Yes, in fact BMW produces the most manual transmissions of any manufacturer with four types available.
In This Article...
The Top Five BMWs with Manual Transmission
The manual transmission is on its way gone, and everyone should be sorry about it. This is not breaking news. That this generally stinks eggs is obvious even to luddites. Fortunately, enthusiasts have several options. BMW has been producing fun-to-drive manual vehicles for many years, so they definitely know what they’re doing. Even more impressive is the fact that BMW still offers a manual transmission in this day and age, when nearly every other automaker has chosen to do away with handshakers.
Therefore, even while the manual transmission may have seen its finest days, there’s still no reason not to attempt and recreate the pleasure and purchase a manual transmission for yourself. I considered both objective characteristics, such as size and weight, and softer characteristics, such as dynamics, presence, and how the car operates in the modern environment, while evaluating the possibilities. The top five manual BMWs are shown below.
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 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.
Which BMW models come with a manual transmission?
Since the first E30 BMW M3, a manual transmission has been an option. 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.
Which BMW has a manual transmission for 2022?
the 2022 BMW M3 and M4 Even though the new kidney grilles on these cars have generated controversy, the 2022 BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe at least come standard with six-speed manual transmissions. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with a combined output of 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque is used by both people.
Mercedes offers an automatic transmission, right?
No, Mercedes has not produced a car with a manual transmission in the US since 2011, when the last six-speed stick was offered in the C300’s sports version.
BMW is it a manual or automatic?
There has long been a compromise when deciding between a manual and an automatic transmission for drivers who are serious about performance. While an automatic gearbox allows you the flexibility to let the automobile pick the shift timings when appropriate, such as during your morning commute, a manual gearbox gives you greater control in those situations.
There is no need to make a decision with the Steptronic automatic transmission offered by BMW. Its is due to the fact that this “manu-matic” gearbox combines the best of both worlds, providing both a manual shifting experience when desired and a multi-drive mode automatic when necessary.
Nearly 20 years ago, BMW released the first generation Steptronic transmission, and the Munich design and engineering team has been working to improve it ever since. The most recent Steptronic transmission generation offers exceptionally rapid and versatile shifting. Depending on the drive mode and driving style you select, they provide a vast array of performance possibilities.
Which BMW models come in manual?
The M4 coupe is the vehicle that was supposed to carry BMW’s manual transmission flame till the very end. Rear-wheel drive, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, and a six-speed manual transmission are all standard. But the Competition grade is only offered with an automatic transmission, just like the M3. A
This high-performance BMW could be the one for you if you desire a manual vehicle designed for speed. In under 3.8 seconds, it can reach 60 mph! A
Do Audi’s manual transmissions still exist?
Audi will stop selling manual transmissions in its American models starting with the 2019 model year. Although nothing has been officially announced for Canada, we may assume manual gearboxes will suffer the same fate here.
The German automaker’s justification is succinct and to the point: barely 5% of customers choose them.
The A4 and A5 models, including the coupe version of the latter model, will only be offered with an automatic transmission starting in 2019. This was verified by Audi to Car and Driver magazine. The current 6-speed dual-clutch transmission will be replaced at the same time by a 7-speed model.
Now, statistically speaking, that 5% looks on the low side. There is no disputing, however, that despite declining demand, several manufacturers continue to offer manual transmissions in their product lines. Nissan, for instance, continues to sell the 2019 Sentra with a manual transmission even though only 2% of customers ultimately opt for it.
Subaru, on the other hand, has removed the option from its 2019 Legacy and 2019 Outback models due to insufficient demand, which resulted in sales percentages of 3% and 4%, respectively.
The main reason why manufacturers frequently maintain the manual transmission option is so that they can advertise a cheaper beginning price. The higher trims that the majority of buyers ultimately choose typically do not offer a manual transmission as an option.
These transmissions used to allow for lower fuel usage compared to their automated counterparts. But this is no longer the case; in fact, the CVT is the best fuel-saving device available today.
Of course, the driving enjoyment offered by these manual gearboxes is the x factor connected with them, but it is obvious that the majority of today’s buyers do not place a high premium on it.
There are still 2018 models in dealer inventories if you want an Audi with a manual transmission, but time is running out.
Cars with manual transmissions are they common?
Stick shifts are no longer available in automobiles from Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo, Lexus, and Lincoln. You won’t be able to purchase a new vehicle with a manual transmission from any of the luxury automakers.
Do Lexus manual transmissions still exist?
No Manuals Anymore Some upscale automakers have completely abandoned the manual transmission market. These brands include Lexus, Lincoln, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo.
Do manual and automatic vehicles differ in speed?
So what are the advantages of manual transmissions? You will hear from many drivers who prefer it that it is just more enjoyable to drive and that you have more control over the gears. While this may be the case generally, a manual transmission can be a tremendous pain in heavy stop-and-go traffic. Autonomous vehicles are slower than manual vehicles. Yes, this can be entertaining, but it can also result in more accidents and tickets.
In addition to being considerably less sophisticated than automated transmissions, manual transmissions are also less expensive to fix.
But simple to fix does not imply simple to understand. The learning curve for manual transmissions is a drawback. Stalls and rollbacks can happen to new drivers who are beginning to drive in a manual, which can be hazardous. When driving an automatic, inexperienced drivers don’t have to worry about such incidents.
Fuel efficiency may be another benefit of manual vs. automatic driving. Historically, manual autos had substantially better gas mileage than automatic cars. Today, though, this isn’t always the case. Most automatic vehicles made starting in 2018 or after have an equivalent (or better) mileage than a manual vehicle of the same model.
The disappearance of manual transmissions: Why?
We may have abandoned our manual-buying habits even before the ban is put into effect because manual car sales are already on the wane as electric car sales soar. When you consider how simple automatics are to operate and learn in, both new and experienced drivers may be open to the shift.
Brands are also making it more challenging, even if you did want to get a new manual automobile while you can still. Many automakers are moving ahead of the curve by eliminating manual transmission altogether due to automatic transmissions being the preferred option—2020 was the first time they ever outsold manual—and being the more popular alternative. Due to their lower manufacturing costs, manual automobiles may still be offered from more budget-friendly manufacturers. However, if you prefer a BMW to a Ford Fiesta, you might have to settle with your selected model’s automatic-only drive.
Costs could go up if manual automobiles become less common as the UK transitions to electric vehicles. Compared to a fuel or diesel vehicle, maintaining an electric vehicle is noticeably simpler. Therefore, you should prepare to eventually need to pay a premium for this as well as insurance.