Z4 3.0 coupe - Manual or Auto?
Discussion
Hi. I'm looking to buy a Z4 Coupe, 2006 or 2007. Can anyone offer opinions please on which is better for resale, manual or auto? I know sports cars should be manual, but with the BMW auto being so good I am not sure that the answer is so straightforward.
Also, if anyone has an example for sale please PM me.
Also, if anyone has an example for sale please PM me.
gizlaroc said:
Really don't think it matters on that car, the only BMW 6 cyl where there is no definite answer, just buy what you fancy.
I'd have to agree with this. I'd always had manual cars until the Z4, but to think of it as auto's used to be is underestimating it by far. You can use the sequential manual change when you want and you're guaranteed a quicker change than a manual, and you get to red-line it. It takes a little while to find how to get the most out of it, but when you do, it's great. Paddles worth looking for too.I'm sur the manual is good too, but don't rule out an auto.
Oh no, not the old "auto is no good for a sports car" prejudice. Usually spouted by those who have never driven the car in question.
Only you can decide but here is my experience having owned both auto and manual.
The BMW auto is a fantastic gearbox. I’ve driven many autos but none as good as the BMW. Having said that, there were occasions when even that wouldn’t go in the gear I wanted it in. Not a big deal but annoying none the less.
Where the auto really comes into its own on the Z4 is when you have the paddle shift fitted too. This give you so much flexibility but I found the above despite having this.
The Z4 manual box is an evil set of cogs. It is rough and it is harsh, the clutch has a nasty device fitted which makes it difficult to change gear smoothly and consistently. Most owners ditch this very quickly.
If you do a lot of driving in traffic it is a no brainer – auto. If you have a strong objection to auto then you will have made your mind up. I suggest you drive both and take it from there.
If I were to choose again, I would go for auto as it is such a pleasure to drive whereas the manual is just too agricultural.
Regarding resale, there are far fewer autos, more and more are realising how good an auto is for day to day driving so resale continues to command a premium.
The downside is that auto does limit the choice of cars available to you.
Only you can decide but here is my experience having owned both auto and manual.
The BMW auto is a fantastic gearbox. I’ve driven many autos but none as good as the BMW. Having said that, there were occasions when even that wouldn’t go in the gear I wanted it in. Not a big deal but annoying none the less.
Where the auto really comes into its own on the Z4 is when you have the paddle shift fitted too. This give you so much flexibility but I found the above despite having this.
The Z4 manual box is an evil set of cogs. It is rough and it is harsh, the clutch has a nasty device fitted which makes it difficult to change gear smoothly and consistently. Most owners ditch this very quickly.
If you do a lot of driving in traffic it is a no brainer – auto. If you have a strong objection to auto then you will have made your mind up. I suggest you drive both and take it from there.
If I were to choose again, I would go for auto as it is such a pleasure to drive whereas the manual is just too agricultural.
Regarding resale, there are far fewer autos, more and more are realising how good an auto is for day to day driving so resale continues to command a premium.
The downside is that auto does limit the choice of cars available to you.
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