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335i transmission dilemma?


kata_tutu
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I am almost there with the desired spec for a E93 335i (still in debate about used RS4). If I go for the 335i what would be the best transmission - auto or manual. The dealers say that a prestige car of that value should be an automatic and they are selling more with that marriage and they are nowadays just as quick. That said, the RS4 only comes in manual which is not a cheap car. Also how are people getting on with 19" alloys as an upgrade? Too bumpy?

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Im absolutely delighted with the auto box in mine, its so quick & responsive, a hundred times nicer than the smg in my fathers M5. Regarding the 19's, there shocking on the road here in Ireland, but ive non run flats ordered and being fitted this week so that should improve things. Also very easy to kerb ive found with the bridgestone runflats.

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Auto everytime in these cars.

The fact you have the cab would point to auto too, those who really want a manual for that extra 'feel' would probably buy a coupe anyway.

Just look at how many RS4 owners said they wanted the DSG, the fact is only available as a manual means they had no choice, if both options had been available I bet the Auto would have sold more.

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Auto everytime in these cars.

The fact you have the cab would point to auto too, those who really want a manual for that extra 'feel' would probably buy a coupe anyway.

Just look at how many RS4 owners said they wanted the DSG, the fact is only available as a manual means they had no choice, if both options had been available I bet the Auto would have sold more. I would have bought one if there had been a DSG option available.

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I have ordered manual with my e92 335i coupe for a number of reasons. My previous car was DSG, so I am pro-auto, but I decided manual because:

- Auto costs more.

- You have more control with manual (I eventually tired of D mode just not quite doing what I wanted it to with DSG)

- The combination of stick shift and clutch made sense on a rear wheel drive car. My perception (although this may prove to be incorrect) is that the car will be more able to control/balance the rear of the car (with an LSD) with a manual transmission.

- Less electronics to go wrong when the car is out of warranty. Particularly considering that I want to remap the car up to 360ish bhp over time. It will be easier to add a larger clutch if necessary than to overhaul an automatic transimission.

- Better fuel economy.

- Less power loss through the transmission.

- Lighter transmission.

- Problems with overheating have been reported with e9X series auto boxes.

- BMW are releasing a dual clutch auto next year on the M3 which is to be cascaded down to other models over a period of time. I felt that this would effect residuals of the current evolution autos over time.

- Of all current 3 series models (except for the forthcoming M3) my 335i m-sport coupe is more likely to appeal to people looking for a manual transmission come resale time.

- I like the look and feel of the m-sport gear lever. There are no upgrades (visual or technical) when adding the m-sport pack on an auto.

This is one of those situations where everone will justify their own personal decision making process. You are the only one who can be truely objective.

When I bought my Golf with DSG I was doing a lot of inner city commuting. My commuting now involves a lot of b-road driving. Although DSG and similar autos have significant benefits that will counteract what I have mentioned above, they are a bit clinical and do partially remove the connection between car and driver, even when using paddles.

I guess that really this time I fancied getting back to a manual and each of the reasons above justified that decision for me. In different circumstances I could well have opted for an auto.

Whatever you decide, there will always be a part of you which will question whether you made the correct decision - well until you take delivery anyway.

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Oh, I forgot to mention that I hope going back to a manual will slow my driving down. I found it far too easy to drive fast using my auto. With a manual you need to be intentionally push hard, whereas with auto it is far too easy IMO - if that makes sense.

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[ QUOTE ]

Oh, I forgot to mention that I hope going back to a manual will slow my driving down. I found it far too easy to drive fast using my auto. With a manual you need to be intentionally push hard, whereas with auto it is far too easy IMO - if that makes sense.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've noticed that with DSG too. I think it's the speed of the gearchange that makes driving fast effortless. Lethal in an M3 no doubt! FIREdevil.gif

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