Manual e90 m3?

Manual e90 m3?

Author
Discussion

torqueofthedevil

Original Poster:

2,068 posts

176 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
quotequote all
These are now within budget for me whilst the autos are out of my budget.

I would've prefered the auto.

Is the manual good or should I be holding out for the auto?


Muppet32

173 posts

179 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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When I was looking for my E90 M3 I specifically looked for a manual as I've never driven an Auto/DSG/DCT etc that doesn't irritate the hell out of me.

The manual box can take a little getting used to, but I think it's great - maximum control and satisfying to use.

gaz1234

5,233 posts

218 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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Think it's supposed to be manual with paddles?

Gruber

6,313 posts

213 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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In my view (having owned both) the DCT box suits the package better, but it's purely a matter of personal taste.

It's not an auto box. If you view it as an auto, you'd be disappointed. But flicking up and down with the paddles helps to keep the engine in its sweet spot and, for a mediocre driver like myself, was fun.

cerb4.5lee

30,189 posts

179 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
quotequote all
I liked the manual in mine and third gear at 8400rpm and slam it into fourth was great fun but the engine does suit the DCT better but I wanted to experience a N/A V8 with a manual gearbox while I still could.

Pretty much every other performance car on the road comes with DCT or just two pedals...so grab a three pedal car while you still can! driving

pjv997

648 posts

181 months

Tuesday 18th November 2014
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My E90 M3 was a manual - ran it for 3 years and I thought it was great.


shibby!

921 posts

197 months

Wednesday 19th November 2014
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I personally did not like the manual in the V8 M3. Not sure why, but I wouldn't buy one with a manual. Which is weird because I like manuals.
I really like the manual in my Z4MC, but I just didn't think it was any good in the E90.

Both have their draw backs and benefits. I would suggest you go drive one yourself, to see what you think.

Right now I am driving the SMG E46 and the manual Z4 back to back daily and enjoy both... SMG is much easier to go faster and nice to put it in auto and cruise around. But the manual is more rewarding and it does allow you to act a bit more like a hooligan (sorry).

All down to personal choice.


daz05

2,904 posts

194 months

Wednesday 19th November 2014
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shibby! said:
I personally did not like the manual in the V8 M3. Not sure why, but I wouldn't buy one with a manual. Which is weird because I like manuals.
I really like the manual in my Z4MC, but I just didn't think it was any good in the E90.
I find that odd because I found them hugely similar and if anything the E92 is nicer. Both need a F10 shorter knob and a clutch stop and you get a big improvement. DCT is technically better no doubt but I think it makes it feel a tad lifeless so a manual vote from here too. The decision depends on how you use the car really, if you are commuting in traffic mostly get DCT.

shibby!

921 posts

197 months

Wednesday 19th November 2014
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I found the manual in the e90 a little vague, clutch bite point seemed to last forever, and the shift was a little longer than I expected.

Maybe it was the one I drove then, if you think they are similar.


cerb4.5lee

30,189 posts

179 months

Wednesday 19th November 2014
quotequote all
shibby! said:
I personally did not like the manual in the V8 M3. Not sure why, but I wouldn't buy one with a manual. Which is weird because I like manuals.
I really like the manual in my Z4MC, but I just didn't think it was any good in the E90.
I was completely opposite to you and I thought the gearbox in my Z4MR was one of the worst I have ever experienced and don't get me wrong the manual in my V8 M3 wasn't anything special but I liked it far more than in the Zed.

It just shows how different we all see things.

shibby!

921 posts

197 months

Wednesday 19th November 2014
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cerb4.5lee said:
shibby! said:
I personally did not like the manual in the V8 M3. Not sure why, but I wouldn't buy one with a manual. Which is weird because I like manuals.
I really like the manual in my Z4MC, but I just didn't think it was any good in the E90.
I was completely opposite to you and I thought the gearbox in my Z4MR was one of the worst I have ever experienced and don't get me wrong the manual in my V8 M3 wasn't anything special but I liked it far more than in the Zed.

It just shows how different we all see things.
For sure!

That's interesting... What don't you like about the z4 gearbox out of interest.

Maybe I am weird then. I also like the gearbox in a Mr2 turbo and the newer Celica.
I also didn't like the gearbox in the E36 m3 so much so it out me off buying one. I found it very similar to the E90 M3,

Maybe there is a trend appearing..... smilesmile

daz05

2,904 posts

194 months

Wednesday 19th November 2014
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The 1st to 2nd kangaroo, grinding 2nd gear at high rpm, chocolate transmission mounts and CDV are some of the common issues on the Z4m.

cerb4.5lee

30,189 posts

179 months

Wednesday 19th November 2014
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daz05 said:
The 1st to 2nd kangaroo, grinding 2nd gear at high rpm,
They were my biggest issues too.