[NewToM]

Originally Posted by BroDoze

You missed my point. I actually wasn’t always going to end up with the auto. Before I bailed on my MY24 allotment, I had a 6MT ready to go with my SA.
I have the MP shift knob and freakin BMS clutch stop, brand new in plastic, sitting in my office. The decision to go for the MY25 2-3 months ago has given me more time to waffle back and forth, and do a lot more test drives.
Even just reading the press release has me wondering again about the Manual. Truly a tough decision.

I will take any manual parts you don’t want! Best friend.

[Skuru96]

I genuinely enjoy driving around my manual. every shift, lower or higher rpm, crappy shift or a perfect shift, I love it.

My F80 is DCT and is heavily modified but the DCT just makes driving a little boring. I like the drama of a manual even with regular driving.

One of my "must-haves" was a manual sports car. The choices are really limited with that filter. I'd do it again everyday.

[LAGWAGN]

Originally Posted by M2siast

I don’t know if it’s just me, but anyone who doesn’t refuse a car upgrade at a rental car counter because the “upgrade” is an automatic is better suited to an automatic car when buying one. There are signs. Saying it’s annoying when driving in traffic is another sign. Get the auto, you’ll be happier in the long run.

For me, at least, and again it might be just me, there’s no question. It’s never an auto, no matter the situation or car. Truck, bus, track, traffic, rain, shine, night, day: manual.

100%. I wouldn’t mind borrowing an auto to see what it’s like, no way I’d own one given the option.

[dd_666]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Manual in this car is very engaging and the gearing is nicely spaced. Car has plenty of low down torque as well in my opinion, I never feel underpowered anywhere. I have the ZF8 in my M340i and it’s a great gearbox but for me a manual makes the experience much more connected. For reference my last two manual cars were a 981 GT4 and a 718 GT4. The only downside of the manual is the ergonomics, the center arm rest is quite high so you have to flare your elbow out. Coming from a Porsche where you can have your elbow tucked in and the shifter closer, the M2 took a bit of adjustment. Overall though I would take the opportunity to buy the last new M car with a manual while you still can.

what made you switch?... wouldn't the GT4 been a more engaging car? And anything u miss from the GT Porsches since the switch?

[eluded]

In the US all rental are autos. Overseas, I always rent the manuals. Never been an issue even when renting large VANs. It's a good thing because I don't know how to drive an automatic. D, N, R is so confusing.

Originally Posted by M2siast

I don’t know if it’s just me, but anyone who doesn’t refuse a car upgrade at a rental car counter because the “upgrade” is an automatic i....

[brad65ford]

Pretty simple, manual is more engaging auto is faster and easier day to day. I like both and will always enjoy the feeling of a "good" manual which the G87 does have. There is something about taking a turn and just slipping/popping the clutch in 2nd and kicking out the ass end out. Seeing all this talk about wht autos are better is just silly, of course they are easier and more practical, hell we should all be driving a tesla if that is the case, just be thankful we have this option atm. May disappear some day soon.

[KC87ZB]

Originally Posted by eluded

In the US all rental are autos. Overseas, I always rent the manuals. Never been an issue even when renting large VANs. It's a good thing because I don't know how to drive an automatic. D, N, R is so confusing.

Nothing like renting a manual in a RHD country when you are from a LHD country. surprisingly easy transition.

Overall agree, auto's are easier, that's why they have become so popular in the US (and now about everywhere). I can eat my big mac, play with my phone and drive at the same time...

All kidding aside, driving home from the airport Wednesday night, guy driving a white honda accord, CarPlay all lit up, phone tucked on his dash watching a moving and texting with yet another device. No joke. Surprisingly he was having trouble staying in his lane and managing his speed.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by Geighty7

I’m constantly poking fun at my ZF8 friends who have G8X’s and tease me about my short gear ratio from 1-2. My response is always: “Yall ever dump your clutch at 5-6k rpm and bounce off the limiter a few times as you smell rubber? Didn’t think so!”

I'm sure you smell a lot of your clutch life going up in smoke too...

[Geighty7]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

I'm sure you smell a lot of your clutch life going up in smoke too...

Once or twice won’t hurt…right?

[BroDoze]

Better clutch than synchros… I’ve blown synchros out of 3 different MTs back in the day - not fun.

[brad65ford]

Another example of having a manual is like playing an instrument, yes you can just play the song on your computer or phone though its also a joy to create it yourself. The guys that have manuals understand this, creating this sense of shifting feeling while accelerating and decelerating is a sensation that different and kind of priceless. While driving late last night, you couldn't remove the smile off my face. I means serious, these are just toys, who doesn't have other cars that aren't auto's in their garage LOL. Guessing I'm fortunate to have multiple types of vehicles to drive at any given time. If I want awd auto I have that too, though it would be hard to remove having of a fun rwd manual out of the corral thats for sure.

[DrewNewM2]

Originally Posted by NewToM

I know that is a common view, but I don’t feel that way. I live and work in LA traffic and have never once thought I’d rather have an automatic. Not saying shifting in traffic is fun, but I don’t really notice that it makes the driving experience any more annoying much less “far more annoying.”

Totally agree. I’ve driven manuals in some of the worst traffic in the country around NYC and Long Island for like 30 years and the only car that was somewhat annoying is my heavily modified STi with big injectors, rough idle and heavy aftermarket clutch.

I’m not buying an auto because they’re easier in traffic lol.

[Digitalprty]

Originally Posted by brad65ford

Another example of having a manual is like playing an instrument, yes you can just play the song on your computer or phone though its also a joy to create it yourself. The guys that have manuals understand this, creating this sense of shifting feeling while accelerating and decelerating is a sensation that different and kind of priceless.

I would go a step further and specify drum set versus drum machine. I have both, and playing a drum set is infinitely more fun. You use all your limbs and really get into it. A drum machine can sometimes be quicker laying down a beat (especially when recording), but it doesn’t have the same soul.

[BroDoze]

I’m a drummer too! And that’s a real bad analogy.

[JMcLellan]

Same here! I don't get the analogy either though and I don't think I've ever used a "drum machine" as they are referencing. However, I'd like to think that coordinating my two feet between the high-hat and double bass pedals helps me do the same with the 3 pedals in my car.

[brad65ford]

Its everything in our lives, everything seems to be more and more just a simulation of the real thing at this point. It will be impossible to argue this point to a gear head though, I do get it. When speed and getting faster dragy times are paramount there is no reason to even think manual is the way to go.

[Digitalprty]

Originally Posted by BroDoze

I’m a drummer too! And that’s a real bad analogy.

Drumset calls for all four limbs. Drum machine is your finger tips. Pretty apt. I guess you also use your right foot for an automatic car, so there’s that.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by dd_666

what made you switch?... wouldn't the GT4 been a more engaging car? And anything u miss from the GT Porsches since the switch?

I miss the engine sound, the more connected, visceral nature of the Porsche for sure. But I also have just as much fun driving the M2, and it will be a lot less stressful to send it on track given it’s literally half the cost. My goal is to get the G87 to my 718 lap times times and ultimately quicker. Having owned an F87 M2C, G87 M2, 981 GT4, and 718 GT4 I just really enjoy driving small(ish) fast manual sports cars. Although the M2 feels much more like a normal car compared to a small mid engine with low hood line like the Cayman. I’ll probably write a mega review at some point once I get some proper track time in the G87 as I know these cars are often compared.

Anyway back on topic, slightly compromised ergonomics aside (center arm rest is too high), buy the manual 😎

[fluffhead]

Originally Posted by aerobod

No, whole reason for us buying the M2 over any other BMW was for the manual. Wouldn't have bought it if it was auto-only.

Agreed! Manual is a must for me, auto wasn't even considered.

[NewToM]

Originally Posted by M2siast

You know the feeling

Knew I was doing something wrong! A bit like twister getting my hand on the clutch but I’m getting there.

[BroDoze]

LOL!

That's ... embarrassing.

[Digitalprty]

Originally Posted by M2siast

You know the feeling

Neither the writer, nor editor, caught this? Come on, America.