Auto Gearbox - Opinions (NOT SMG)

P

pharmed

Member
As title, does anyone own/drive a 3.0 e85 z4 with an auto box? If so, what was it like?

I previously owned a 645ci with a superb auto box (not SMG) which was great for cruising along but also was good for rapid gear changes when the right foot got slammed. How will a z4 auto gearbox compare?
 
Run a few searches. Lots of threads on the subject.

I run a 3.0 with auto and it's a fantastic combination.
 
Yes. It's ace. Very smooth, very flexible - in full auto you can still change with the paddles (if you have them) then it will flip back to full auto after a wee while ; or bang the stick over to manual and use that and/or the paddles to change. I *think* Sport mode either shortens the shift time or changes the gear ratios, can never remember which. Once you get used to anticipating the change and using the box it's a joy to drive hard on twisties, and in full auto it's silky smooth cruising on the motorway or around town. If you floor it in full auto it will go all the way to the lowest possible gear then pull like a train and you'll be doing 80 before you think of looking at the speedo - the changes are so seamless the acceleration feels endless :driving: :evil: :thumbsup:
 
What about acceleration speed etc?

Auto 0-60 - 6.2
Manual 0-60 - 5.9

Do you feel the difference vs a manual? As I said before, I loved my 645ci box!
 
Notice the difference - 0.3secs ? Nope. Let's face it, you'd need to be very, very good to hit the stated 0-60 time in a manual - in the real world, on twisty fast roads, that's nothing. Been on plenty of runs with other Zs, mostly manuals, and the only thing that has ever stopped me keeping up (or caused me to hold anyone up) is either the size of my bollocks compared to theirs, or they're driving an M :P
 
Agree with Bing.mines 3.0 se auto .not much gets away from me.Auto box is great .and you always have the sport button or nock it over to manual ish.Done 30,000miles in past 3years inc euro cruzes .stelvio etc and its performed brill
Moz

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
 
pharmed said:
What about acceleration speed etc?

Auto 0-60 - 6.2
Manual 0-60 - 5.9

Do you feel the difference vs a manual? As I said before, I loved my 645ci box!
Click to expand...

Reality is the auto will hit that time everytime, unlike a manual.
Equally in real life situations the auto can react in an instant while manuals are oft in the wrong gear and off power band.

End of the day it's what you prefer to drive.
 
Agree with cj, very much a personal preference - loads of threads full of arguments proving just that :lol:

However, this isn't a preference thread... My car is great, if you like driving an auto then the Z will be just fine for you. I'd recommend trying to get one with paddles on the steering wheel, but they can be retrofitted I believe.
 
I'm a big auto fan, I've always had a mix of manual and auto BMWs over the years and both obviously have pros and cons. They're lovely and smooth, if you stick your foot down you'll still go fast in a straight line, and for the vast majority of the time you spend in your car an auto is the nicer to have.

BUT I guarantee there will be the odd occasion when you're doing a bit of spirited driving and you'll wish you had a manual. It certainly happened to me a few times. So the answer is neither is best, they are completely different animals.
 
well this is the first Z4 i have owned and its the 3.0l auto, its a great box love the way it changes so smooth. in auto it drives round town like a dream then open the roads up hit the sports button and :evil: its a different beast. the noise of the straight 6 when you take your foot of the power and the auto box holds it is amazing :driving:
 
pharmed said:
Thanks guys, will drive a manual and see how it feels :oops:
Click to expand...

100% you should drive both and decide. That's half the fun of buying cars.

BTW if you get the opportunity have an auto with paddle shifts. They fitted them post facelift and they are a hell of a lot of fun. Coupled with sport button which changes the gearchange points and holds the RPM to much higher revs.

You can retrofit them on earlier boxes. I've done 2 Z4's this way now.
 
I agree with comments made before - it's always a matter of preference. However, for what it is worth, my preference is for a big engine plus auto box (and has been for many years!).
 
Great this thread is giving me some confidence as I'm swapping my manual E92 M3 for a E90 330i M sport auto & I would have prefered a manual but the seem very rare on the 330 but it sounds like the auto does suit the engine but I am sure there will be times when I miss the three pedals.
 
Depends on what you want, I like the adjustability and control on the manual car on the Z, not interested in 0-62 times tbh. But on my long distance cruiser (5 series) I'd never ever think about having a manual box.
 
Hi boys and girls, my 3.0si auto with flappy paddles is great fun. It can be driven very quickly in sport mode via the paddles or very relaxed in full auto. An excellent combination. Auto Coupe, stunning looks, what's not to like.
'THE ONLY WAY IS COUPE'.............


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom