Automatic vs Manual

[A1GSS]

Hi folks

I've had my E89 23i for a few years now. Due to a long standing left leg knee injury, I'm finding it increasingly painful to drive any kind of distance where gear changing is required, so I think I need to go to an auto.

Question for E89 owners with six cylinder engines and automatic transmission is how do you find the driving experience. I'm very used to auto transmission, so that's not the thing, it's whether the auto suits the character of the car, or does it take something vital away. Subjective of course, but opinions welcome.

Changing would be an expense I could do without (unless I could find a swap) but using the car is becoming a chore, so I think I need to do something.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Busterboo]

You have my sympathy for your pain.

As for an E89 auto, I'm sorry, I don't know. I've not driven one. A DCT, however, is excellent. Really puts you in control of the car and gives you lots of fun.

 

[Jembo]

Bing’s ex 3.0Si E85 Auto he had was very impressive, I don’t see any complaints from E89’s on the forum so can only deduce they’re also good.

If you do change up... suggest you treat yourself to a 3.5iS... oke:

 

[Sirrith]

I haven't driven the manual version of the E89, sadly (manual cars are very hard to find here), but I do drive manual when on holiday. While Manual would be more fun with this car, it is definitely the best auto I've driven.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a sports auto box on my E89. Is normal mode I don't find it particularly responsive, but using the paddles to drop a gear takes that problem away.

In sport mode though...

 

[A1GSS]

 

[Anonymous]

I’ve owned E89’s with the 6 speed ZF auto box and the DCT plus I’ve driven one with the 8 speed ZF box. Although I like the DCT the 8 speed ZF is excellent and the gear changes feel as quick as the DCT. BMW seem to have standardised on this auto box and I believe the new Z4 M40i will also feature this transmission. Yes, you’ll probably miss changing gear manually but the car is still a whole lot of fun with an auto and your knee will thank you for it :wink:

 

[jabber]

I find the auto in my 3.0 great all round box

 

[Zed Baron]

I have a sports auto box on my E89. Is normal mode I don't find it particularly responsive, but using the paddles to drop a gear takes that problem away.

In sport mode though...

I have a 23i auto, normal mode is fine for heavy traffic around town and then you have the S button! Only improvement I would make is to swap the paddles for the newer style.

 

[R60BBA]

Go for the 35is DCT.

 

[A1GSS]

Can you drive the DCT like an auto? I've no interest in flappy paddles. The 8 speed is only in the newer cars with 4 pot lumps I think?

 

[ronk]

The DCT is tremendous !
I rarely use the paddles - just stick in D and off you go - the mode switch makes the changes even quicker.

The auto / manual thing comes up regularly on here and some would have you believe that it’s not a proper “drivers” car - but all the bmw police cars seem to be Auto and I dont think many F1 cars have gear sticks these days!

My first Z was a manual no 2 and 3 have been auto then DCT

 

[mcbutler]

It depends how involved you want to be with the car as a driving machine.
DCT boxes are incredible and of course all high performance cars have auto boxes.
However I suspect the main reason for that is few people can actually 'drive' a manual car correctly.
I am not bothered either way really but I do find slotting in the right cog at the right RPM and getting the right response and exhaust note a lot more satisfying than having a robot do it for me, flappy paddles or not.

Does not seem like you really have a choice anyway so just go buy one

And post pics

 

[ronk]

I’ve got dodgy pair of legs and find the Dct in the Z perfect - in traffic stop start its effort free - Motorway / A roads you dont often change.

In sport mode on the twisty bits the g’box does it’s stuff leaving the driver with plenty involvement!
I would say given the choice, the Dct is the better box being more responsive than the more conventional torque converter auto box - but don’t that put you off that box.

Keep an open mind when you try one.

 

[Anonymous]

Can you drive the DCT like an auto? I've no interest in flappy paddles. The 8 speed is only in the newer cars with 4 pot lumps I think?

Correct, its a next generation box compared to the six speeder in the 23i..more gears, faster changing, better economy..way to go sonny..

 

[ibroker]

The DCT is outstanding. Yes you can drive it on the stick if you want to in sport mode. You would not regret getting into one.

 

[ronk]

I think that lot answers your question!

It’s pity that nobody with an Auto / Dct lives beside you.
You could always go to a dealer for a test drive?

 

[enzed4]

Coming from the E85 6-speed auto to the E89 DCT I have noticed something that others haven't mentioned (and it's not a big deal).
In the E85 when using the 'sport-manual' mode or paddles, when you changed down (to slow down, not to overtake) it was lovely to feel the car respond with a noticeable increase in revs and the corresponding blips and burbles from the (modded) exhaust as the engine braking commenced.
In the DCT, I guess because there are more gears, changing down doesn't have the same impact, and I find I often need to drop a couple of gears to get it slowing down with engine braking.
This is purely subjective, and I do love the DCT trans, don't get me wrong. If you get one I'm sure you'll find it a blast to drive.

 

[A1GSS]

Thanks folks

 

[A1GSS]

I think that lot answers your question!

It’s pity that nobody with an Auto / Dct lives beside you. You could always go to a dealer for a test drive?

Thanks. Yes that's the logical next step. No interest in the 4 banger and local dealers don't have any 30 or 35s. Will keep a look out. Or maybe go to a 3 / 4 series.