[misterjim]

https://www.autoblog.com/2018/10/10/...-places-lists/

Some actual data (though it's based on Carmax) behind the decline of the manual transmission. They briefly mention BMW. No real surprises, but still sad to manual transmission lovers (like me) none the less!

[Wires]

Wow.. take rate for the MT is really low. Would align with my dealer though. I believe MT isn't typically stocked on the lot (in the non-M variants).

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Wires

Wow.. take rate for the MT is really low. Would align with my dealer though. I believe MT isn't typically stocked on the lot (in the non-M variants).

BMW doesn't make a non M car with a manual for the US market once the F3x goes out of production. And finding a manual F3x on a dealer lot is near impossible. My dealer says they will only order them if it's a confirmed sale.

Even for my GTI, it's been a challenge to find one in the right color with the right equipment. We bought an Audi yesterday and the sales guy said even the Porsche dealer doesn't order any unsold manual cars anymore.

I suspect my '18 GTI might be my last new manual car. It will be a while until I can justify a two seater and outside of Boxsters and Miatas, I'd guess that in five years, almost nothing will be available with three pedals.

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

BMW doesn't make a non M car with a manual for the US market once the F3x goes out of production.

Depends on the M definition. M230/240i can still be MT optioned.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Depends on the M definition. M230/240i can still be MT optioned.

Forgot about those, thanks. Will be interesting to see if they keep the 2er rwd and manual for the next gen. Would still love a lighter, four or five door 2er.

[mremg]

As much as I hate being that guy... I think it's time to move on. My current two cars are both MT. But for my next car, MT won't be a deal breaker anymore. I honestly don't care for these new turbo laggy, rev hang induced with feather light clutch manual cars.

[RABAUKE]

My neighbour did a euro deliver 911T, did a few laps of the Neurbergring and then had it shipped home. It's black on black with an exhaust system and three pedals. We were admiring one another's cars a few weeks back. My black on black 993 and his 911T, he said to me do you want to trade......hmmm. He got me thinking. (a side note, the 993 seems so small compared to the new 911's)

I'll alway have a toy and I don't ever see it being anything other than a stick.....but I'm old and old school.

[RM7]

For the higher performance cars, the auto variations have been the way to the highest performance for a number of years now. It's filtering down to the cheaper cars right now and has bumped manuals. For every person out there that says they want to keep the manuals, there are many more that use autos and prefer those for performance and practicality. These things have gotten pretty amazing in their predictive states and ability to maximize the drive. I wouldn't rule one out, despite getting my latest vehicle because the trim ONLY comes in manual.

[eluded]

It's sad but The writing is on the wall. It's really unfortunate for a purists like me. I believe the internal combustion engine requires a manual transmission.

Next up for me might be all electric.

[Run Silent]

Yep - I really wanted an F33 when I bought my last car, but as you were unable to get one in a manual, I ended up with an E93 instead. Very happy with the car, and will be sad when time to replace it, as my choices are severely limited these days.

For some of us, me included, it isn't about the fact that a 6MT or a DCT is faster or quicker to shift - for some of us, it is about the feel and control one has when rowing through the gears.




Also, this:

https://stickshiftersofamerica.com/

[RM7]

Yes, but a lot of people are tied to "my wife has to be able to drive it occasionally" and "resale value/selling". The actual market ends up being a fraction of autos.

[NickyC]

Further reinforces my strong belief change isn't always, and often times rarely, good.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

Yes, but a lot of people are tied to "my wife has to be able to drive it occasionally" and "resale value/selling". The actual market ends up being a fraction of autos.

My wife can't drive a manual but she still had to sign insurance documents for the car and be listed on the policy. Seems like a brilliant plan.

[wdb]

I kind of like the corollary fact that manual transmissions are becoming anti-theft devices.

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by wdb

I kind of like the corollary fact that manual transmissions are becoming anti-theft devices.

"This vehicle protected by a manual transmission"

[Machinebuilder]

The funny thing is that having a manual car is like having the best anti-theft device. Most young thieves may know how to hack into a car but they do not know how to drive a manual. I will probably buy an electric car next but may keep my manual car for fun.

[Efthreeoh]

If you blame your wife as the reason you bought/drive an automatic, then you married the wrong woman.

[Savageenterprise]

I took delivery of my 6MT 340 at the end of September and while it's not the best manual I've ever driven I still really enjoy rowing my own gears. It's about the control and fun for me, not 0-60 times.

3 years from now when this lease is up, I probably wont even have a 6MT option to jump to in my price range. May just say screw it and get a truck or something if I've gotta drive an automatic.

[F30lolz]

Remember back in the 70’s and 80’s when just about every BMW (except the L6/L7/750iL) was offered with a stick? Yeah, we all get that the autotragic offers better MPG/Efficient Dynamics/quicker accelerations, however, as some have mention above there is nothing like rowing through your own gears.

Looks like my 335/6MT will be with me for a very long time.

[omasou]

IMHO the only reason manual have persisted this long is b/c

1) offers a lower cost option
2) they were fuel efficient

Modern DCT and automatics are killing #2

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by omasou

IMHO the only reason manual have persisted this long is b/c

1) offers a lower cost option
2) they were fuel efficient

Modern DCT and automatics are killing #2

Well, there's the whole being in control and not just handing over one more thing to a computer thing and just knowing how to do it.

I can buy split firewood, but I prefer to do it myself. Same thing here.

And for most cars it hasn't been a cheaper option for years. Car manufacturers would prefer you to take the DCT/auto for fleet averages. Ultimately this is what will kill manuals for all but the fringe sports cars like the Miata and Boxster and likely Corvette since they seem to have returned to sanity.

[Red Bread]

I'm actually okay with two alternatives. An older Alfa GTV or a 2002 with a manual for my own chuckles and a one speed EV for safely hauling the kid around. I will never buy a multi geared auto/dct.