Auto or manual for modding?

Mastermixlee · 05-05-2011, 03:22 AM

Hi I am New to this forum and I am looking at buying a 335i coupe. The problem I am having is deciding which will be better for performance modifications, the manual or the auto gearbox. I will be aiming for around 450bhp with modifications but I'm unsure what gearbox would be best for this? Would the auto gearbox be able to handle large increases in power? I'm swaying towards the manual due the fact that its easy to get an uprated clutch and flywheel fitted if the power is too much for it. Any suggestions guys?
Thanks in advance

cwidjojo · 05-05-2011, 03:58 AM

manual

delvek · 05-05-2011, 04:09 AM

The ZF transmission is used in cars with over 500hp including rolls royce. Unless you love driving manuals there is no other reason for choosing this option.

Its just not enough anymore with technology to say manual.

Mastermixlee · 05-05-2011, 04:27 AM

Really? If that is the case then I may have to get the auto! As from what I understand the auto is actually faster than the manual anyway due faster shifts and not losing boost during shifts? So if I was to mod the auto I could happily take it up to 450bhp without any problems regarding transmission. Do all of the autos come with paddleshift? Or is it optional, as I will be looking at a used 2007 model.

delvek · 05-05-2011, 04:56 AM

My knowledge of the 2007 models is zero so someone else is going to have to answer the question. I dont believe the ZF 8spd sport, or ZF for that matter was used in 2007, they are a very respected company but I think BMW just went with them with the F10.

Mastermixlee · 05-06-2011, 01:54 AM

So can anyone Shed some light on the auto gearbox on the 2007 models?

Notra · 05-06-2011, 02:39 AM

The 2007 has the 6 speed ZF tranny.

Notion-Za · 05-06-2011, 03:00 AM

Up here in jhb we did a few runs against a chipped manual and a chipped auto 135, same with two E92's and both times the autos edged out the manuals and the manual drivers were experienced.

bbbradley · 05-06-2011, 08:27 AM

Slushboxes are for Accords and Camrys. IMO.

RaceBlood · 05-06-2011, 08:39 AM

A Auto is a Auto, a Manual is true motoring, as long as you dont commute in rush hour traffic.

CJ421 · 05-06-2011, 09:25 AM

I never saw the point of upgrading the car performance-wise if it doesn't have a manual. DCT I can see, but not the standard auto.

Tom K. · 05-06-2011, 10:58 AM

While I wouldn't own an automatic, I noticed that the 335d is only available with Steptronic. IIRC, the reason BMW gave was that the manual transmission (and/or clutch) could not safely handle the diesel's 425 ft. lbs. of torque.

Tom

Never-Enough · 05-06-2011, 11:19 AM

Unless you want to row through gears very badly, go auto. No one can shift faster than a computer. Stalled auto > manual

Dr. Nate · 05-06-2011, 11:28 AM

I don't thin it matters, just depends on what you want to do. I have an auto and in DS mode it will hold a gear just like a manual.

-Nate

domrep · 05-06-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermixlee

Really? If that is the case then I may have to get the auto! As from what I understand the auto is actually faster than the manual anyway due faster shifts and not losing boost during shifts? So if I was to mod the auto I could happily take it up to 450bhp without any problems regarding transmission. Do all of the autos come with paddleshift? Or is it optional, as I will be looking at a used 2007 model.

This ofcourse is highly subjective, but atleast for me with 450bhp it wouldnt be as fun in an auto

31 Hz · 05-06-2011, 12:44 PM

Don't confuse "performance" with "aesthetic/sensory enjoyment of the manual." If you aren't necessarily attracted to the idea of rowing through the gears yourself, then just get the automatic. I'm not an expert but there are a lot of guys here with high-HP software upgrades, and I never see anyone complaining about the durability of the automatic transmission.

darkrom · 05-06-2011, 12:46 PM

Manual. Seriously I understand why some people would want auto, but if you want to modify and want performance why not DRIVE the car rather than just cruise around with an auto.

N54B30A · 05-06-2011, 12:48 PM

Manual is more for racing and having fun, auto is for everyday driving and just chilling. U cant change a clutch and flywheel on an auto to make it shift faster. u cant rev match. u cant go from 6th to 3rd when entering a turn.

ragingclue · 05-06-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sahyoun

Manual is more for racing and having fun, auto is for everyday driving and just chilling. U cant change a clutch and flywheel on an auto to make it shift faster. u cant rev match. u cant go from 6th to 3rd when entering a turn.

Have you driven a step-equipped 335?

Majikthese42 · 05-06-2011, 01:03 PM

I've commuted to DC and NYC with manuals. Yes, the traffic sucks, but it doesn't suck any more or less because the car has a manual transmission.

Dr. Nate · 05-06-2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sahyoun

Manual is more for racing and having fun, auto is for everyday driving and just chilling. U cant change a clutch and flywheel on an auto to make it shift faster. u cant rev match. u cant go from 6th to 3rd when entering a turn.

Um yeah you can. But unlike manuals you won't pop your motor if you accidently hit second instead.

-Nate

slowSwede · 05-06-2011, 01:37 PM

Don't think it matters much for tuning.
It's down to personal preference.
For me, since I don't drive in congested traffic, I'll never own an automatic unless I have to sit in traffic a lot.

05-05-2011, 03:22 AM	#1
Mastermixlee Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 335i e92 Join Date: May 2011 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Auto or manual for modding? Hi I am New to this forum and I am looking at buying a 335i coupe. The problem I am having is deciding which will be better for performance modifications, the manual or the auto gearbox. I will be aiming for around 450bhp with modifications but I'm unsure what gearbox would be best for this? Would the auto gearbox be able to handle large increases in power? I'm swaying towards the manual due the fact that its easy to get an uprated clutch and flywheel fitted if the power is too much for it. Any suggestions guys? Thanks in advance
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05-05-2011, 03:58 AM	#2
cwidjojo First Lieutenant 29 Rep 352 Posts Drives: Sparkling Graphite E92 M3 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indonesia/San Francisco iTrader: (1)	manual
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05-05-2011, 04:09 AM	#3
delvek Major 33 Rep 1,134 Posts Drives: 2014 550i Msport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	The ZF transmission is used in cars with over 500hp including rolls royce. Unless you love driving manuals there is no other reason for choosing this option. Its just not enough anymore with technology to say manual. __________________ 2014 550i M-sport
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05-05-2011, 04:27 AM	#4
Mastermixlee Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 335i e92 Join Date: May 2011 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Really? If that is the case then I may have to get the auto! As from what I understand the auto is actually faster than the manual anyway due faster shifts and not losing boost during shifts? So if I was to mod the auto I could happily take it up to 450bhp without any problems regarding transmission. Do all of the autos come with paddleshift? Or is it optional, as I will be looking at a used 2007 model.
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05-05-2011, 04:56 AM	#5
delvek Major 33 Rep 1,134 Posts Drives: 2014 550i Msport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	My knowledge of the 2007 models is zero so someone else is going to have to answer the question. I dont believe the ZF 8spd sport, or ZF for that matter was used in 2007, they are a very respected company but I think BMW just went with them with the F10. __________________ 2014 550i M-sport
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05-06-2011, 01:54 AM	#6
Mastermixlee Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 335i e92 Join Date: May 2011 Location: London iTrader: (0)	So can anyone Shed some light on the auto gearbox on the 2007 models?
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05-06-2011, 02:39 AM	#7
Notra Private First Class 3 Rep 104 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	The 2007 has the 6 speed ZF tranny. __________________ 335i JB4 g5 iso backend flash BMS DCI walbro inline pump vrsf 7'' intercooler vrsf dp -Car sold 135i
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05-06-2011, 03:00 AM	#8
Notion-Za Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 293 Posts Drives: '16 M4 ZCP Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Up here in jhb we did a few runs against a chipped manual and a chipped auto 135, same with two E92's and both times the autos edged out the manuals and the manual drivers were experienced. __________________ 2016 M4 ZCP 2018 Ford Ranger WildTrak 3.2
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05-06-2011, 08:27 AM	#9
bbbradley Resident Alien 6 Rep 301 Posts Drives: A4 for now, Miata for fun! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Beantown iTrader: (0)	Slushboxes are for Accords and Camrys. IMO.
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05-06-2011, 08:39 AM	#10
RaceBlood Going nowhere fast. 56 Rep 2,243 Posts Drives: 2 wheels Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Downtown iTrader: (0)	A Auto is a Auto, a Manual is true motoring, as long as you dont commute in rush hour traffic.
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05-06-2011, 09:25 AM	#11
CJ421 Brigadier General 1567 Rep 4,109 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Blue Bell, PA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 BMW M3 Sedan [9.50]	I never saw the point of upgrading the car performance-wise if it doesn't have a manual. DCT I can see, but not the standard auto. __________________ 2024 BMW M3 Sedan Frozen Pure Grey II/Fjord Blue, 6MT Past: 2021 Z4 M40i Frozen Grey II/Black Alcantara \| 2017 F30 340i Mineral Gray/Coral Red, 6MT \| 2011 E92 335i Le Mans Blue/Black, 6MT
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05-06-2011, 10:58 AM	#12
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	While I wouldn't own an automatic, I noticed that the 335d is only available with Steptronic. IIRC, the reason BMW gave was that the manual transmission (and/or clutch) could not safely handle the diesel's 425 ft. lbs. of torque. Tom
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05-06-2011, 11:19 AM	#13
Never-Enough Banned 48 Rep 1,038 Posts Drives: 2007 335xi E90 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: PA iTrader: (19)	Unless you want to row through gears very badly, go auto. No one can shift faster than a computer. Stalled auto > manual
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05-06-2011, 11:28 AM	#14
Dr. Nate Nate Dogg 8 Rep 437 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Saloon Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Houston, Texas iTrader: (0)	I don't thin it matters, just depends on what you want to do. I have an auto and in DS mode it will hold a gear just like a manual. -Nate __________________ 2011 BMW 328i by weekend, various airplanes by week.
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05-06-2011, 12:46 PM	#17
darkrom Colonel 190 Rep 2,233 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (5)	Manual. Seriously I understand why some people would want auto, but if you want to modify and want performance why not DRIVE the car rather than just cruise around with an auto.
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05-06-2011, 12:48 PM	#18
N54B30A Captain 224 Rep 699 Posts Drives: 2021 HS M2C Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (0)	Manual is more for racing and having fun, auto is for everyday driving and just chilling. U cant change a clutch and flywheel on an auto to make it shift faster. u cant rev match. u cant go from 6th to 3rd when entering a turn. __________________ 2021 M2C HS DCT 2007 Wedge 335i E92 FBO, Stage 2 LPFP,VTT STG 2+, VTT Shotgun E50 w/ Inlets MT-SOLD
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05-06-2011, 01:03 PM	#20
Majikthese42 Philosopher-king 20 Rep 1,113 Posts Drives: 2008 E91 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: People's Republic of New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I've commuted to DC and NYC with manuals. Yes, the traffic sucks, but it doesn't suck any more or less because the car has a manual transmission. __________________ E91 6MT Alpine, Terra, Xenons, ZSP, ZCW, ZPP, PDC, CA, alarm, M shifter and M brake handle, Euro rear fog light switch, Euro aspheric mirrors, rear power outlets, Garmin nüvi custom cupholder mount, Lidatek, V-1 built-in remote display, tire pump, jack, floor mats.
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05-06-2011, 01:37 PM	#22
slowSwede Lieutenant 21 Rep 549 Posts Drives: 335 coupe Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Skåne iTrader: (0)	Don't think it matters much for tuning. It's down to personal preference. For me, since I don't drive in congested traffic, I'll never own an automatic unless I have to sit in traffic a lot.
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