Is an automatic Z4 a NO NO, might go auto.

G

G-A-R-Y

Member
North Bristol
I sold my 2.5 manual (2004). I've been looking for a 3.0 and even looked at car auctions.
I've noticed 3.0 Auto's are abundant and usually a grand (GBP) less expensive. I drive an auto (E Class) so know how they drive. What do you think about driving a sports car with no gears.

Has anyone owned both. Opinions please?
 
My preference in any car would be a manual, barring hire cars for long work trips when I couldn't care less.

The involvement for me in the drive with a manual definitely makes is a must-have for a sports car particularly.

However, I actually would own a 991 GT3, that engine is pure pornography and the gearbox is the only thing that would actually keep up with the way it revs!! :lol:
 
purists will say no... people that drive them will say yes... theres no right or wrong, probably best to test one and decide for youself, imho the best thing about the auto is you can still drive them in a manual manner by shifting the stick across and still manually shift gears albeit without neding a clutch
 
Manual vs Automatic is horses for courses. Our Disovery is an auto, and that's what that sort of car needs. Sports cars HAVE to be manual.
 
Nowt wrong with auto's, luv mine,
Standard auto mode for a bimble, sports mode for a bit o fun , an knock it into manual for serious red line fun, :evil:
No cutch so gear changing is quick and effortless.
M.
 
mines manual and 99% of time i wouldn't be without it, but that odd time stuck in traffic or winters morning when gear changes feel awful i wish it was auto.

So think it depends on yer driving style and which you prefer.

Id like to try one with the paddles see what its like, Only non manuals Ive ever driven is a Omega V6 and a Bently Continental GT W12 :evil:
 
Go and road test one.
I normally only go for Manual cars, but my Coupé is an auto and I love it :)
It's all down to personal preference.

Make your own opinion based on experiences, don't bother with other peoples opinions.
 
First Z4 I owned was a steptronic I think that's how its spelt. You could just stick it in drive and off you go or you could flick the gear across and use it as a gear change, not sure if you could get one with paddle shift gears so you have best of both worlds.
My current model only offers 6 gears and must say its much more fun. (Z4M)
 
nfbr said:
Go and road test one.
I normally only go for Manual cars, but my Coupé is an auto and I love it :)
It's all down to personal preference.

Make your own opinion based on experiences, don't bother with other peoples opinions.
Click to expand...

Well said. This question crops up with monotonous regularity. GO DRIVE ONE AND SEE. If you don't like it don't buy it simples. :wink:
 
As above, test drove both, loved the auto, bought the auto, gear change is smooth and economical. Sport button available when you need a bit more go, as well as paddles/gear change.. What more could you ask for?
 
Second hand automatics are less expensive, I imagine auto's were a more expensive purchase option.
I do like how auto's are quick off the line.
 
With the paddles, I consider my Z4 3.oi a standard but without the need for a left foot. Yesterday I drove the Mazda Miata six speed manual, and unlike my wife, actually used fifth and sixth gears several times. When in stop and go traffic, it is indeed nice not to need a clutch.
 
From a USA point of view, I think it depends on where you drive it and who is driving it. As to where: driving a manual in stop and go, rush hour, hills or in areas where you have a stop signs every block can be a pain in the leg and in all honesty I think could actually be harder on the running gear. As far as who is driving: My wife is unable to drive a manual (which I must admit might be a good reason for me to get one). But I also think that even if she did, two people driving the same manual car will drive it very differently and may accelerate wear on the gear. I have a 2007 3.0i auto with steptronic, and it offers me the simulation of manual driving when I need it but all the conveniences of auto in situations that call for it. I am a happy camper!
 
Something to consider if you do a fair bit of driving is the auto is heavier on juice than the manual. So moving from a 2.5 manual to a 3.0 manual usually would see no more than a 1 mpg drop, going to the auto its quite a bit more.

The SMG clutchless manual (halfway house auto option is some respects) can be quite problematic and expensive to fix, so I would avoid any of them. Sorry SMG owners!

Interesting comment on the auto being cheaper, its normally the other way around even on older cars. Maybe because zeds are sports cars people generally prefer manuals, otherwise they would buy a merc SLK! :poke:
 
Taz said:
I have a coupe automatic and an roadster manual

the automatic is a far nicer drive
Click to expand...

Two forum wars in one there.

Coupe vs Roadie

and now Manual vs Auto

This thread's bound to run and run now :fuelfire:
 
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