Manual or 8 speed automatic?
Poll: Manual or 8 speed automatic?
Total Members Polled: 198
Discussion
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?
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 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).
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.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.
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.
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.
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.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff