Is an auto ok?
- Thread starter Kdawg1
- Start date
Most of the replies have missed the original post - your looking an E86. It's not relevant how good a modern 8HP, DCT, DSG, PDK etc gearbox is - because that isn't what your going to get...Kdawg1 said:
The E86 uses a ZF 6HP, first introduced in 2000.
If you compare the models, when fitted with an auto, the car is (marginally) heavier and slower to accelerate.
Whether it's worth the trade-off is a different story - I've got the same gearbox in my 335d and it's my first auto and it's not that bad. The paddles aren't terribly useful, and sport mode is too one-dimensional to be useful all the time. But it's not terrible.
Ironically my main complaint isn't that it changes gear when I don't want it it to, it's that sometimes it holds the gear when it probably shouldn't.
Also bear in mind that auto gearbox oil isn't a BMW service item, but ZF disagree - new fluid, seals etc will improve things. And there's an XHP remap available too.
The available transmissions were:
I can only speak for the auto
5speed zf that was fitted to our 04 2.5i without paddles
6 speed ZF in our 07 3.0si with paddles
5-speed manual Getrag S5D250G (2.2i, 2.5i)
6-speed manual Getrag GS6-17BG (2.0i)
6-speed manual ZF GS6-37BZ (3.0i, 3.0si, Z4M)
5-speed automatic ZF 5HP19 (2.2i, 2.5i, 3.0i) without paddles
6-speed automatic ZF 6HP19 (3.0si) - with paddles
6-speed GS6-S37BZ SMG automated manual (2.5i, 3.0i)
I can only speak for the auto
5speed zf that was fitted to our 04 2.5i without paddles
6 speed ZF in our 07 3.0si with paddles
5-speed manual Getrag S5D250G (2.2i, 2.5i)
6-speed manual Getrag GS6-17BG (2.0i)
6-speed manual ZF GS6-37BZ (3.0i, 3.0si, Z4M)
5-speed automatic ZF 5HP19 (2.2i, 2.5i, 3.0i) without paddles
6-speed automatic ZF 6HP19 (3.0si) - with paddles
6-speed GS6-S37BZ SMG automated manual (2.5i, 3.0i)
This, and you get sport mode. An auto will give you a quick gear change and you can use the paddles or the 'stick' to change gear. Like a manual, if you change down and get the engine revs. correct, there is nothing between them. I would have an auto all day long. I have driven manual vehicles since I was 16 and still drive one today, but an auto Z4 is more flexible than a manual Z4. Lots will say that a sports car has to be a manual, but I have a strong suspicion that it is a Macho claim, not based on reality.Rucky said:
I will stand well back!I don't think that manufacturers have a Macho agenda, just some drivers that drive manual sports cars. I have heard one person say that driving an automatic is rather 'sissy' (sixties word for effeminate, which is another sixties word for Womanish, unmanly). Daft eh!Ian J said:If that's the case how come most upmarket sports cars are now mainly autoBeeEmm said:Lots will say that a sports car has to be a manual, but I have a strong suspicion that it is a Macho claim, not based on reality.
axelleveau
Member
There are a few reasons manufacturers are making autos only on those cars:
- Some markets pretty much only use them, reducing the amount of manuals being sold
- Power/torque levels have gone up, making clutches tuffer and harder to operate
- They work hand in hand with hybrid systems (even if just mild) and turbo engines thanks by having more gears and being decoupled from the monkey behind the wheel
- They work better with aftertreatment and emission legislation thanks to a different calibration on cold start
- And probably the point that explains the declining sales of manuals: Only people with a big enough wallet (trying not to offend anyone here :roll: ) can afford a new car, even more if it's a sport car and premium, and those customers tend to like a comfortable and easy to use car, hence the auto
- All of this coupled with the focus on the electric transition (hence reduction of investiments on engines/gearboxes) means there is focus on one auto gearbox only on some cars
- Some markets pretty much only use them, reducing the amount of manuals being sold
- Power/torque levels have gone up, making clutches tuffer and harder to operate
- They work hand in hand with hybrid systems (even if just mild) and turbo engines thanks by having more gears and being decoupled from the monkey behind the wheel
- They work better with aftertreatment and emission legislation thanks to a different calibration on cold start
- And probably the point that explains the declining sales of manuals: Only people with a big enough wallet (trying not to offend anyone here :roll: ) can afford a new car, even more if it's a sport car and premium, and those customers tend to like a comfortable and easy to use car, hence the auto
- All of this coupled with the focus on the electric transition (hence reduction of investiments on engines/gearboxes) means there is focus on one auto gearbox only on some cars