There simply isn’t a substitute for a manual transmission for some aficionados. Even the worst modern automatics are still preferred by many aficionados above them. The new BMW M3 and M4 are intriguing examples of that exact predicament, as some enthusiasts would still choose those models over their more coherent Competition (automatic) counterparts, despite the fact that the manual gearbox versions of both cars feel rather subpar in their execution. In this video, Joe Achilles shows us the BMW M4 manual and discusses whether he would prefer it to the Competition standard on his M3.
Before discussing which is superior, let’s first discuss the situation. The sole available transmission for the base model BMW M4 Coupe is a manual transmission. The 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 engine’s 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque are reduced as a result. While the M4 Competition only has an eight-speed automatic transmission and greater power—503 hp and 479 lb-ft—it is also more expensive.
Achilles has a BMW M3 Competition, which has two extra doors but is otherwise mechanically the same as the M4 Competition. If he could have, he would have purchased the regular M3 with a manual transmission, but those vehicles are not offered in the UK, where he lives. That is why, when in Germany for a few weeks, he was so eager to test the M4 manual. He had the opportunity to test the manual M4 during that time on the Autobahn, beautiful back roads, and even at the Nurburgring.
All that testing just served to solidify his belief that the manual automobile would be preferable to own because he enjoyed it so much more. Although the BMW M4 manual has flaws, he believed that it delivered a better sense of connection than his M3 Competition despite those flaws. Even though some journalists, including myself, have attacked the M3 and M4 manuals for being ambiguous and rubbery, Achilles still likes them over even his own automatic vehicle because they still offer a sense of connection. Look into it.
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Now, the ardent enthusiast must decide between a manual transmission and more power and torque. Which is actually more significant to an enthusiast?
Visit the BMW Performance Center to test drive a 2021 BMW M4 with a manual transmission.
All hail! New 2021 BMW G82 M4 models come with a manual transmission option. The 3.0 liter S58 in-line six turbocharged six engine used in the all-new M4’s “base” configuration produces a remarkable 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. You can only purchase an M4 Competition with an 8-speed automatic transmission if you want the 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The battle cry that a true sports car must have a manual transmission and the desire for additional power in automobiles have long been shared by motoring enthusiasts.
Now, the ardent enthusiast must decide between a manual transmission and more power and torque. Which is actually more significant to an enthusiast? In comparison to the manual gearbox M4, the BMW M4 Competition’s automated version accelerates to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Additionally, $2,900 for an additional 30 horsepower/73 lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed Steptronic transmission might be the finest deal ever offered by BMW. But is it?
Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other
A magnificent 3.0-liter inline-six with twin turbochargers that is available in three power levels powers the M4. The base model has 406 pound-feet of torque and 473 horsepower. It is paired with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. In our tests, this configuration reached 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and finished the quarter-mile at 121 mph in 12.0 ticks. The Competition edition is even faster with 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, but there is only the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission. Only the M4 Comp can be fitted with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system to make up for the lack of a stick-shift option. With this equipment, the all-wheel drive M4 Competition coupe achieved a 60 mph time at our test track that was 2.8 seconds faster than the regular car. The last model is the 1000-unit-only M4 CSL, which has an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive and produces 543 horsepower. Every M4 has electronically regulated exhaust systems that become louder in Sport and Sport Plus drive modes, as well as adjustable brake pedal feel and adaptive dampers. The M Sound button can be pressed at any moment to reduce the volume. BMW also offers a disproportionate number of customizable drive-mode choices, which in our opinion may muddie the driving experience that BMW’s engineers intended. Thankfully, the M4 Competition’s time in the driver’s seat demonstrated its tenacious acceleration, amazing cornering grip, and steadfast stability. We’re also pleased to note that BMW has enhanced the steering feel of the coupe, though don’t anticipate it to provide the same level of feedback as any two-door Porsche. The M4 Competition and CSL variants have staggered sets of 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels, in contrast to the ordinary M4’s 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels. The M4 can be ordered with a set of fade-resistant carbon-ceramic brakes and has a carbon-fiber roof that lowers its center of gravity.
The 2016 BMW M4 is it a manual?
There are two transmissions offered: a six-speed manual as standard and a seven-speed automatic manual (M-DCT) with integrated launch control as an option. Automatic rev-matching is present in both gearboxes during downshifts.
Can I buy a manual BMW M4?
The only technological distinctions between Competition and Non-Competition are the power rating and the transmission.
Compared to the 8-speed M Steptronic, the manual gearbox vehicle weighs 25 kg less overall.
Other than the gearbox, what else separates the Competition from the non-Competition?
There are no technical differences outside the transmission’s actual power rating. There are some visible variations, including badges, mirror caps and gurneys that match the body color, and tail pipe color.
Is there a technical reason the AWD model doesn’t have a manual transmission?
No, the BMW M3 and M4 are built in a weight- and purity-optimized manner. Therefore, we didn’t think it made sense to include the more cumbersome, complicated M xDrive system in the manual.
Is it feasible to choose the manual transmission option and still have the cruise control feature?
Dynamic cruise control is a feature that comes standard on every new BMW M3 and M4 vehicle, including those with manual transmissions. Only vehicles with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission are eligible for the adaptive cruise control.
Why is a dual mass flywheel being utilized instead of a single mass flywheel? What’s the distinction?
An improved decoupling of drivetrain vibrations from engine vibrations is provided by a dual mass flywheel. At idle and under low speed/high torque conditions, a single mass flywheel would produce grating rattle.
The transmission says no. Massive negative effects on the engine and the rest of the car are extremely likely.
common manual transmission fluid For full specs, consult your neighborhood BMW service provider. Additionally, the manual transmission does not have an oil pan, and both housing components are made of cast aluminum.
Even with the impending M xDrive, all M3 and M4 cars may drift very readily. Simply plunge in, give it a shot, and always abide by the law.
That is certainly doable. You risk blowing your engine and clutch if you shift from fifth or sixth to second while travelling at greater speeds.
BMW M4 is it automatic?
How many wheels does the M4 Coupe have? The outstanding M xDrive system from BMW is installed in the 2023 M4 Competition xDrive Coupe. The torque is automatically distributed by this all-wheel drive system to the wheels that require it the most.
All M Series BMWs are manual, right?
The little BMW 2 Series is a sports automobile for drivers, and both engines are available with a manual transmission. The rear-wheel drive coupe is the sole model with the manual transmission and comes with the 230i’s 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A
The 3.0-liter inline-six engine in the M240i produces 335 horsepower and accelerates from zero to sixty in 4.3 seconds. Although the xDrive all-wheel drive option is only available with the basic automatic transmission, the manual M240i is offered as a coupe or a convertible. A
However, keep in mind that BMW has discontinued the manual transmission for the 2022 2 Series, so if you’re looking to purchase a brand-new vehicle, hurry to the shop.
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Is the BMW M5 offered in manual?
It is somewhat true what enthusiasts claim: a manual transmission will make you feel more involved in the driving experience. But because modern cars are now so swift and refined, the power equation has changed. The seven-speed dual-clutch is superior – on the road and the track – even though the manual M5 is perfectly engineered and a lot of fun to drive.
Performance vehicles of days rarely have manual transmissions. BMW, at least in the US market, hasn’t forgotten about those who love to shift gears. Customers there have a free option to select a six-speed manual transmission for the M5 super-saloon. Against compare it to the normal seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, we traveled to the Laguna Seca race track in California.
It’s challenging to design a transmission that can handle 552 horsepower and 680 Nm of torque, but BMW did a fantastic job of making the clutch and short-throw shift action smooth and somewhat light. The automatic, though, is a better option at slower speeds since it smooths out that enormous amount of torque by shifting into a higher gear earlier.
Surprisingly, the situation remains the same after ten laps around the track and several miles of winding back roads in California. Even the finest driver will occasionally experience jumpiness when using a manual, which makes you less secure about utilizing the M5’s full capabilities.
The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8’s remarkable pulling power at low rpm is nevertheless highlighted by the six-speed manual. On a quick B-road, you can leave the car in third gear and let the limitless torque take care of the rest, unless you have to navigate a particularly tight hairpin.
The driving experience is just as enjoyable as it ever was when you are not changing gears. The M5 will outperform the majority of supercars, and the exhausts have a fantastic muscle-car growl. For a car that weights almost two tonnes, it is also remarkably grippy and agile.
However, the only way to get a manual M5 is to import a left-hand-drive vehicle from the US.
Exist any new BMWs that are manual?
Thank goodness BMW opted to continue that tradition. The high-performance sedan, like its mechanical twin, the M4, is also offered with a six-speed manual, but only in the vehicle’s base 473-hp configuration.
What models of BMWs are manual?
The E30 M3, which was built between 1986 and 1991, not only served as the foundation for one of the most recognizable sports saloon lineups ever, but also represents a period in which Germans competed against one another in a game of cunning engineering.
The E30 M3’s iconic 2.3-liter, naturally aspirated inline-four engine from BMW produces 195 horsepower at 7,200 revolutions per minute. Despite the fact that the engine was partly inspired from the company’s F1 efforts, it is nonetheless considered as one of the most dependable “M” engines of all time. Later “Sports Evolution” models, exclusive to the European market, had more potent 2.5-liter engines that produced 238 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque in addition to this one. Nevertheless, every automobile had a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission. Some markets also received the renowned dogleg manual, which was ideal for use on the racetrack.
The E30 M3 is renowned for having the most victories in the history of touring automobiles, and this is due to its forgiving balance, which still puts newer vehicles to shame. Due to their relative scarcity, values have soared during the past ten years. Expect to pay anything between $60,000 and $80,000 for a well-maintained example if you’re looking for one.