Auto or manual

[andya1]

So Sean the only way to get the DCT is a 35i or 35is I wonder where you could find a stunning 35i with low miles immaculate throughout and with a DCT box Hmmmmm

I must admit it is very tempting but I really want that extra 10mpg on the 2l I think plus I also wanted the m sport kit.
Saying that I've looked at your pics so many times lol

Like I said Sean you won't find a better one especially with the new mot and recently had the big service done and brake fluid changed just keep looking at those pictures and then get that train ticket to York bought

 

[ronk]

I had a manual Z4 and changed yo an Auto - I won't be buying another manual!

 

[RickRob]

Our Discovery has an auto box - the ideal for that car.

My Zed has a manual box - the ideal for that car.

 

[Jasey]

Before you try the DCT or the Sport Auto you'll say "Manual is the only box for these cars"

One you've tried either you wont like going back to the dark ages

 

[Sae]

Our Discovery has an auto box - the ideal for that car.

My Zed has a manual box - the ideal for that car.

You can't beat that reasoning

 

[dr_john]

Hey, don't rule out the standard 8 speed auto box, I love mine.

OK I've never driven a DCT equipped zed so I can't make a fair comparison, but I'm not feeling deprived!

 

[techathy]

The 8sp is great 'box. Comparing an M135i the w/8sp auto to a 35iS w/DCT; the 8sp auto is never harsh but does have a oh-so-slight rubber band effect on occasions, the DCT is crisp all the time but can be a little harsh at times.

 

[Spiderz]

Ok I'm going to see if I can get a test drive at bmw in a 8 speed auto and take it from there. Just don't want to regret any decision, cheers for all these comments much appreciated

 

[Jasey]

Ok I'm going to see if I can get a test drive at bmw in a 8 speed auto and take it from there. Just don't want to regret any decision, cheers for all these comments much appreciated

Whereabouts are you - you never know someone on here could maybe give a run out in an auto

 

[pvr]

Before you try the DCT or the Sport Auto you'll say "Manual is the only box for these cars"

One you've tried either you wont like going back to the dark ages

I have all 3 boxes, and for different purposes they are all great.

Which one I would take to the mountains for a pure fun trip would not be the auto or the dct ...

 

[LeeZ4MR]

Ok I'm going to see if I can get a test drive at bmw in a 8 speed auto and take it from there. Just don't want to regret any decision, cheers for all these comments much appreciated

The 8 speed Auto is an excellent gearbox and have it in a 640 but I still miss a proper manual, it does seem that nowadays the majority prefer Auto's and twin clutch gearboxes and with the volume of traffic on our roads I can see why.

The trouble is when you get out on a clear twisty back road the paddles just don't cut it and you will wish you still had the old way of doing it

 

[Jasey]

Ok I'm going to see if I can get a test drive at bmw in a 8 speed auto and take it from there. Just don't want to regret any decision, cheers for all these comments much appreciated

The 8 speed Auto is an excellent gearbox and have it in a 640 but I still miss a proper manual, it does seem that nowadays the majority prefer Auto's and twin clutch gearboxes and with the volume of traffic on our roads I can see why.

The trouble is when you get out on a clear twisty back road the paddles just don't cut it and you will wish you still had the old way of doing it

My commute is half an hour of twisty back roads - Never use the paddles and don't miss the "interaction" - Sport+ and drive it like I stole it.

Works for me .

 

[LeeZ4MR]

Ok I'm going to see if I can get a test drive at bmw in a 8 speed auto and take it from there. Just don't want to regret any decision, cheers for all these comments much appreciated

The 8 speed Auto is an excellent gearbox and have it in a 640 but I still miss a proper manual, it does seem that nowadays the majority prefer Auto's and twin clutch gearboxes and with the volume of traffic on our roads I can see why.

The trouble is when you get out on a clear twisty back road the paddles just don't cut it and you will wish you still had the old way of doing it

My commute is half an hour of twisty back roads - Never use the paddles and don't miss the "interaction" - Sport+ and drive it like I stole it.

Works for me .

Good stuff

I do have a really heavy bias towards the traditional three pedal manual though and for me nothing comes close to it but appreciate I am in the minority nowadays for sure.

 

[Jasey]

Before the 35iS I wouldn't even consider an "auto" probably for similar reasons to most folk.

35iS gone and if anything the Sport auto in the 435xd is probably better - seems to me you can hold the gears in full manual until you pretty much get to "valve bounce" where the DCT would change.

The biggest problem with the paddle setup is knowing what gear you are actually in .

Could be I'm just getting old of course .

 

[Jasey]

And don't get me started on diesel v petrol

 

[LeeZ4MR]

And don't get me started on diesel v petrol

Yes and I just don't bother at all using the paddles with a diesel as there isn't any reward from it because the gearbox does such a great job as it is and always seems to keep it in a sweet spot.

I have never really been much of a diesel fan but appreciate their range and the performance/economy mix of the 640d is impressive and it's a nice way to cover 35k miles a year and in sport plus and the gearbox knocked across into sport is does go well for a big barge...would love a 650i though 8)

 

[ronk]

There will be peace in the Middle East before the Auto v Manual question is sorted!

 

[LeeZ4MR]

There will be peace in the Middle East before the Auto v Manual question is sorted!

Yes!

 

[Col661]

I have a 2L 8 speed twin clutch with paddles. In the winter, comfort mode plod it around. Summer, roof down, sport mode and manual paddles. Rev the nuts off it and drive like a yob Tried a manual, shift was too long and clunky. The auto is very responsive in sport mode.

 

[dr_john]

The biggest problem with the paddle setup is knowing what gear you are actually in .

On my 8 speed auto the current gear is shown on the display when using the paddles or the stick manual mode.