[Rhys]

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.