Just switched to an 8speed Auto, feel like I need training

[jamieandthemagic]

So I’m a manual head.
My wife has a 2010 xc60 with horrid slushbox auto.

My weekend cars are both manual Alfa’s, that love to be driven up n down the gears (1989 Alfa 75 V6, 1971 Alfa GT1300Junior)

I’ve just been given for a company car (not really my choice), an F31 BMW 320d Msport Auto.
It’s an 8 speed with flappy paddles.
Prior to this I’ve had C220d manuals for 10 years.

Now I’m old school, and used to using the gears to enable engine braking, to help slow the car, and generally drive using engine braking as a core part of daily driving.

This new car has very little engine braking ability, even when I put it down two gears. I hate relying on just the brakes to slow and drive a car.

But this new car, makes me feel like I need some further driver training to get used to this type of car. Had it 3 months. Now I know a BMW is meant to be a better driver based car than the Merc. But comparing an 8 speed auto 320d with a C220d 6spd manual....... I had more fun and smoother driving in the manual.

Any classes out there for getting around this change ?

Edited by jamieandthemagic on Sunday 16th December 19:07

Edited by jamieandthemagic on Sunday 16th December 19:09

Edited by jamieandthemagic on Sunday 16th December 19:15

[jamieandthemagic]

Pica-Pica said:

Is this just an auto, or a sportauto?

Msport Auto, with flappy paddles too.

[jamieandthemagic]

In a way, I’m kind or glad my origenal question has raised so much debate, as it says to me there are rights and wrongs.
I’m still struggling to feel as involved ŵith this car some 13000 miles in.
But I’m also still learning how best to drive this car with this drivetrain.

I think I will always be a ‘stick’ guy though.

Thanks all.