Manual or 8 speed automatic?

Manual or 8 speed automatic?

Poll: Manual or 8 speed automatic?

Total Members Polled: 198

6 speed manual: 42%
8 speed auto: 58%
Author
Discussion

beanbag

Original Poster:

7,346 posts

240 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
A little while ago I posted a topic on which car to replace my 1 series with.

I think I was already sold back then but I'm definitely going for an F31 320d Touring.

I've got several cars to view this evening which are a mix of autos and manuals. (None of them have sport autos).

The dealer is heavily touting the 8 speed auto option. I'm guessing he might as its a grand more than the manuals in general so a better commission for him, but is it worth the difference?

I've never had an automatic car before so I don't know if I'll enjoy driving it as much.

Opinions?

kambites

67,462 posts

220 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
What sort of driving will you be using it for?

beanbag

Original Poster:

7,346 posts

240 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
kambites said:
What sort of driving will you be using it for?
It'll mostly be used for a 200km round commute to work and back again.

However I love to drive so I've always found driving with a gearbox a huge amount of fun, especially when driving around the twisties (I live in the mountains so plenty of these roads around here).

But I agree, an autobox would be great for the commute. Just wondering how much I'd miss my manual option. (The non-sport does not come with flappy paddles).

DUMBO100

1,878 posts

183 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
I think that that engine mated to the 8 speed auto is a perfect partnership. I assume that the car is for practical duties. I'd have a manual V8 convertible for fun

TurboHatchback

4,152 posts

152 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
I don't know why anyone would even contemplate the manual option here. Diesel = auto, barge = auto and the ZF-8 speed is supposed to be an excellent box.

kambites

67,462 posts

220 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
For that sort of driving in that sort of car, I'd probably go for the automatic. For me, a manual is a must-have in a "fun" car but in something like a 320d, I think I'd be more annoying than fun.

beanbag

Original Poster:

7,346 posts

240 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
I'm trying one out tonight I hope. They only have a saloon auto to try but it'll be interesting to try out the auto box.

Zod

35,295 posts

257 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
It's a diesel, so automatic is a no-brainer.

Howard-

4,950 posts

201 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Zod said:
It's a diesel, so automatic is a no-brainer.
This. You don't buy a 320d to have fun in, so the autobox will make it as comfortable and as least annoying to drive as possible.

beanbag

Original Poster:

7,346 posts

240 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Howard- said:
Zod said:
It's a diesel, so automatic is a no-brainer.
This. You don't buy a 320d to have fun in, so the autobox will make it as comfortable and as least annoying to drive as possible.
I can't afford to run three cars so the diesel will have to be my "fun" car. I think the general consensus is auto but I'll have a play with it this evening.

TomHamper

13 posts

110 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Zod said:
It's a diesel, so automatic is a no-brainer.
Agree with Zod! Automatic all the way!

Monty Python

4,812 posts

196 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
beanbag said:
I can't afford to run three cars so the diesel will have to be my "fun" car. I think the general consensus is auto but I'll have a play with it this evening.
First time I've seen "320d" and "fun" in the same sentence....

Personally I'd go for the auto if commuting is what the car does most. I've on my second 335d and it's great for the kind of traffic you get on motorways.

Zod

35,295 posts

257 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
I drove, as hire cars in Europe on several occasions,the E90 320d as both manual and auto (6 speed, so a less good box) and the auto was the better car. There is far too much gear changing in a manual diesel.

Patrick Bateman

12,143 posts

173 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
I was going to say auto but given what you've said I suspect you might miss the third pedal, diesel or not.

Dannbodge

2,160 posts

120 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
That auto is by far the best gearbox for a diesel.

Axionknight

8,505 posts

134 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Zod said:
It's a diesel, so automatic is a no-brainer.


I have to agree with this - for a commuting wafter diesel, I'd take the auto any day of the week.

TheFinners

543 posts

126 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Is a 320i with a manual an option? That would probably be most enjoyable on the country roads plus the 320i engine is still reasonably torquey at low revs.

DonkeyApple

54,934 posts

168 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Utility diesel. Auto is a no brainer before you even get to the 8 speed ZF which is so good it makes for a tough call on any car that isn't purely for jollies.

RobM77

35,349 posts

233 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
I drive a 320d manual and have tried both the auto version of mine (2007 E90) and the latest automatic box in my friend's 2014 520d. The new auto is very good for an auto, and better than BMWs of old, and I'd recommend it to someone who likes automatics, but I'd take the manual every single time. My reasoning is very simple: I enjoy driving and don't ever drive in towns (as in never - I don't even go to the shops at the weekend). If I didn't enjoy driving or lived in a town then I would buy a more reliable make of car and I wouldn't be paying a premium for rear wheel drive. Each to their own, but I think it's a highly personal decision. If I was the type of guy who drove any old car Monday to Friday on the daily commute, who wasn't interested in throttle control or handling etc, then for sure, once I'd swapped the BMW for a Honda or Toyota, I'd have an automatic. I think most people on PH are like that, so I suspect the poll will favour the auto.

I'd recommend doing what I did and trying both. It was an easy decision for me once I'd done that, and hopefully it will be for you too.

RobM77

35,349 posts

233 months

Tuesday 27th January 2015
quotequote all
Axionknight said:
I have to agree with this - for a commuting wafter diesel, I'd take the auto any day of the week.
He's not buying an S Class or a Phaeton though, so wafting is optional, not obligatory. If you want to, you can drift a 3 series everywhere with a massive smile on your face, and if you're that type of guy then you may favour the manual. I see the engine as largely irrelevant - for me the main issue between gearboxes is control and whether you want complete control over the car.