Autos versus Manuals
Discussion
Hi again folks.
After losing out on a rather tidy 330Ci M Sport earlier this week, I'm still on the hunt. I've found a few possibilities, but my preferred 6-speed manual M Sports seem to be a bit thin on the ground up here (central Scotland) in my price bracket.
Which makes me wonder about auto 330s, particularly in terms of performance and economy. I'm a bit wary of autos due to some time spent with a Ford Granada 2.9i auto in the nineties, which worked well enough but felt a bit 'distant' to drive. Never having driven a 330Ci, manual or otherwise, I'm wondering how they stack up.
Thanks,
John
After losing out on a rather tidy 330Ci M Sport earlier this week, I'm still on the hunt. I've found a few possibilities, but my preferred 6-speed manual M Sports seem to be a bit thin on the ground up here (central Scotland) in my price bracket.
Which makes me wonder about auto 330s, particularly in terms of performance and economy. I'm a bit wary of autos due to some time spent with a Ford Granada 2.9i auto in the nineties, which worked well enough but felt a bit 'distant' to drive. Never having driven a 330Ci, manual or otherwise, I'm wondering how they stack up.
Thanks,
John
To me an auto still needs a bigish engine to work well, so a 3.0i works well with it.
I dont think i'd drive anything but an auto now, but my last three have been 535d, x5 3.0d, and another 535d.
Its a very personal thing. I would suggest a very long test drive and see what you think.
I dont think i'd drive anything but an auto now, but my last three have been 535d, x5 3.0d, and another 535d.
Its a very personal thing. I would suggest a very long test drive and see what you think.
Dont forget that the auto will have a "manual" override if it is anything like the auto I had on my previous 540sport.
Slip the gear lever to the side and push forward or pull back to change, not quite SMG but pretty good, and when you get into traffic slip it back and hey presto full auto.
S
Slip the gear lever to the side and push forward or pull back to change, not quite SMG but pretty good, and when you get into traffic slip it back and hey presto full auto.
S
Don't compromise, for compromise it is. Hold out for the manual.
The auto will be slower, less involving, and thirstier.
The 'Steptronic' does allow some added control but it's still a torque-convertor automatic.
Don't do it, you'll regret it all the time you have it.
(He says from bitter experience, there endeth the lesson)
The auto will be slower, less involving, and thirstier.
The 'Steptronic' does allow some added control but it's still a torque-convertor automatic.
Don't do it, you'll regret it all the time you have it.
(He says from bitter experience, there endeth the lesson)
Car fanatics seem to think if you drive an auto then your the devil's child.My 2 pennoth, here in the s.east auto is the only way to go and i love cars and driving but changing gear ,who needs it sitting in traffic ,i think modern autos are pretty good imho.
Edited by carlovers on Saturday 14th March 14:46
I Spent ages looking for a manual 525/530d, as I really didn't want an auto, but I couldn't find one on budget anywhere. On the dealers suggestion I took an auto out for a (Very long) test drive. Three hours later I was buying it! Modern auto's are nothing like seventies three speed jobs. Four months on now, and i really don't think i'll go back to a manual. It's your choice, but i wouldn't rule that auto box out.
If you drive in stop and go traffic a lot an automatic is nice but if your driving is more open road a manual makes you more of a participant than a spectator. For a 330i sport I feel the manual is the more appropriate gearbx. I bought a 535d 15 months ago and find an automatic tolerable with times I wish I had the control and involvement of a manual. Till I get stuck in another motorway carpark that is!
phelix said:
If you drive in stop and go traffic a lot an automatic is nice but if your driving is more open road a manual makes you more of a participant than a spectator. For a 330i sport I feel the manual is the more appropriate gearbx. I bought a 535d 15 months ago and find an automatic tolerable with times I wish I had the control and involvement of a manual. Till I get stuck in another motorway carpark that is!
Have had a E46 330i MSport saloon in auto guise for the last year,and here in the south east its brilliant. Slip it into tiptronic and (it might all be in my head) there is a noticable difference. Perfect for when the overtaking on the back lanes is required!Prior to this I had manual 325Ci, which was also very good, but changing gear every 10 seconds on country lanes.....! What a shame other people can't drive properly!!!!!
But that's the point, you can exercise the left hand if you like...
Look, I've an old E34 540auto. The 'box is incredibly good - I thought I wanted a manual, but in reality the losses are pretty imaginary. It does a neat change-down-going-downhill thing; it doesn't change up if you accelarate into a curve, then lift (say because of some Prius owner); the more throttle you use, the later it shifts etc. You can still hold gears manually, and when you've had enough, let it take you home in 'waft' mode. And 'brake-torque' launches will shame most people's clutch control on most surfaces. All wonderful... and this is an old box.
Look, I've an old E34 540auto. The 'box is incredibly good - I thought I wanted a manual, but in reality the losses are pretty imaginary. It does a neat change-down-going-downhill thing; it doesn't change up if you accelarate into a curve, then lift (say because of some Prius owner); the more throttle you use, the later it shifts etc. You can still hold gears manually, and when you've had enough, let it take you home in 'waft' mode. And 'brake-torque' launches will shame most people's clutch control on most surfaces. All wonderful... and this is an old box.
I was in a simular situation to you last year John. My first preference was a manual 330 and I did find one with the right spec eventually, however the autos do work well with 3.0L engine and I sometimes regret having a manual in heavy traffic.
Overall though a manual was the right choice for me, on the right road at the right time there is no substitute - im sure theres lots more fun roads up in Central Scotland compared with Surrey!
Good luck with your search.
Overall though a manual was the right choice for me, on the right road at the right time there is no substitute - im sure theres lots more fun roads up in Central Scotland compared with Surrey!
Good luck with your search.
Edited by Mark_J_W on Sunday 15th March 01:37
Edited by Mark_J_W on Sunday 15th March 01:38
Got my 330ci AUTO at the turn of the year, i'd have preferred a manual pre-drive. Can't fault it now!! I'd make the gearbox the last concern to be honest, really is a great drive. I'd advise a long test drive to give it a bash. As one of the chaps says above there is always the tiptronic option as well. My better half has decided her next car will have an auto of some sorts, and that she loved driving mine. I think her reaction opened my eyes! Still quick and easy to drive if you want it.
A great compromise if you need town driving. Not had a go off the smaller engines, but for a 3.0, it's not a terrible compromise. Personally i was more concerned with black leather......
A great compromise if you need town driving. Not had a go off the smaller engines, but for a 3.0, it's not a terrible compromise. Personally i was more concerned with black leather......
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