[Razzy]

A friend of mine is interested in getting a 07 and up 335i. He says he's test driven both manual and auto and likes both. He mostly drives manual and was wondering what the positives and negatives are in each as this would be his first Bimmer.

Any information, tips and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[marshall834]

I haven't owned an automatic car in... 5+ years. And I don't regret it.

If he is used to manuals and drives them often, he will miss the manual. There are a lot of folks on this forum who ask the same question and sometimes end up getting the manual and sometimes the auto. The typical response is that they miss the manual.

Advantages are the "normal" ones:

- More fun
- More control in winter (I feel)

Disadvantages:
- Traffic
- Depends on model, but nowadays the autos are getting better gas mileage

There isn't "too much power" as another forum member was concerned about that. Overall, again - if he usually likes manuals, get a manual.

[reeltime]

Manual..

I started driving a manual two years ago and will probably never go back

..There's just no love in autos

Pros: better driving experience, probably better gas mileage, and the ladies love it

Cons: stop and go traffic can sometimes get annoying but it's not that bad

[Michael Schott]

I love my manual transmission. Can't see having an AT with the great I6 engine. If your friend is good with a MT I can't see a reason to change.

[tmo24]

I had an 08 auto then an 07 manual. Now I have a 2010 auto. I prefer the auto. The manual was notchy from 1-2 and just didn't feel as smooth and quick as the auto. The auto's with a tune are typically faster since they dont lose boost inbetween shifts and are geared a little better off the line. Yeah, it was more of a driving experience rowing the gears but I felt that the experience was lost when I lost boost and bogged in between shifts and couldn't slam gears from 1-2 because of the notchiness. Every other manual car I've driven was way more fun as a manual. My 07 was almost a chore to drive. But that's just my opinion.

[Yvette]

if it wasn't my situation, I would get manual. I have AT now tho, I miss manul

[guribeng1]

AUTO = MANUAL about same gas mileage nowdays.

AUTO is faster nowdays.

BUT AUTO < MANUAL hella fun

[gonick]

Automatic cars are just really boring to drive IMO. Some cars are ok as automatics - commuter cars or minivans, those cars are not meant to be fun.

Manual is way more fun. You become more involved in the process of driving. I'd fall asleep behind the wheel if I had to drive an automatic car everyday.

[Razzy]

Thanks for the info and your opinions. I will forward your thoughts onto him.

[BMW Junge für Leben]

manual all the way, if you truly love driving and cars then you have to have a manual.
i'll always have a manual because with an auto you just dont feel connected to the car like you do with a manual, your not involved.

[JS82]

Manual for the fun!

[dcat151]

I would go with a manual simply because I think they're more fun to drive than an automatic.

[Sara]

DCT!





















lol I had to.. 6mt though

[saxon]

I haven't had an automatic car in over ten years, but I truly enjoy driving my auto 335I, inn sport mode it keeps you In the sweet spot of the power band and is great with fuel economy

[oshusttoley]

my 335 was my first manual car..had it for about 4 months now....do not regret getting manual at all! i love it! will never buy auto again

[oshusttoley]

also, idk about 335 but all the loaners(auto) iv gotten(328xi) when you hit the gas...it lags like crazy! i assume this is bc of the drive by wire? could be wrong...no expert

[georgelb]

Originally Posted by oshusttoley

also, idk about 335 but all the loaners(auto) iv gotten(328xi) when you hit the gas...it lags like crazy! i assume this is bc of the drive by wire? could be wrong...no expert

The loaners I've gotten typically do this, but none have had the sports package or D/S mode. Mine goes when you jab the accelerator.

On the choice, it's really personal preference and usage. This is my first Auto transmission car in 10 years, and I went that route because I was tired of a manual as a daily driver sitting in rush hour traffic. If it weren't my daily driver I would definitely have gone with a manual gearbox.

[ihc95]

Originally Posted by oshusttoley

also, idk about 335 but all the loaners(auto) iv gotten(328xi) when you hit the gas...it lags like crazy! i assume this is bc of the drive by wire? could be wrong...no expert

The 328 has a shitty GM auto. The ZF auto box in the 335 is MUCH better. Its smoother, faster, and has paddle shifters. It's by far the best auto I've ever driven.

[techwhiz]

DCT wasn't available on the '07, but Steptronic with Sport was.
Friends don't let friends buy 335i/is unless it has sport package.


Dump the crappy stock paddles and go with some from DCT, mine are on the way.
You can also re-wire the stock for left down, right up; like a proper sports car.

For almost 30 years I drove manuals everyday.
I bought a 335i with Steptronic and sports package. While I occasionally miss the MT, I put the car in DS and shift like a manual with the paddles.

I can't wait for the new paddles to arrive.

[QUiKSR20]

Theres just something that does not seem correct driving an Auto BWM shy of a 7 Series..
Auto is way too bland for me personally unless I was buying like a truck or a luxo barge.

For a 3 series a " Drivers Car " it would have to be manual theres just no other way.

Auto get in push pedal down do nothing, Manual "Actually Drive " and enjoy the ride.

To each there own for me has to be a manual.

[Sp82]

6MT!

[Nalod]

Its personal preference.

Auto's are faster now but jack rabbit starts are rare for most other than those wanting to "play".

Have had a stick for the last 4 cars. My KIds learned and wanted them. My daughter been driving two years and she drives a manual. Only Wifes A4 Avant is auto.

StepTronic is pure Poser as it has a torque converter. DCT is the real deal. BUt since it lacks a torque converter its harsh.

Its all preference. No wrong answer.