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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Discussing the current generation Z4
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ronk
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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by ronk » Sat Sep 24, 2022 10:49 pm

These cars are mostly bought for fun / pleasure - so it all boils down to buying what gives you the most pleasure- manual or auto.
You don't stop playing when you get old - You get old when you stop playing!
So I bought a 35is with all the toys to play with. :thumbsup:

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sars
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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by sars » Sun Sep 25, 2022 8:52 am

Some positive reviews of the Supra manual especially, with the gearing aimed towards acceleration over low rpm in sixth. Having offered the Z4 2.0 with a manual seemed like a bad choice, predominately those buying the 2.0 litre I would guess would prefer an all rounder vehicle where an automatic is preferable. Someone getting the higher rated 2.0 and especially the M40i perhaps wants something more involving and interactive and here the manual, in my opinion, would probably sell.

I for one would have considered the manual, yes it’s a pain in traffic, but maybe it would have been worthwhile for the open road. My partner and I are on holiday in the North Yorkshire dales, we decided to take the Golf so that we can share the driving, he just won’t drive an automatic. I do love the manual golf, it’s great fun drive without being ridiculous like the M40i, where you can take corners at speeds that are way north of legal.
Gorgeous SFR Z4 M40i 8)
Gone 2017 Iridium SL400, 2015 435d xDrive Convertible, 2012 E350 CDi Convertible, 2010 DSB Z4 sdrive30i, 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet, 2006 Phoenix Yellow Z4 2.5Si, 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible

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pvr
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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by pvr » Sun Sep 25, 2022 8:56 am

81D07335-B492-4A96-BD81-7A34369E1482.jpeg
81D07335-B492-4A96-BD81-7A34369E1482.jpeg (368.89 KiB) Viewed 424 times
What is better than driving the Stelvio in a manual a week or so ago 8)
Current:
911-50 Black - unique spec
X5M - 575 hp of fun in a V8
Abarth 595 Comp.
Golf Clipper - collectors item
Z4 3.0si Black Sapphire
VW ID.3

Previous:
Z4M Silver Grey - non flimper spec (gone to Bing)
Z4 3.0 Toledo

ori
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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by ori » Sun Sep 25, 2022 9:55 am

Mr Tidy wrote: Sat Sep 24, 2022 7:29 pm
ori wrote: Sat Sep 24, 2022 12:45 pm The only advantage of a manual in todays world is small cars and driver involvement. Nothing feels as good as a perfectly timed downshift before a corner.
Performance…..auto wins.
Economy…….auto wins.
Comfort……..auto wins

Plus clutch plates are so expensive on powerful cars and flywheels aren’t cheap either!
I know, but Autoboxes don't seem quite as robust and if they go wrong repairs soon get very expensive! But then G29s are all still pretty new.
It’s funny though as when I spoke to a BMW tech, he said the zf8 gearbox is so reliable they never have issues with them.
The dst has a lot more issues.

I have to say manual box has it pluses, but driving in London with clutch up and down wearing away those plates winds me up. Also every manual I’ve owned the clutch pedal ends up making a noise when you press it down. First few times I oil when needs it, but I just give up and put up with the noise.

Point is, I think the zf8 gearbox is very reliable.

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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by pvr » Sun Sep 25, 2022 10:11 am

For an auto box, it is fantastic yes. I have it in my M and it is really good, especially as you can change the pattern with the modes available (only did that when driving in the mountains though).

It just is soulless when driving, but lovely when in traffic though. A daily is absolutely fine with an auto box, but when out enjoying yourself? Not so much
Current:
911-50 Black - unique spec
X5M - 575 hp of fun in a V8
Abarth 595 Comp.
Golf Clipper - collectors item
Z4 3.0si Black Sapphire
VW ID.3

Previous:
Z4M Silver Grey - non flimper spec (gone to Bing)
Z4 3.0 Toledo

john-e89
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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by john-e89 » Sun Sep 25, 2022 1:11 pm

pvr wrote: Sun Sep 25, 2022 8:56 am 81D07335-B492-4A96-BD81-7A34369E1482.jpeg

What is better than driving the Stelvio in a manual a week or so ago 8)
That's a superb photo Paul..... :thumbsup:

Compliment the good lady on it won't you as she obviously took it..... :poke: :evil:
M roady...OEM CSL’s, strut brace, Remus back boxes, ZHP
MR2 MK 2
E89 35i project car...mapped 365bhp, M4 stoppers & wheels, KWV3’s, H&R front ARB, M3 front arms, strut brace Eisenmann cat back race exhaust, VRSF downpipes inbound
E89 35is
G29

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pvr
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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by pvr » Sun Sep 25, 2022 1:22 pm

Wrong John, the mountain trips have always been done with my son :P
3283C11F-8A84-4FC6-8B0C-F944C7D799DB.jpeg
3283C11F-8A84-4FC6-8B0C-F944C7D799DB.jpeg (168.68 KiB) Viewed 400 times
Current:
911-50 Black - unique spec
X5M - 575 hp of fun in a V8
Abarth 595 Comp.
Golf Clipper - collectors item
Z4 3.0si Black Sapphire
VW ID.3

Previous:
Z4M Silver Grey - non flimper spec (gone to Bing)
Z4 3.0 Toledo

john-e89
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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by john-e89 » Sun Sep 25, 2022 1:27 pm

Ok, compliment him then..... :poke: :P
M roady...OEM CSL’s, strut brace, Remus back boxes, ZHP
MR2 MK 2
E89 35i project car...mapped 365bhp, M4 stoppers & wheels, KWV3’s, H&R front ARB, M3 front arms, strut brace Eisenmann cat back race exhaust, VRSF downpipes inbound
E89 35is
G29

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pvr
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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by pvr » Sun Sep 25, 2022 1:30 pm

He was already a convert as he has his own M140 manual, but driving the 911 (first time) with 7 speed manual box convinced him he never wanted an auto box.

That gearbox is like no other I have ever driven.
Current:
911-50 Black - unique spec
X5M - 575 hp of fun in a V8
Abarth 595 Comp.
Golf Clipper - collectors item
Z4 3.0si Black Sapphire
VW ID.3

Previous:
Z4M Silver Grey - non flimper spec (gone to Bing)
Z4 3.0 Toledo

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Nanu
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Would you trade in for a manual M40i...?

Post by Nanu » Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:51 pm

I changed from the DCT box on the 35is to the zf8 on the G29 and to be honest, can't tell the difference other than the slightly different intervals between gear changes. Both very smooth and quicker than any manual. Will never go back.
G29 M30i M Sport San Francisco Red

Previous
E89 35is Valencia Orange
E89 28i Crimson
E89 25i White

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