Is an auto ok?

[Kdawg1]

Hi,

Newbie here - I’m thinking of getting a 3.0 coupe and have worked out a deal with someone but it’s an auto….

I’m not a major petrol head but have always had manuals and the thought of a dodgy auto changing when I don’t want it too is the only thing putting me off.

Anyone else been in a similar position?

Thanks in advance

[GasheadIan]

Hi
I have an auto 3.0 post facelift roadster and have had it for 8 years which says it all and it’s staying
You will end up with more powerfull 3.0si engine than mine and 6 speed auto
With option to put it in either fully auto or manual selection gears and with sport button engaged I have not found it wanting massively unless you are following more powerful M or Alpina z4
It does also give you two cars in one , easy cruiser or more focused car
Many on here will not look at a auto but I would try it, especially if you are not a die hard petrol head. It may suit you perfectly they are easy to live with

[enuff_zed]

Wifey drives a pre-facelift 2.5i auto (M54) and loves it. As said, podge the Sport button and wakey wakey!
I just recently picked up a 3.0i auto. Only driven it back to Norfolk from Aylesbury, but that too was a fun car to drive.
Seems to use a little more fuel than manual, but that may just be me.

[mr.tourette]

Discussed about a thousand times in here if you do a search.. Easy answer is nowt wrong with an auto, many like or even prefer them.. Others don't.. Test drive both and see what you prefer

[Rucky]

3.0si with 6 speed auto and paddle shift too!

[Ian J]

Easy answer is nowt wrong with an auto, many like or even prefer them.. Others don't.. Test drive both and see what you prefer

My last dozen cars have been autos and I wouldn't drive anything else as I don't see the point of manual cars any more.

I'm not sure that a test drive will be of much use as it takes a few days to get used to an auto box if you've never driven one before

[Nanu]

It's horses for courses. Some on here will swear blind that autos are the best (Like me cos they are the best ) others wouldn't touch them. Neither are right and neither are wrong. Have a test drive and go with what you feel is right for you.

[poss]

I’m not a major petrol head but have always had manuals and the thought of a dodgy auto changing when I don’t want it too is the only thing putting me off.

Got rid of the auto (not a Z) for a manual Z for that reason, and even when the auto is in 'manual' mode' there's a delay in changing and that general feel of a slushbox sapping power. Also you don't get the compression braking you do in a manual. Autos are great for traffic/puttering around town, but this is a sportscar - so there's only one real option

[mr.tourette]

I’m not a major petrol head but have always had manuals and the thought of a dodgy auto changing when I don’t want it too is the only thing putting me off.

Got rid of the auto (not a Z) for a manual Z for that reason, and even when the auto is in 'manual' mode' there's a delay in changing and that general feel of a slushbox sapping power. Also you don't get the compression braking you do in a manual. Autos are great for traffic/puttering around town, but this is a sportscar - so there's only one real option

Yes there's only one real option, thats why bmw made it with 3

[Scubaregs]

I’m not a major petrol head but have always had manuals and the thought of a dodgy auto changing when I don’t want it too is the only thing putting me off.

Got rid of the auto (not a Z) for a manual Z for that reason, and even when the auto is in 'manual' mode' there's a delay in changing and that general feel of a slushbox sapping power. Also you don't get the compression braking you do in a manual. Autos are great for traffic/puttering around town, but this is a sportscar - so there's only one real option

Strange how my 718 Boxster PDK was 0.2 seconds faster 0-62 than the manual is then, must be the slushbox making it faster.

[Pondrew]

Strange how my 718 Boxster PDK was 0.2 seconds faster 0-62 than the manual is then, must be the slushbox making it faster.

PDK is not a slushbox. it's a twin clutch. Slushbox is slang for a torque converter auto as far as I am aware. Just saying!

OP. If the auto you are looking at is the same 6 speed ZF that's in my E92; it's a good auto. Quick changing and (in my E92 at least) in 'sport' or 'manual' it's pretty entertaining too IMO.

[Silverstar]

I think it very much depends on the car. Some cars are better with an auto box and some are better with a manual box. BMW makes some of the best sporting auto boxes (or at least their adaptation of the box to their cars) which are actually pretty damned good since well the switchable auto in the E30 325i which incidentally was my first automatic and every BMW bar one I have had since has been an auto.

BMWs especially with the larger engines I believe are better suited to the auto box, I have never really got on with manual boxes in larger engined BMWs. Not sure which auto is in the E85 / E86 but if it is the ZF 6 speed it can be tuned to eliminate much of the delay between shifts. This will be the next mod for my car.

[Scubaregs]

Strange how my 718 Boxster PDK was 0.2 seconds faster 0-62 than the manual is then, must be the slushbox making it faster.

PDK is not a slushbox. it's a twin clutch. Slushbox is slang for a torque converter auto as far as I am aware. Just saying!

OP. If the auto you are looking at is the same 6 speed ZF that's in my E92; it's a good auto. Quick changing and (in my E92 at least) in 'sport' or 'manual' it's pretty entertaining too IMO.

Just making the point that modern "autos" are quicker than manuals.

[Pondrew]

Just making the point that modern "autos" are quicker than manuals.

That depends on how quick your wrists are! My left is very quick (I am left handed)

[Scubaregs]

Just making the point that modern "autos" are quicker than manuals.

That depends on how quick your wrists are! My left is very quick (I am left handed)

Electronics will always be faster. Now of course, you’re going to tell me you’re a cyborg.