BMW Won't Pair A Manual Transmission With AWD In M3 Or M4 Models

We know from previous reports that the next-generation BMW M3 will come with an available manual transmission. However, there’s a small catch – you won’t be able to order a stick-shift gearbox together with an all-wheel drive. That’s what Road and Track learned from BMW M boss Markus Flasch.

Speaking to the publication during the Los Angeles Auto Show, Flasch confirmed BMW “will offer all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive,” as well as “both manual and auto.” The AWD system won’t be a dual-clutch one like on the previous two generations of the M3 but a traditional torque-converter in the same vein as the current M5. "There's no reason for changing a winning system and pretty much carrying over what we know from the M5," Flasch explained.

PUGPROUD - 11/25/2019 2:52:14 PM

-1 Boost

Big mistake. A real chance to create a point of difference in marketplace and a step in right direction to re-establish brand as a driving machine. Sometimes its not about the market share manuals would capture but about supporting those enthusiasts who drive brand sales via word of mouth. Taking the road less traveled gets you attention and press. Not a move Bob Lutz would make if he were still at BMW.