[kingmonkey8]

If BMW were serious about saving the manual they would have developed a new manual gearbox.
BMW should have developed a 7 speed manual. Porsche have a 7 speed.

Extra gear for motorway cruising and fuel efficiency.
Auto cruises at 70 mph around 2000 rpms, manual is around 3000 rpms.

My 1st 4 series was a manual. Felt a bit like the transmission was put together with leftover parts. I think the diff was from an E46...
the transmission had vibration issues.

They could have at least updated the gear knob to match the new interiors.

[1_v00d00child]

I've never owned a car that hasn't had a third pedal.

Given the fact mentioned above: I have learned there is a huge difference between a good and bad manual transmission. Nothing is worse then a sloppy shifter feel and engine speed hang.

It is a shame BMW did not do any upgrades on the 6-speed transmission. Toyota did some minor revisions to the same gearbox on the Supra and it made a huge difference. When you are spending this much money on a car, you expect the stock setup to be GREAT - not okay.

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, Camaro SS 1LE, Mustang Dark Horse -- all these cars have a real true performance 6-speed manual, which importantly can handle more power.

We all know the S58 gains triple digit horsepower and torque numbers with minor bolt-on upgrades and software re-configuration. This transmission in the G87 is old and cannot handle more torque without the clutch slipping. There are many documented cars now that have slipping clutches with just piggy-back hardware tunes.

I do not want to go down the road of finding the right clutch, flywheel, and shifter setup just to make the car feel proper and handle any future upgrades. If you are building the car out or leaving it stock, then I can see the choice for the 6-speed. The stock feel is not good.

Regarding the ZF-8, a simple G80 CS flash and the car bangs gears without any damaging torque characteristic. It also can hold up to 650 ft*lb of torque without any concerns. A flick of the switch in traffic and it rides smooth as butter.

For these reasons, I have picked the ZF 8-speed auto.

If we are talking Porsche then I will go the extra mile to get the manual, because it's been properly engineered and tuned from the factory.

Maybe after BMW has re-evaluated the sales numbers from 2023 & 2024 they will see the demand for a manual transmission is still there and will put a proper gear-box in the 2-door M car.

This speak of the G87 being the last gasoline M coupe with a manual is delusional. There's still plenty of time left, and the law in the USA is not forcing the market to do anything with the results of the election.

Enjoy both transmissions in good health!

[DrewNewM2]

I wish the clutch could handle the increased torque when modded but If I’m modding anyway , I’m ok budgeting extra for an upgraded clutch, short shifter, etc. so I can still have the last manual M car. I also don’t think I would want much more than around 600whp, maybe less torque on a RWD car because of traction issues.

The only way I would give up on manual is if I decide I need XDrive when it comes out for more power potential because better traction. Otherwise … manual all the way.

[Geighty7]

Originally Posted by 1_v00d00child

I've never owned a car that hasn't had a third pedal.

Given the fact mentioned above: I have learned there is a huge difference between a good and bad manual transmission. Nothing is worse then a sloppy shifter feel and engine speed hang.

It is a shame BMW did not do any upgrades on the 6-speed transmission. Toyota did some minor revisions to the same gearbox on the Supra and it made a huge difference. When you are spending this much money on a car, you expect the stock setup to be GREAT - not okay.

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, Camaro SS 1LE, Mustang Dark Horse — all these cars have a real true performance 6-speed manual, which importantly can handle more power.

We all know the S58 gains triple digit horsepower and torque numbers with minor bolt-on upgrades and software re-configuration. This transmission in the G87 is old and cannot handle more torque without the clutch slipping. There are many documented cars now that have slipping clutches with just piggy-back hardware tunes.

I do not want to go down the road of finding the right clutch, flywheel, and shifter setup just to make the car feel proper and handle any future upgrades. If you are building the car out or leaving it stock, then I can see the choice for the 6-speed. The stock feel is not good.

Regarding the ZF-8, a simple G80 CS flash and the car bangs gears without any damaging torque characteristic. It also can hold up to 650 ft*lb of torque without any concerns. A flick of the switch in traffic and it rides smooth as butter.

For these reasons, I have picked the ZF 8-speed auto.

If we are talking [...]

Originally Posted by DrewNewM2

I wish the clutch could handle the increased torque when modded but If I’m modding anyway , I’m ok budgeting extra for an upgraded clutch, short shifter, etc. so I can still have the last manual M car. I also don’t think I would want much more than around 600whp, maybe less torque on a RWD car because of traction issues.

The only way I would give up on manual is if I decide I need XDrive when it comes out for more power potential because better traction. Otherwise … manual all the way.

I have my new clutch + SSK going in next week as I’m pushing about 600hp. Went with twin disc organic PTB racing clutch single mass flywheel + autosolutions custom SSK 25% reduction OEM height & 90a bushing.

I was changing regardless of the speed just for improvement overall. Had to take matters into my own hands as BMW obviously didn’t care to upgrade.

[BroDoze]

Loving my ZF8. I went back and forth and did tons of test drives before finally deciding on my first auto sports car (after tons of manuals).
Definitely the right decision for me. The car is a beast paired with the ZF8. I find it plenty engaging very, very fast. Then when I want to sip my coffee cup in heavy traffic sections on the way to work, I can. I’ve already been in a few spirited situations (still in break-in) where it was nice keeping both hands on the wheel.
Love it! BMW nailed the ZF8+S58 combo in this car.