Used M135i: Manual or Auto

[willmagrath]

Hi all,

keen to buy one of these soon but not sure what to get, manual or auto?

I've always driven manuals and like them, however I've heard the auto is better in this car. I drove my first auto today with flappy paddles and quiet enjoyed it (despite it being a ford galaxy diesel!!!)

Any thoughts welcome!

[loose cannon]

Your car your choice why do you need someone else to tell you what you want ? Drive both pick the one you Like, job jobbed or are you buying it for the next owner in that case buy the auto

[MrGTI6]

Personally I'd go for the manual, but the auto in the M135i is very good as well.

[ManOpener]

The offset pedal position can make the manual uncomfortable on long journeys, and to be honest the box isn't that enjoyable. I'm glad I went for the auto.

[cerb4.5lee]

Tough choice in many ways, the ZF8 is a highly regarded auto and Bmw's manual gearboxes aren't that great to use. I'd still go manual though because I enjoy three pedals and changing gear myself.

[F355GTS]

Auto is excellent, never use the paddles they're too short

[Lowtimer]

It's totally subjective: not only in terms of what you actually like, but also in terms of how and where you intend to use the car. If I were buynig one and intended to use it as a daily commuter within 50 miles of London I would have an auto. As it is, if I bought one today I would be keeping it in North Yorkshire and hardly ever driving it in significant stop-start traffic, so would haev a manual. Up to you and what you want the car for.

[kiethton]

Had a similar decision when we got a M135i for my fiancé a few months back.

We specifically sought an auto.

[e30m3Mark]

Drove both last week and although auto was great, I would have manual with short shift kit.

[nikaiyo2]

The auto in these is really nice.

After testing the auto and manual M140 back to back, I got an auto but my commute is through town at rush hour!

[steve-5snwi]

Auto, go for the manual if you never want to sell it on.

[Turbojuice]

steve-5snwi said:

Auto, go for the manual if you never want to sell it on.

I would've thought a manual would be more sought after in the future than an auto. Hot hatch with a straight six and manual box? Future classic through and through.

OP, try both and pick which one you like the most. That's the correct choice.

[Yacht Broker]

I have a manual box 135i M-Sport Cab. The gearshift is pretty unremarkable tbh. Given the opportunity again, I would have gone for the auto box (and probably the 125i without the turbos).