The auto vs manual debate

[Geddin]

So I’ve been doing some soul searching whilst looking for my next car…

I started out with a long list of must haves, but realised my only number 1 must have is probably ‘good condition’. Everything else seems to be pot luck.

Anyway, I know this is a divisive topic… manual v auto.

But the more I’ve thought about it, I’m starting think auto may be the way forward. I want to eat up a lot of miles in the car with some epic roadtrips - one of the primary reasons for buying.

Would be interested hear thoughts… have any of you bought auto, and regretted it? Or vice versa, love it and never looked back?

My previous daily was an auto Volvo and I loved it for the ease. However this isn’t a daily, but still. I want easy driving

 

[bigwinn]

I have an e86 with the n52 3.0 engine mated to the 6 speed autobox

I’ve never regretted having the auto- I mapped it using xHP software to make it more aggressive but in stock form it’s excellent.

Having had a manual in the same engine- I would opt for auto every time with a mix of town driving and spirited backroads

 

[brillomaster]

Normally I'd say manual for a second car, but... given your intended use, I'd say an auto is OK. Auto and cruise control makes big miles a lot easier. Plus you could always use paddles and manual mode if you want some fun when you get to your destination.

 

[Rockhopper]

This changing gear by hand lark will never catch on...

 

[Usel]

I have a manual and an auto 3.0i E85. I prefer the auto for spirited and casual driving.

 

[Boyo]

So I’ve been doing some soul searching whilst looking for my next car…

I started out with a long list of must haves, but realised my only number 1 must have is probably ‘good condition’. Everything else seems to be pot luck.

Anyway, I know this is a divisive topic… manual v auto.

But the more I’ve thought about it, I’m starting think auto may be the way forward. I want to eat up a lot of miles in the car with some epic roadtrips - one of the primary reasons for buying.

Would be interested hear thoughts… have any of you bought auto, and regretted it? Or vice versa, love it and never looked back?

My previous daily was an auto Volvo and I loved it for the ease. However this isn’t a daily, but still. I want easy driving

It depends on which E89 engine variant you are considering and also whether you are considering remapping it.

 

[Geddin]

Most likely the 30i

Although I keep getting caught out and considering stretching my budget for the 35i

 

[Special Kay]

I don't actually think its a debate as such. Manuals are old school and very nostalgic or classic for drivers of a certain age (myself included). I've grown up with manuals and love them. Auto's on the other hand, have progressively developed especially over the past 30 years, with many sports car manufacturers only offering automatic gearboxes in their newer models. Electric cars are predominantly automatic, and the future for motoring on two wheels or four looks to be automatic.

 

[B21]

Welcome and yes there are different opinions..

Assuming it’s an E89 then it’s either the ZF8HP 8 speed torque converter with lock up box in the 18i, 20, 28i, or its earlier sister the ZF6HP 6 speed in the 23i and 30i or the Getrag 7 speed DCT box in the 35i /35is..

I only know the ZF8HP and DCT in the E89..I’ve driven various E85 with the 6 speed manual..friends I know have the manual in the E89…

I’m not aware of anyone I know who for touring prefers the manual over the auto..in the E89..

All the E89 autos are great boxes..or with minor tweaks can be made so…enjoy !

 

[Geddin]

Ah wasn’t aware of tweaks to optimise the boxes? Presume meaning some sort of remapping? I did notice the older boxes do seem to carry some performance debt vs manual.

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

Manual for a second car. Can’t beat a modern auto.

Of course the manual is a more "enthusiast" option but it is hard work in day to day driving.

I enjoy driving my Z manual tho, my main car is auto. Would't have it any other way.

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

Ah wasn’t aware of tweaks to optimise the boxes? Presume meaning some sort of remapping? I did notice the older boxes do seem to carry some performance debt vs manual.

I think there are at least three different auto set ups for the e89

One has a silver gear stick. One is a ZF with the cool looking shifter and then there is a DCT.

 

[Phoenixboy]

always thought manual, but having Dsg in the Golf R, its got to be auto.
So slick and fast, and with option of paddles , its a better all round option, especially in traffic.
A good auto box would be my choice.

 

[buzyg]

There is no debate required. Autos are for work. Be that in traffic or on a race track. Manuals are for fun. So if your car has any other job to do than making you smile then get an auto.

Personally I have never owned one, simply because I enjoy driving my cars and an auto takes a little bit away from the pleasure. :wink:

 

[B21]

Ah wasn’t aware of tweaks to optimise the boxes? Presume meaning some sort of remapping? I did notice the older boxes do seem to carry some performance debt vs manual.

The 6HP in the 23i and 30i and the DCT in the 35i/35is can be remapped using the xHP s/w..the ZF8HP in the E89 can’t be remapped for esoteric technical reasons..

You can make the 6HP look n feel pretty much like the 8HP with xHP

Some of the ‘bad’ habits on the DCT can be fixed with xHP too!

 

[Geddin]

thanks guys

 

[DonDon]

I get occasional twinges in my left knee, so I didn't have a choice when taking the long term view. As B21 says, the ZF8HP 8-speed box with the N20 engine (18i, 20i or 28i - all the same, just different power mappings) is excellent. With the flappy paddles and manual mode, you still have lots of flexibility.

If you do much driving in heavy stop / start traffic then I think an auto is the best choice.

 

[Marcoose]

I’ve driven manual nearly my entire driving career. Loved it, but as city traffic is getting more hectic, manual was getting old. On the motorway I shifted 1-2-4-6 to make it easier.

Now I own my very first DCT. Any happier I’d be shitting rainbows.

 

[Boyo]

Had both manual and autos in a 2 litre E89 and didn't feel the engine suited the auto. The 35is which I owned was obviously auto and the gearbox mated perfectly with that engine. Only you can decide whether your preference is manual or auto. Go and drive both in your chosen model and then you can make an informed decision.

 

[Geddin]

Just test drove an auto 23i

Think auto is definitely the way forward!

However the 23i felt underpowered. Less powered than the diesel Volvo I used to have.