Auto Box ..or not?

[Chenti]

How do people feel about the auto boxes on 3L E35's?

What are the downsides to them v the upsides?
Any issues with reliability?
What about the switchgear, any issues seen with them?

Seen some nice used examples that come with auto boxes and before taking the plunge just wondered what peoples thoughts were

TIA

 

[Johnbmwz4]

I have an auto and was after a manual first of all. An auto came up for sale locally so thought I’d go take a look but with no real intention to buy. I was so impressed after 2 mins of driving I made an offer on the car and the deal was done. Only problem I have had with it was the auto transmission switch light which came on every now and again. Lived with it like that for 3 years then decided to get it fixed 4 week ago. Cost me £260. There are a lot of autos out there and they are usually a bit cheaper than manuals. Test drive an auto and you won’t be disappointed.

 

[mr.tourette]

Ill get my popcorn discussed many times on the forum and the general consensus is the manual lovers will tell you that its a sports car.. you have to have a manual.. anyone that has owned both will say that it doesn't matter which you pick as its great auto box and suits the car well.. auto owners will tell you that they love it and dont regret buying one for a minute.. I'm in the same category as johnbmwz4.. my intention was to buy a manual zed but after testing an auto I was sold straight away.. its a great box with a rapid change and good fun with the paddles or stick change in sport mode when you want a bit of a more involved experience.. best thing you can do is test drive one and if you like the box then find the best condition /spec zed you can for your budget and buy it regardless of which box it has and if you dont keep looking for a manual.. good luck with your search

 

[Z4 COUPSTER]

Being lucky enough to own both,I can state the following.
AUTO.
Lovely smooth gear change, massive difference in sport mode, great around town,or cruising on motorway. Not as controlled a drive on twisty roads (but that's old style autos in general)
Overall a good choice.
MANUAL.
More involved for driving on twisty roads,more controlled feeling. Not as noticeable with sports button.
Nicer for downshifts, and slightly better fuel economy.
TBH that's about it.
In general I think the auto is a great addition for overall use.
Hope this helps
D

 

[NickDE]

I love my auto and dont regret buying one for a minute

 

[buzyg]

Don"t do it. Buy a manual or buy Volvo if you really must have an auto. Enough from me. :wink:

 

[mr wilks]

As mr T has said , so many discussions , no definitive answer but from my own perspective :wink: yes autos do take away the gear change connection with redundant left foot left arm but don't believe the negative snipes . certainly in Si form the 262 bhp with auto box is very competent & nothing like a autobox in a MB or Audi , to me its lightning quick through the gears & as ive said many times before , id wager a weeks wage that id beat 99% of ///M owners to 60 in a Si auto with sport button down :evil: they really do pi$$ it off the mark
Whether id have a auto in roadster form ? never tried one so i can't say but in a coupe it just feels so well suited

 

[jarhead]

I love my auto and dont regret buying one for a minute

+1

 

[GuidoK]

Don"t do it. Buy a manual or buy Volvo if you really must have an auto. Enough from me. :wink:

....even my volvo has a manual

As far as pre-facelifts go I'd definately choose the manual. The auto version is only a 5 speed, which reduces performance considerably (apart from the usual performance decreases like more weight and less efficient running gears/ancillaries)

 

[Anonymous]

Autos are for commuting, manuals are for fun. That's my view anyway.

(I have an auto daily and a manual zed)

 

[Mr Tidy]

For me it's manual all the way, but then in 40 years I've only had 4 autos - and that was because I wanted cars where manuals didn't exist!

But you are buying it - you really need to try both and buy what YOU prefer (rather than what the rest of us like). :lol: