340i - Manual gearbox
Discussion
I'm liking the fact that BMW still offer these with a proper gearbox 
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161004842...
Quite tempted next time round to get a Touring with some toys as a forever car.
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161004842...
Quite tempted next time round to get a Touring with some toys as a forever car.
ks sake. 
I am another who was gutted when I realised the touring was auto only. 
I had to check on the bmw website because I couldn't really understand the rationale behind it, I presume the touring is classed as the more boring car hence no manual gearbox and the saloon is classed as more sports orientated...crazy!
I had to check on the bmw website because I couldn't really understand the rationale behind it, I presume the touring is classed as the more boring car hence no manual gearbox and the saloon is classed as more sports orientated...crazy!
cerb4.5lee said:
I am another who was gutted when I realised the touring was auto only.
I had to check on the bmw website because I couldn't really understand the rationale behind it, I presume the touring is classed as the more boring car hence no manual gearbox and the saloon is classed as more sports orientated...crazy!
And I see in another thread that there's an F31 335i Manual, so it's not a platform/configuration issue.I had to check on the bmw website because I couldn't really understand the rationale behind it, I presume the touring is classed as the more boring car hence no manual gearbox and the saloon is classed as more sports orientated...crazy!
Jeez
To me an estate is the car for the family man who still wants something that handles like a car. You don't care about handling, you buy an MPV that handles like a bus.
Sure there is a bit of sacrifice made in the big boot but it's maybe 5% rather than the 95% of an MPV.
So as pretty much the only reason to buy a BMW over a Mercedes (or for that matter even over something FWD) is the handling (even though they are IMO somewhat overrated) and if you lose that (and the gearbox is a part of it) then why bother?
I don't understand why the touring is auto only either, very frustrating. What's the latest 330i like? I see that comes as a manual in touring. Aside from being a 4 cylinder, is it any good? performance figures are ok.
There doesn't seem much out there for people who want a performance estate with a manual box. There is the Cupra ST which appeals but is FWD only, although rumoured to be getting 4 wheel drive, but I can't think of anything else.
There doesn't seem much out there for people who want a performance estate with a manual box. There is the Cupra ST which appeals but is FWD only, although rumoured to be getting 4 wheel drive, but I can't think of anything else.
Personally I'm not overly bothered about FWD only, I mean I get RWD but it's not the be all and end all.
Still the choice in manual is getting extremely limited, especially at the top end.
Although if the rumours of a new Mondeo with AWD and a V6T do come to fruition with a manual box I might be tempted there.
Still the choice in manual is getting extremely limited, especially at the top end.
Although if the rumours of a new Mondeo with AWD and a V6T do come to fruition with a manual box I might be tempted there.
There is something about a manual car I must admit 
.
That said, most of my mates with BMWs have manuals, yet most of them aren't smooth changers or even can get the right gear for the right moment.
It begs to ask you the question? Do people really want manuals for better driving or to willy wave?
Admittedly I used to be a die hard manual fan, but 6,000 miles a month for around 4 years soon put that to rest!
.That said, most of my mates with BMWs have manuals, yet most of them aren't smooth changers or even can get the right gear for the right moment.
It begs to ask you the question? Do people really want manuals for better driving or to willy wave?
Admittedly I used to be a die hard manual fan, but 6,000 miles a month for around 4 years soon put that to rest!
JackReacher said:
I don't understand why the touring is auto only either, very frustrating. What's the latest 330i like? I see that comes as a manual in touring. Aside from being a 4 cylinder, is it any good? performance figures are ok.
I've got a 328i auto. It's not a 6pot, but doesn't sound too bad 
Mid 40s on a motorway run and swift enough when you want it to be.
Maybe I'm going out on a limb here, but from my experience BMW manual gearboxes are pretty joyless things anyway - with obstructive shifts and jerky clutches...well at least the one in my E46 325i was...and subsequent manual courtesy BMWs have been about the same.
Don't get me wrong, a good manual transmission can be a great thing, but personally I don't think this is a great BMW strength.
ZF 8 speed auto for me!
Don't get me wrong, a good manual transmission can be a great thing, but personally I don't think this is a great BMW strength.
ZF 8 speed auto for me!
Edited by GTEYE on Wednesday 23 November 09:40
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