05-24-2013, 04:36 AM | #23 | |
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05-24-2013, 04:45 AM | #24 | |
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Because the AT shifts so quickly and doesn't involve the quick tap dance before each corner (which I imagine most reasonably good drivers can do in their sleep), the braking and shift points often change quite radically and it can be quite difficult to find the right degree and sequence after years of driving an MT. |
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05-24-2013, 04:56 AM | #25 |
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Do you remember those plastic stick on steering wheels some of us had as kids? So you could drive like your Dad. Maybe BMW could make a fake clutch pedal for all the MT Luddites.
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05-24-2013, 05:19 AM | #26 |
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Hee hee. There was this little interview somewhere saying they'd save tons of money designing the car if there is only one single transmission option, and they can better utilize the space inside the cabinet, though I don't know what they mean by that.... Guess just can't stop what's comin'
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05-24-2013, 07:31 AM | #27 |
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The M135i I test drove was an auto. Nearly put a hole in the floor where the clutch would have been.
Last edited by tonywalk; 05-24-2013 at 07:39 AM.. Reason: Try and get sig to appear |
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05-24-2013, 07:45 AM | #28 |
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05-24-2013, 07:49 AM | #29 |
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Showing your class to oncoming drivers
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Current: F39 X2 M Sport X Galvanic Gold, Automatic
Previous: F22 M235i Melbourne Red, Black Leather, Adaptive Suspension Previous: F21 M135i Mineral Grey, Coral red leather, Manual, Adaptive suspension Previous: E82 120d M Sport, Le Mans Blue, Black leather |
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05-24-2013, 08:56 AM | #30 | |
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Now don't tell me the actual action of flicking the switch is hard to learn? If you need to learn to drive a manual, you don't only need to learn 'when' to shift, but also the hand-feet coordination of actually doing it. Especially when you want to progress your driving skill and need to learn to brake and shift at the same time (very easy with AT and throttle blip, pretty difficult with MT) Last edited by hwelvaar; 05-24-2013 at 09:24 AM.. |
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05-24-2013, 03:21 PM | #31 |
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There's no doubt that automatic or automated transmissions are faster on track because they free the driver to focus on braking points, turn-in etc. However, and this is my personal opinion here, no twin-clutch box and not even bmw's hallowed 8AT gearbox can match the satisfaction of revmatching and correctly shifting a manual transmission.
In that note, it makes sense that race cars are ditching manual transmissions in favor of automated ones, but it saddens me nonetheless to see that road cars are headed in the same direction. I don't care if I could be faster with a dsg or a good slushbox on the street, because I'm not racing. Driving a stick just feels better. I would've preferred a manual even if it costed more than the automatic. However and unfortunately, here in Brazil, BMW has stopped offering manuals completely (even on ///M cars) for quite a while now, and this sucks. Even if the majority of consumers go for automatics, I honestly think that the company that pursues the "ultimate driving machine" or "sheer driving pleasure" should at least offer the option to get a manual, even if just for the sake of its mottos. |
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05-24-2013, 04:27 PM | #32 |
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I'm still learning
how to get the best out of the ZF AT, however if I think of an automatic motor cycle, there's no way in hell I'd be interested. I'm still undecided with the M135i
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05-24-2013, 06:23 PM | #33 |
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There's a chap on another 1er F2x forum that's thinking of changing from manual to auto. Maybe you could swap cars.
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05-24-2013, 11:43 PM | #34 | |
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After testing it a number of times the ZF AT is the best most responsive AT I've even driven, and I've been driving for over 30yrs. However, after living with this excellent AT for 9 months I do miss the fun and interaction of using a MT. Yes, the AT is fast to 60 and in the 1/4, and it gets better MPG mostly due to the 2 over drive gears. It's the fun to drive factor that is missing. Even though the AT can be fun, you have to consciously make yourself drive in manual mode, but it's just too easy to leave it in AT and let the trans do it's thing. That's when I get removed further from the driving experience. With a MT you have to shift every time you drive or you won't get very far. That makes the driver have to engage with the vehicle. As sweet, fast, and efficient as the ZF 8spd sport AT is, I want my next automobile to be MT, and it would be great if it were a 7spd so that it could have 2 over drive gears with shorter 1 through 5. I've read that the 2 series will come with the ZF 8spd AT standard. |
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05-25-2013, 10:16 AM | #35 |
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When I drive on tracks with a manual transmission, I don't really think much about shifting. It is a background task in my mind. I will perhaps think about it between heats. What if I try to do that entire section in third gear, or shift down to second before that left hander? Once I am out on the track, I focus on other things. If I need more turn in, my mind will perhaps answer by shifting down early to rotate the car. Not really a conscious thought, but more as an extra tool in the toolbox. I just think more turn in, and it happens.
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05-25-2013, 03:01 PM | #36 |
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First post. Needed to post it somewhere. Might just as well be here.
Been a member of the Norwegian chapter of BMW Car Club for years even though I have not owned a BMW for a while. Ironically, the first year I decide not to extend my membership; is the year that I actually buy a BMW again. Delivery in week 26/27. 116i, with automatic. What can I say; it's relaxing. Mineral Grey Metallic, M-package, 18", sunroof, and a few other bits and pieces. Cheers, Lasse Last edited by lassem; 07-23-2013 at 01:02 AM.. |
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05-26-2013, 07:32 PM | #38 | |
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I too am able to drive a manual on the track without giving it much thought, though... And like I said earlier, for my personal car, if I had the choice, I would trade these milliseconds, or tens of seconds I'd gain from an auto box for the driving feel and pleasure of shifting and revmatching myself. Not to mention that with a manual you can also clutch-kick your way into drifting, which is real fun! It takes a lot more effort to bring the tail out of an automatic, especially if that car is not too high on power. |
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05-27-2013, 12:54 AM | #39 |
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Just a note (as it is not clear from your post): the BMW (ZF) 8-speed automatic it is NOT a dual-clutch gearbox, it is a "proper" (planetary) automatic with torque converter.
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05-29-2013, 03:26 AM | #40 |
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BMW New Zealand only bring in autos but will order manuals as a special order. My next BMW will properly be a manual.
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