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.
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FAQs
BMW produces more manual automobiles than any other manufacturer, with four models having a manual transmission option in 2021. The beginning of the end for manual BMWs may, however, be in sight with the loss of the manual option for the 2022 2 Series.
The majority of auto enthusiasts favor manual gearboxes over automatic ones when it comes to transmissions. Although in 2019, nearly 99% of all new cars sold in the US were automatics, the delight of the clutch may be a vanishing art. A
BMW M Will Maintain the Manual Gearbox Option, But How Long?
BMW is going to keep the manual, but you’ll definitely need to put some money down to acquire one since M cars may be the only BMWs that do so. Frank van Meel, the head of M Division, told Autocar that he was happy that half of all orders for the new M2 coupe were for the manual gearbox model and that he understood why drivers yearned for the connection and challenge that a manual-equipped performance car offers.
“Technically speaking, there isn’t much of a purpose to keep it. Compared to the alternative, it uses more gasoline and is heavier and slower “He said to the British publication. “But the handbook is extremely popular with both customers and fans. The relationship helps them show that they can tame the beast, which is the objective. We want to maintain it, “He assured.
The M4 and the M3 are the only BMW models currently offered with a six-speed manual option, as opposed to the standard eight-speed automatic; and even in those cars, the three-pedal option is restricted to the lower-powered, non-Competition trims. This is until the 2023 M2 arrives in showrooms at the end of 2022. Although their availability is dwindling over time, BMW does still provide manual transmissions on some non-M vehicles in Europe.
Van Meel stated to Autocar that “people want to say they can handle the beast.” “A manual gearbox is part of that,” the person said. “If they have a method of proving they can do that, then they want it.”
“We enjoy manual gearboxes because it adds to the emotive appeal of our cars. The US is the largest market, so it’s wonderful if consumers keep saying they want it there.”
But only if you can afford a full-fledged M vehicle is it spectacular. Ironically, purchasers of less expensive BMWs will have to face the fact that their vehicles will only be offered with automatic transmissions, a technology that was formerly an expensive add-on and the distinguishing feature of a high-end car. Even the M240i, the M2’s younger sibling, is only offered as an automatic.
Van Meel omitted addressing whether BMW will continue to support manual transmissions in the age of electric vehicles. According to earlier statements made by the manufacturer, the M2 will be the final M car to lack electrification. Toyota is developing a simulated manual transmission for performance electric vehicles, and we’d love to see BMW follow suit when it is forced to discontinue the real thing.
Gallery: First Drive of the 2023 BMW M2 Prototype
“Technically speaking, there isn’t much of a purpose to keep it. Compared to the alternative, it consumes more gasoline, is slower, and is heavier. But the handbook is quite popular with both customers and fans. The relationship helps them show that they can tame the beast, which is the objective. We want to maintain it, “Van Meel spoke with Autocar.
Many manufacturers have already discontinued manual transmissions from their lineups or made announcements about their slow demise. According to Volkswagen, stick shifters will be phased out by 2030. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz declared that starting in 2023, it would gradually phase out manual transmissions.
According to van Meel, manual gearboxes contribute to the emotional appeal of BMW M vehicles. The US is the largest market for manual M vehicles, according to him, and as long as buyers express a desire for it, “then great.”
“Every second vehicle purchased for the M2 is a manual. People like to claim that they can control the beast. A manual gearbox is a component of that, so if they can demonstrate that they can do that, they will want it “van Meel threw in.
Although the M2 prototype we drove had an eight-speed automatic transmission, a six-speed manual gearbox has been confirmed to be included as standard equipment for the next-generation M2, which makes its debut this year.
Here’s How the Manual Transmission in the New BMW M3 Was Designed to Stay Current.
For its 2021 M3 and M4 core models, which use the S58 twin-turbo straight-six engine tuned to 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, BMW has surprised its rivals by keeping the six-speed manual. With this setup, a zero-to-60 run is doable in 4.1 seconds, while the 503-horsepower Competition cars can pull off the same trick with their ZF eight-speed automatics in 3.8 seconds.
According to Karsten Fabian, the transmission engineer in charge of BMW M transmissions, the manual unit’s only electric part is the gear sensor, which relays your choice to the entirely optional shift assistant for some automatic rev-matching. All drive modes allow you to deactivate this so you can practice your own heel-toe shifting.
The dry-sump engine is essentially the same as in the previous M3 and M4 generations, but the six-speed manual transmission has been improved to cope with the 406 pound-feet of torque in the 2021 model. The shifting rod is double-attached to both the bodywork and the gearbox tunnel, which improves shifting accuracy.
With its four friction layers and twin-disc design, the clutch can still experience extended slippage to boost acceleration. The S58 engine’s dual-mass flywheel from BMW has also been modified; it now has a larger starter gear rim and a crankshaft flange reinforced with four metal plates rather of three.
Anyone operating a new M vehicle with a manual transmission should feel at ease while making the most of the additional power and torque transmitted to the rear wheels because the regular BMW reverse lockout and H-pattern have been left in tact. Maximum control, additional pedals to press, simple maintenance, and overall tons of fun.
Check out this three-minute video if you’d rather the engineer who designed it all explain it than us:
The newest Porsche 911 GT3 is yet another high-performance sports car that was just introduced with a stick-shift. Choose your fate, but be aware that the P-car will cost you significantly more.
BMW M chief affirms that the forthcoming BMW M3/M4 will have a manual transmission.
Our own Nico DeMattia sat down with Markus Flasch, the new CEO of BMW M, to discuss the state of M while attending the Canadian Tire & Motorsport Park’s inaugural North American M Festival. Herr Flasch briefly discussed the future BMW M3 and M4 among other subjects. (See full interview here.)
The M chief did confirm two things for us, despite not disclosing many of the cars’ secrets, some of which were already known to us. First off, the G80 M3 and G82 M4 will have all-wheel drive, and secondly, both vehicles will have manual transmissions.
Flasch informed us that “it’s a little early to reveal all the details, but one thing I want to stress is that we will have a manual stick shift.” “We’ve already said that four-wheel drive will be an option. Although we haven’t chosen a specific system or variation, everything on our present lineup—think of the M5—can be made available. I’ve previously driven the pre-production M3 and M4, and they’re great.”
The manuals might be kept under the new M Boss’ rule because he is a true auto lover.
Manual is crucial, Flasch continued. “Ask any race driver, and they will tell you that an automatic transmission is just faster than a manual stick shift in terms of performance. But it gives the vehicle personality, and I kind of liken it to folks who adore mechanical watches; it’s not any more accurate or advantageous, but it adds character. A stick shift is also.”
The G80 M3 won’t go on sale until 2021 because its formal debut isn’t until mid-2020; but, when it does, it will be equipped with the new S58 engine, which has 473 horsepower as standard. A competition model with the same engine but 503 horsepower will also be offered at launch.
Additionally, this new BMW M3 will be the first in M3 history to have power going to all four wheels. Our sources claim that the renowned performance model will come in two varieties: an all-wheel drive model and a rear-wheel drive one, marking yet another first. The all-wheel drive vehicle will only be available with an automatic transmission, while the rear-drive M3 will be offered with a manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.