[dkreventon]

Hello everyone,

I've just found a nice 2011 E91 to buy (has all the goods - panoramic sunroof, hifi sound, professional navigation) but it's an automatic.

I'd like to know how does the automatic gearbox compare to the manual.

At the moment I'm quite disappointed with my 136hp Mercedes which has quite some lag when downshifting (1-2 sec) and also likes to run in 4th gear at legal city speeds between 1000 and 1200rpm. As soon as I touch the accelerator or climb the smallest cliff it downshifts.

Also, how does it perform when looking to have some fun on snowy or wet roads?

[RajB]

I think you need to drive it and see how you feel with it. You are the only one who can really decide.

Personally I love auto's (or paddle boxes (SMG's, etc)) as I think they offer such a better drive. Manuals are still great and have the involvement but for me only really great for the track as I find them too tedious in normal driving conditions and stop start traffic etc. The auto's these days have paddle shift ability anyway so you do have the ability to override the standard shift points to an extent.

The auto box offers a smoother drive for sure and you still have the ability for a bit of manual style shifting.

[E92Dan]

I'm not a fan of autos, I find them boring to drive. They are good when you can't be arsed though. A manual is better in the snow because it offers you more control

[dkreventon]

I find it quite easy to drift even my Mercedes on icy roads, only if it could deactivate the DSC 100%, not just 75.

How is the throttle response on the bmw? The auto-clutch thing took me a while to get used to though.
I spinned several times on wet roads at first.

[E92Dan]

Like RajB said, go and test drive one. It's how the car feels to you that is important

[dkreventon]

Unfortunately none of my friends own an automatic.

[richk84]

I have had both and prefer the auto. Go test drive the car you are thinking of buying

[RajB]

As above go try and test drive the one you are thinking of buying or one from a local dealer.

[E92Dan]

Originally Posted by dkreventon

Unfortunately none of my friends own an automatic.

I had the same problem when I was looking for my car, none of my freinds had a sapphire black E92, so I went to a garage and test drove one that was for sale

[Digitalize]

When I was looking for mine, I wanted a manual, and I got it. But if I was looking now I'd go for an auto.

The gearing isn't great for around town, the manual gearbox itself is good, but face it you're not going to be pushing it hard and actually using the gearbox really.

[vexith]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

When I was looking for mine, I wanted a manual, and I got it. But if I was looking now I'd go for an auto.

The gearing isn't great for around town, the manual gearbox itself is good, but face it you're not going to be pushing it hard and actually using the gearbox really.

+1

I've got a manual 320D and if i was to buy again, it would be automatic. It really isn't that great if most your driving is around town.

[zltm089]

Originally Posted by E92Dan

I'm not a fan of autos, I find them boring to drive. They are good when you can't be arsed though. A manual is better in the snow because it offers you more control

plus one!

['V']

+2
Just can't get on with autos, that's why I dont have a 335d

[Pacman83]

Definitely an auto. My previous 2 cars were DSG, I do a lot of miles, have to negotiate the usual motorway queues, so it's a no brainer. The small drop in MPG is well worth it in my opinion.

[Svothe]

I always said when I was first learning to drive "eww why would you want an auto" then I had my Audi A3 DSG for 6 months which I loved. Effortless to drive, doesn't matter if your tanking it, racing off the line or pootling through every day traffic in town it just does everything for you. Driving is so much more relaxing + any idiot with flappy paddles can smoke the majority of drivers off the line unless they're half decent and can shift just because you can get through the gears so bloody quick in it. My 188bhp audi used to easily ruin my pals 230bhp VXR just because while he's faffing about changing gear I've not even lifted my foot off the floor.

Running the 335d now and while the paddles aren't quite as quick to change as the Audi DSG box its still an awfully smooth change and every day driving is fantastic you don't even notice the gear change very very smooth. I'd be more than comfortable having someone performing surgery in the back of my car while I change gear and they wouldn't even notice. In a manual well, lets just say they'd need a few more stitches.

But yeah as an every day driver you really can't go wrong with a modern automatic. Especially if your putting decent mileage on it.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Svothe

I always said when I was first learning to drive "eww why would you want an auto" then I had my Audi A3 DSG for 6 months which I loved. Effortless to drive, doesn't matter if your tanking it, racing off the line or pootling through every day traffic in town it just does everything for you. Driving is so much more relaxing + any idiot with flappy paddles can smoke the majority of drivers off the line unless they're half decent and can shift just because you can get through the gears so bloody quick in it. My 188bhp audi used to easily ruin my pals 230bhp VXR just because while he's faffing about changing gear I've not even lifted my foot off the floor.

Running the 335d now and while the paddles aren't quite as quick to change as the Audi DSG box its still an awfully smooth change and every day driving is fantastic you don't even notice the gear change very very smooth. I'd be more than comfortable having someone performing surgery in the back of my car while I change gear and they wouldn't even notice. In a manual well, lets just say they'd need a few more stitches.

But yeah as an every day driver you really can't go wrong with a modern automatic. Especially if your putting decent mileage on it.

Try bmw new 8 speed transmission. A lot more smoother than E9x gearbox.
On 335i Alpina geabox flashing gives you smooth drive but that is only on 335i.

[Ess]

I have never got on well with BMW manual diesels but would have no problem opting for a manual on a petrol BMW.