Auto vs Manual

[R.E92]

Have the DCT and it's great. It solves many of the problems I have with the standard auto box.
I do miss the manual gearbox though. The paddles just don't feel as satisfying as a proper manual shift.

The standard auto is something I would never subject myself.

Before buying the car I was indifferent about DCT/Manual and I don't think anything has changed.

[FlyZ]

When I bought my X5 in in 2007, it was the first automatic car I had owned and I was worried. Now though, I would never have a car with a manual gearbox, although I can understand why some people prefer a manual box in a sports car. My Z4 has the DCT and I love it.

[Baza]

Auto for me every time

[Sprint]

Company car is an auto which is great as do high mileage. But got to be a manual for weekend and holiday fun

[Z42b]

wow that's an even split!

[Avallon]

If there is anyone with a 28i auto and regrets it - happy to trade you my 28i manual :p

[LeeZ4MR]

Auto boxes always have that slight 'elastic band' feel to the throttle... like you accelerate but it does not feel 'direct'.... can always feel the treacle stirring.

I like the way you describe that and that is one of the reasons I am not keen on the auto in my 330i but the twin clutch is far improved and super quick and smooth but I just struggle with the whole two pedal and paddle set up, the other half has a twin clutch with paddles in the TTS and I get bored quickly with that aswell.

I test drove the DCT in the E92 M3 before I ended up buying a manual E92 M3 but don't get me wrong the DCT suits the V8 in the M3 far more but I knew if I had gone for it I would have soon craved for a manual again, both types of gearbox have there place for sure but I think it comes down to personal preference and for me Auto/DCT for commuting and going steady... manual for the weekends when you want some fun.

DCT and the like will always be miles quicker than a traditional manual and that for most people is enough to seal the deal.

[Geezah]

Live in a semi rural part of hilly Scotland, got to be a manual in my book! If I lived in the cities, then I would consider an auto.

[2dogs]

Like the manual, but if their had been an auto option on the z4m would have gone for it.

[LeeZ4MR]

Like the manual, but if their had been an auto option on the z4m would have gone for it.

To be fair the gearbox in the Z4M is enough to make most want an Auto I agree and I loved my Z4M as a package but the gearbox was one of the worst manuals I have experienced sadly and first to second just drove me nuts!!

[SO8]

Like the manual, but if their had been an auto option on the z4m would have gone for it.

To be fair the gearbox in the Z4M is enough to make most want an Auto I agree and I loved my Z4M as a package but the gearbox was one of the worst manuals I have experienced sadly and first to second just drove me nuts!!

I had a Z4M Roadster for 9 months ... and the gearbox was the reason I sold it ! Lovely engine and a lovely car in a striking colour but the gearbox from hell !! I drove mine a fair but in SW London and the car sadly had to go. I am back now in a 35iS with it's DCT box and love it

[ronk]

From the votes so far it's a fairly even split.

[LeeZ4MR]

Like the manual, but if their had been an auto option on the z4m would have gone for it.

To be fair the gearbox in the Z4M is enough to make most want an Auto I agree and I loved my Z4M as a package but the gearbox was one of the worst manuals I have experienced sadly and first to second just drove me nuts!!

I had a Z4M Roadster for 9 months ... and the gearbox was the reason I sold it ! Lovely engine and a lovely car in a striking colour but the gearbox from hell !! I drove mine a fair but in SW London and the car sadly had to go. I am back now in a 35iS with it's DCT box and love it

I only used mine as a weekend car and it was purely used for fun but the gearbox still drove me mad and like you I only had mine a short time only 5 months but same as you it was the gearbox that killed the experience for me and on the day I traded it for a manual M3 I drove two hours in it and I thought I just couldn't use this as my everyday car purely because of the gearbox and I know plenty do without a problem but it just didn't work for me personally.

[DPG]

I wouldn't mind either but currently have a manual with cruise.

Auto would be nice due to my knackered knees