly, so I just junked everything. Sorry.
he's in the UK anyway, i'm thinking shipping would be way too much for a diff he could probably find locally :)

stormos

12-21-2005, 08:14 AM

it'll last another 50k i recon minimum. might just get a hire car to abuse during a rebuild for a little while.

BimmerGirl318

01-17-2006, 05:33 PM

Mine is definatly manual- i have had 3 cars all manual and i can say that I will go out of my way to get a manual transmission. It's just more fun and i have noticed that i keep a better watch on how fast i am goin in a manual- good for driving through small towns. And apparently, guys are impressed when a girl can drive a stick- it's not that big of a deal! I taught myself and my current boyfriend on my 1988 535is.

denissef

01-17-2006, 07:03 PM

i just wanted to know what kind of transmission everyone has i have a auto, i know auto is corny but the car was passed down to me from my parents and i am happy to own it.

Auto is corny?

bLy78

01-25-2006, 12:32 PM

all i've ever had is auto auto auto.... next week i will drive and own my first manual transmission car... woo hoo can't wait. it's a black '03 318ti. yeah baby.

Blue318ti

02-27-2006, 05:46 PM

I have Auto....I hate Auto

ahebron

03-04-2006, 07:32 AM

I run an auto too. Its what came with the car and as most BMWs in NZ are used Japanese imports most are automatic. I have yet to drive it yet as I bought the car (1995) with a stuffed motor (multiple cylinder head cracks, cracked water connector pipe and knackered petrol pump). But I was surprised to see it only has a 4 speed auto as my 1992 525 has a 5 speed auto and is a fantastic gearbox only let down by its computer. I would possibly like to change to a manual but will have to drive it first. Those of you who complain aboout pedals on manuals should try driving vintage cars that have the accelerator pedal between the brake and clutch, that atkes some thinking while driving.

PeteN95

03-06-2006, 04:06 AM

I prefer a stick and luckily, so does the wife. If doing any preformance driving, the manual is allows total control. I could handle an auto cluth, like a Ferrari, but not just a manually shifted auto. I don't like the feeling of the converter, hence the term "slushbox".

halobeamin

03-06-2006, 03:33 PM

and wouldn't have it any other way

michaelhofastcar

03-10-2006, 05:52 PM

I prefer a stick and luckily, so does the wife.
My wife refuses to drive manual, I taught her stick shift many many years ago in mall parking lot, but until now, she still refuses to drive my manual shifted cars.

stormos

03-10-2006, 08:11 PM

it's always good to tell the missus how to drive stick imo ;)

......sorry couldn't resist.

ZX12R

04-01-2006, 11:52 AM

autos rule i cant even recall how many cars ive had,and if you live in a big city with lots of traffic,shifting back and forth is not going to get you anywhere faster,it just flat out sucks shifting all the time.if i want to shift i get on my bike.

halobeamin

04-01-2006, 08:22 PM

i guess if you are lazy

i live 20 minutes south of DC and LOVE my stick

it's not driving w/o one.. it's riding.

jetblackbimmer

05-19-2006, 08:50 PM

I got a manual. I love it but with my bad left knee, it makes it difficult in Los Angeles traffic. I am planning on getting a second car, automatic, for my daytime cruiser.

Blue318ti

05-22-2006, 05:45 AM

Auto's are like easy women... they're fun at first, but you get tired of them really fast.

Kraln

05-22-2006, 07:45 AM

Auto's are like well-used whores. They're real mushy, and they feel sloppy and the experience is overall numbing and not satisfying at all.

jdehaan

06-23-2006, 12:08 AM

Auto's are like well-used whores. They're real mushy, and they feel sloppy and the experience is overall numbing and not satisfying at all.

wow...some how that actually makes sense.

Blue318ti

06-30-2006, 02:18 AM

I have an autom and it sucks!!!!!!

FATHER

06-30-2006, 05:37 AM

Well, mine is auto but... this saturday went to the mechanisc to a tranny swap..!!!

tol4o

07-18-2006, 05:55 AM

Ok mine is manual and I have been looking for it almost a year. It's hard to find a stick, atleast around here in Boston. I have never owned an automatic car and I'd never buy one. Few reasons:
1. It's so borring
2. The driving is not enjoyable at all
3. I hate to keep my feet on the brake at every traffic light (when I am driving my gf's automatic Toyota Corolla 'very rare')
4. Not the last but the most important is that the stick shift is much faster

It's not too hard to drive a stick, come on guys get a manual 318ti and you will feel the difference!

Automatic transmission kills the sport spirit of BMW
Automatic BMW is a BMW on a wheel chair...