Manual or 8 speed automatic?

[beanbag]

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?

[beanbag]

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).

[beanbag]

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.

[beanbag]

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.

[beanbag]

RobM77 said:

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.

Cheers, that's the plan tonight. The problem is people berate diesels while a modern diesel can give you a lot of fun. People will laugh at me, but I've kept up Porsche Boxters, and Merc S350's (from memory) on very hilly, twisty roads in my 116d. I'm not saying I'm a great driver (I have many friends who are much better than me), but I think a lot of it is down the driver and actually knowing how to drive a car properly on fun roads.

Like I said, I'll try the auto but I'm apprehensive. I'm just keen to try the manual variant too but interesting opinions so far.

[beanbag]

Unfortunately the diesel is a given for me. I do 600 miles per week and I simply cannot justify the extra expense of petrol costs.

BMW claim a 53% increase in fuel consumption for the 320i which would be another €2,000 at the pump. That's assuming diesel is the same price as petrol which it isn't. In Spain, diesel is about 10% cheaper so add another €200 and that's quite a hike in costs sadly

I'll report back when I've tried the auto. I'm off now

[beanbag]

So big disappointment. The auto I was meant to try was not available for me to try. The sales guy seemed pretty flustered by it so somebody clearly screwed up and was very apologetic.

I now have to wait until Saturday for my drive. On the positive side, at least it won't be dark when I take it out.

[beanbag]

Interesting thing. I just found out the ZF-8 gear box contains 3 clutches! Do these eventually have to be replaced or are they lifetime items?

[beanbag]

So...figured I'd do an update given all the feedback up to now.

I've reserved a BMW 320d M-Sport in mineral grey with 8 speed sport automatic box and I just sold my car yesterday so happy days.

The only downside is it doesn't come with cruise control, but I'm hoping I can retrofit it over time for a nominal cost.

I found an extensive guide here and parts are just £185 plus coding through BMW.

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1683...

The only thing I worried about regarding this is the warranty. Does anyone have any idea if this will cause issues?

[beanbag]

Devil2575 said:

It doesn't come with cruise control!?

Unbelievably no!

But I've been told I can install it without voiding the warranty by Park Lane BMW and also confirmed by BMW HQ in Bracknell.

I just need to find a BMW Specialist that can code the option in.

[beanbag]

German car caved in. €2,000 transfer fees, getting it back home to Spain and no cruise control killed it.

So, I've just paid for this with delivery on the 12th February. It's Christmas all over again!



ETA: It comes with the sport auto box too

[beanbag]

I finally received the new car just under a week ago now. After playing with it a bit I'm very pleased. Obviously bags more power than my 116d and the auto box is amazing. I rarely touch the paddles but they can be fun from time to time. I think that will wear off quickly.

Gear changes are very smooth however if in sport+ mode and accelerating hard, they can be quite brutal but very quick.

I'm rather pleased with it all!