BMW Says The M3 Will Still Come With A Manual Transmission...For Now

Why the need to hang on to that old archaic device is beyond me. I remember when manuals were faster, folks would say they like manuals because they are faster than the auto trans cars. Now the automatics are faster and the same folks are now saying its about the "feel". It was never about speed. I'm about getting the maximum performance out of a car and manuals hinder that. Nothing I find more comical than listening to the second-and-a-half of nothing in between the shifts of a manual transmission vehicle. And yes I can drive a stick. When someone better came along I moved on.

*something

Recent article in Roundel (BMW CCA magazine- I think that's where I saw it) went into some detail about the engine updates in the X3M and X4M and plans for next generation M3 and M4. Article confirmed the manual trans offering but also indicated that it would NOT be available in the higher output competition package.

It been said here many times before. Automatically shifted manuals like DCT and now torque converter automatics (like in the M5 and M8)are clearly faster and better in every measureable way with the exception of the personal connection some people feel with the car when they work the clutch and gear lever while blipping the throttle. I don't want to take it away from them even though I'm personally happy to give it up. To each his own.... Nice that an enthusiast vehicle will still offer it.

LexSucks - Faster isn't better always. Chassis dynamics and FEEL do make a bigger difference. I'd still prefer a classic air cooled manual transmission 911 over a much faster modern V6 minivan.

I definitely give the props to Tesla for being so much faster. Even a basic Accord is fast now. BUT on the street at safe "street legal speeds"the slower car with better dynamics is so much more fun. On the track it's a different story where higher speeds and lap times matter. I drive for feel first not bragging rights with more hp and 0-60 times.

@Focal, mostly agree... Modern chassis development and power have made it so you can hardly appreciate any of it within legal limits. Even in my 2011 (read older) M3, if I drive on the highway at 55-60 I feel like I'm almost standing still. If I take a corner at a speed that will not laterally displace my passengers in their seats, then I'm bored. Now, if you drive the same vehicle on a curvy road with a 40mph speed limit, at 60-70mph, or downshift from 7th to 3rd at 65mph and floor it until after an 8250RPM shift to 4th, it's certainly more exhilarating, but also somewhat more dangerous and clearly illegal.

@dstampfer and that is why keeping the 6MT on the M3 and other cars is important. A whole generation of enthusiast is getting it wrong. The minimum performance of all cars plus regulation/enforcement is taking the fun out of most cars. Taking it the track isn't always feasible too with insurance taking that fun out of it too.

I'm almost ready to go back to a Miata or older car just to have some legal fun.