4 Series Coupe - gearbox dilema
Discussion
Hi all, I'm just about to put an order in for a 420d M Sport and wondered what the opinion was on manual vs automatic gearbox option. I've always had manuals in the past but autos have had so much development in the last couple of years, I'm now leaning that way.
What do you consider to be the best option for residuals and daily driving: Manual or Auto?
Cheers
Mike
What do you consider to be the best option for residuals and daily driving: Manual or Auto?
Cheers
Mike
the 8 speed auto is fantastic, and for a diesel, probably better than a manual. I had this gearbox in my 530d and it really suited the engine - am sure it would be similar in the 420d.
I do have the 6 speed manual in my M135i, but I don't have a daily commute in traffic and wanted the manual driving experience with it.
I do have the 6 speed manual in my M135i, but I don't have a daily commute in traffic and wanted the manual driving experience with it.
I think an auto will prove easier to sell a year or two down the line but whether it will be self-funding I'm not so sure; looking on the BMW website the monthly PCP repayments are higher with the auto which suggests they don't necessarily expect it to recover all the extra purchase cost come resale time. However, my decision would be more dictated by which box is better suited to the engine and if it's a 420d for me that would be the auto; you don't drive a diesel in the same way as a petrol and IMO an auto that keeps the engine in the relatively narrow power band is preferable if you're going the diesel route.
There is no dilemma here, buy the autobox. The autobox is wonderful and really really works with the 2 litre diesel engine. The engine is a nuisance with a manual box, it's breathless and frustrating below 2000rpm which is exactly where you find yourself pulling away from low speeds etc and it runs out of power far too quickly. With a manual box you are forever annoyingl having to shift around to find the power.
With the auto, all of this goes away and it just works.
Get the automatic. Or get a 428i if you want a manual.
With the auto, all of this goes away and it just works.
Get the automatic. Or get a 428i if you want a manual.
Going with almost everyone else here - the 8 speed box is fantastic. Really smooth in every day use (ie. in comfort or Eco+ mode) - but if you push it over to Sport and stick the chassis in Sport mode, it seems to lock up the torque converter and gives you lightning fast changes.
I ordered paddles with mine - but have barely used them. Spend the money on other options, like enhanced bluetooth.
I ordered paddles with mine - but have barely used them. Spend the money on other options, like enhanced bluetooth.
Euro1300 said:
Going with almost everyone else here - the 8 speed box is fantastic. Really smooth in every day use (ie. in comfort or Eco+ mode) - but if you push it over to Sport and stick the chassis in Sport mode, it seems to lock up the torque converter and gives you lightning fast changes.
I ordered paddles with mine - but have barely used them. Spend the money on other options, like enhanced bluetooth.
The Paddles are included with the Sports Auto Transmission option which isnt just paddles, its different software on the box and a marginally different shifter. For an extra 90 quid or whatever it is, its a no brainer. I don't understand why more people don't pick it, its one of the cheapest options on the list if you've already gone for auto.I ordered paddles with mine - but have barely used them. Spend the money on other options, like enhanced bluetooth.
Fox- said:
There is no dilemma here, buy the autobox. The autobox is wonderful and really really works with the 2 litre diesel engine. The engine is a nuisance with a manual box, it's breathless and frustrating below 2000rpm which is exactly where you find yourself pulling away from low speeds etc and it runs out of power far too quickly. With a manual box you are forever annoyingl having to shift around to find the power.
With the auto, all of this goes away and it just works.
Get the automatic. Or get a 428i if you want a manual.
+1 With the auto, all of this goes away and it just works.
Get the automatic. Or get a 428i if you want a manual.
Another vote here for the auto.
I've always hated automatics, but since I've had the 330d, which didn't have the option of a manual, then I'm converted. This gearbox is simply superb.
When I tried the equivalent Merc, the gearbox on that seemed dull and slow witted and somehow always in the wrong gear, whereas the BMW 8 speed is spot on.
I've always hated automatics, but since I've had the 330d, which didn't have the option of a manual, then I'm converted. This gearbox is simply superb.
When I tried the equivalent Merc, the gearbox on that seemed dull and slow witted and somehow always in the wrong gear, whereas the BMW 8 speed is spot on.
I'd go for the auto too. I test drove a new 320d when they first launched with a manual and it was nasty. autos really suit the narrow power band characteristics of modern tds
As an aside - check on specs though - i believe if you want paddles, you need the sport auto option? am i right?? I also know on the m135i having sport auto instead of auto means it won't automatically change up at the red line, and doesn't it blip on downshifts?? i may be wrong, but I'm sure i've heard of this!!
As an aside - check on specs though - i believe if you want paddles, you need the sport auto option? am i right?? I also know on the m135i having sport auto instead of auto means it won't automatically change up at the red line, and doesn't it blip on downshifts?? i may be wrong, but I'm sure i've heard of this!!
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