[Dec540]

Hi all,

I'm currently in the process of selling my e46 325ci, the original plan was always to upgrade to an e46 M3. The transmission of the M3 doesn't bother me as you can still have a bunch of fun in an SMG.

The very small, but ever growing mature part of my brain is telling me that I'd be better off getting something that is newer and not an M. This is based on servicing, parts, maintenance etc.

Based on what i've seen, it's very easy to turn a 335 (or 135) into a weapon of a car. I prefer the 335 over the 135 and would prefer to get a manual rather than an automatic. The only problem is that 335 manuals are incredibly rare and attract a premium. I'm basically up for an additional 6k and would end up with a vehicle that has a higher amount of K's on it.

So, my question for the guys that own automatic 335's. How do they compare to owning a car with a manual gearbox? Obviously I will test drive before I buy but i'd like some feedback from people that have lived with one for a while. Does the automatic take the fun out of it or is it still a really good drivers car?

[BMJOE]

Originally Posted by Dec540

Hi all,

I'm currently in the process of selling my e46 325ci, the original plan was always to upgrade to an e46 M3. The transmission of the M3 doesn't bother me as you can still have a bunch of fun in an SMG.

The very small, but ever growing mature part of my brain is telling me that I'd be better off getting something that is newer and not an M. This is based on servicing, parts, maintenance etc.

Based on what i've seen, it's very easy to turn a 335 (or 135) into a weapon of a car. I prefer the 335 over the 135 and would prefer to get a manual rather than an automatic. The only problem is that 335 manuals are incredibly rare and attract a premium. I'm basically up for an additional 6k and would end up with a vehicle that has a higher amount of K's on it.

So, my question for the guys that own automatic 335's. How do they compare to owning a car with a manual gearbox? Obviously I will test drive before I buy but i'd like some feedback from people that have lived with one for a while. Does the automatic take the fun out of it or is it still a really good drivers car?

i think it's a great car for driving... had many a run though to the basin, 335i loves the twisty!

[woosh]

If you're not in a rush I would recommend you hold out for the right 6MT 335i. There are plenty out there just waiting to be advertised! That white/coral one on carsales right now would be pretty awesome if the seller was very very negotiable lol

PM me if you want the sale price of an 07 335i 6MT from a repo auction last month.

[BMWGTR]

When I was looking, the manual ones were cheaper (there were only 2 available).
I have always driven manual cars and a few autos, but i opted for auto in this case because I figured when I sell the car I'll return it back to stock and it will be more appealing to your more 'normal' BMW buyer. But each to their own. I feel that manual is too much of a niche market.

I love the auto, the shift paddles make for a lot of fun and the power delivery is relatively smooth although sometimes there is obvious lag (in shifting, not turbo lag).

Easy to turn into a weapon? You bet. All I've done so far is JB4, AR Design DPs, Dual intake air filters and the car is pretty quick. I've got a meth kit and charge pipe with BOV to install and i'll leave it at that performance wise. I'll run it on the dyno as well. No major traction dramas either, but I have Pirellis on the back.

To give you an idea, I absolutely smashed a 2011 HSV senator start to finish (even top end) just the other day (on private property of course). They apparently run 4.8 or so 0-100 stock and around 13 flat on the 1/4.

[woosh]

Originally Posted by BMWGTR

When I was looking, the manual ones were cheaper (there were only 2 available).
I have always driven manual cars and a few autos, but i opted for auto in this case because I figured when I sell the car I'll return it back to stock and it will be more appealing to your more 'normal' BMW buyer. But each to their own. I feel that manual is too much of a niche market.

I love the auto, the shift paddles make for a lot of fun and the power delivery is relatively smooth although sometimes there is obvious lag (in shifting, not turbo lag).

Easy to turn into a weapon? You bet. All I've done so far is JB4, AR Design DPs, Dual intake air filters and the car is pretty quick. I've got a meth kit and charge pipe with BOV to install and i'll leave it at that performance wise. I'll run it on the dyno as well. No major traction dramas either, but I have Pirellis on the back.

To give you an idea, I absolutely smashed a 2011 HSV senator start to finish (even top end) just the other day (on private property of course). They apparently run 4.8 or so 0-100 stock and around 13 flat on the 1/4.

Yeah that's the thing, it is a very small market for MT's (say, 1 out of every 10-15 335i buyers would be looking for one), but as you're only competing with a few other MT 335i's on carsales, you're basically just waiting for that one MT buyer to choose yours out of the 3-5 usually listed cars.

[pavo335]

Plus 100 on small manual market for manuals. I am very surprised they ate dearer on car sales, for the reason you point out, the 3 market in auto. My guess would be the 1 market is more manual friendly.

Btw why no dct, IMO best of both worlds

[Kiwi Peter]

I spent three months looking for a manual 335 gave up in the end and purchased an auto. It gos OK but its not a manual
Since then i have decided to convert mine to a manual, price will be around $5500 so if you find a mint auto that ticks all the boxes this may be an option.
A good low km auto box is worth $4000 so change over may not be so high.

[Freefreefive]

I had an e36 m3 in a six speed manual. Had the same thoughts as you exactly when deciding what to get.

Agree with what's been said - the auto is excellent but I do miss shifting gears when I really want to wring the thing out.

However, for the 99% of the time when you're driving normally the auto is hands down better IMO. For that reason I think the auto is a better car.

And resale is going to be quite tough for a manual unless it wait quite a few years and sell it for heap <30k

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

The ZF 6spd auto is a a fine automatic transmission at that, so even though you're driving an 'auto' rest assured it's a very good one.

One of the plus sides of having an N54 engine with auto is the brilliant 0-100 sprints you'll be able to achieve faster than any MT driver

My AT 135i with tune only and nonRFTs did 0-100km/h in 4.66 seconds with one passenger.

[RaihaX]

Originally Posted by pavo335

Btw why no dct, IMO best of both worlds

depend on how much mods he will be doing the DCT will be slipping a lot earlier and a more expensive rebuild I would assume.

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by RaihaX

depend on how much mods he will be doing the DCT will be slipping a lot earlier and a more expensive rebuild I would assume.

expensive = bmw, cheap = Hyundai

[Max335]

Auto is awesome!! See peter from evolve tech.

[Dec540]

Originally Posted by RaihaX

depend on how much mods he will be doing the DCT will be slipping a lot earlier and a more expensive rebuild I would assume.

DCT would be great but they are out of my price range. Much rather spend the difference on mods!

Thanks for the feedback guys. As much as I want a manual they are far more difficult to sell. I've noticed this when trying to sell my current car.

[335arctic]

My 335is auto & I've enjoyed it a lot. I too initially was looking for a manual car, I was faced with the same problem & I decided to bite the bullet & bought the steptronic auto. My car performs very well on track days too, so unless you really want to turn your car into a performance weapon I don't see any problem with the auto.

Hope this helps

[chappy]

HI DECLAN
I don't mine the auto but i always have it manual sport mode and change with the paddles
At slow speed and low revs the change is a little slow but add some revs and it will change very quick and throttle blimps downshifting.
The only way of telling if you like it is go for a test drive but make shore you have it in sport.
A tuned 335/135 will make you enjoy your ride a lot more trying to hang on the steering wheel as you use the monster torque.
Good luck.

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by 335arctic

My 335is auto &amp; I've enjoyed it a lot. I too initially was looking for a manual car, I was faced with the same problem &amp; I decided to bite the bullet &amp; bought the steptronic auto. My car performs very well on track days too, so unless you really want to turn your car into a performance weapon I don't see any problem with the auto.

Hope this helps

I thought all IS models were dct!?

[rayz]

Originally Posted by pavo335

I thought all IS models were dct!?

Think he meant his 335 is auto. The whitespace makes all the differences. And afaik, I thought 335IS are not available in Oz?

[RaihaX]

Originally Posted by pavo335

I thought all IS models were dct!?

Originally Posted by rayz

Think he meant his 335 is auto. The whitespace makes all the differences. And afaik, I thought 335IS are not available in Oz?

Pretty sure it is not

I pretty much drive my car on manual mode, don't even use D / DS.

[woosh]

Originally Posted by RaihaX

Pretty sure it is not

I pretty much drive my car on manual mode, don't even use D / DS.

Sorry in advance Rey...

[RaihaX]

Originally Posted by woosh

Sorry in advance Rey...

Damn straight!

[woosh]

Originally Posted by RaihaX

Damn straight!

I have the perfect next car for you!!

Originally Posted by ABC99G

Sorry for double post, but here are enlarged pictures clearly showing both the clutch pedal and DCT knob.
Definitely not photoshopped...

[RaihaX]

lol!