[Ant Man]

I much prefer a manual over anything else when driving a sports car, mainly because I love the art of heel 'n toeing as part of the overall driving experience. However my next car will probably be the new X3 and with the new 8 sp auto.

The Canary Wharf motorshow is on this week and I got to drive a new F30 with the autobox. I was very impressed. I only had about 10 mins and the roads weren't conducive for a thorough assessment but the shifts were seamless and in steptronic mode, super quick. No delays with shifting from reverse to drive and back again for 3-point-turn.

Also, the new F30 looks fantastic in Msport trim. The magazine pics make the front end look ugly and slab-sided but in the flesh, it's very nice indeed, particularly in Estoril Blue.

[davyk31]

What engine was in the X3 you tested, the 35d models look pretty tasty in terms of bhp.

[kaishang]

I tried the 8sp in a 530d a while back.

Tasty. Big improvement over the 6sp in the E90. That 8sp wasn't even the sport version of that transmission.

[Bungle009]

Originally Posted by kaishang

I tried the 8sp in a 530d a while back.

Tasty. Big improvement over the 6sp in the E90. That 8sp wasn't even the sport version of that transmission.

The sport version is the same transmission, with added flappy paddles.

[kaishang]

AFAIK the sport version also shifts faster than the non-sport?

[Bee Pee]

Originally Posted by davyk31

What engine was in the X3 you tested, the 35d models look pretty tasty in terms of bhp.

+1 for the 313bhp X3 with paddles.

Had a test drive of demonstrator from my local dealer.

Went well for Chelsea tractor, paddles + g/box one of highlights.

If F30 35d xdrive touring does eventually materialise with same engine/tranny combo that will be hoot straight out of the box.