[GregW / Oregon]

I assume some of you got a survey from BMW Board of Drivers (mine came 2:01 am today). Mine focused on what I liked about the manual transmission and whether I would buy another M if a manual wasn't offered, etc. It's beginning. Save the manual!

[Space gray]

One of the questions was wrong because it asked something like "are you aware that BMW M is the only German brand offering manuals". I answered no but I think that's not was was intended. Seems like survey makers were thinking of Audi and MBZ, and forgot about Porsche and VW.
I also agreed to pay $300 more for a manual if it wasn't offered standard because I got trapped by the previous answer and coouldn't go back. Blame me if BMW starts upcharging for manuals.

[Sassicaia]

Its over. The F8x was the last great M generation.

People can squabble all the want about engine sound, NA vs turbo, V8 vs inline 6, etc, but in my book all those difference pale in comparison to eliminating manual transmissions.

[bonsta101]

Glad I got mine in Manual! Keeping it for a while if they discontinue making them.

[IcebergM4]

My 2016 M4 was a manual and my 2018 M4 is a manual, I'm not getting rid of it for nothing.

BMW has hinted at the manual option disappearing very soon and I didn't want to take any chances. I don't care how much faster an automatic/DCT may be, it'll NEVER replace the feeling and satisfaction of being in full control over the car. I haven't received a survey yet, but I'll definitely speak up for the manual once I do.

[Colinv6]

I'm on my second F8x, both DCT and loving it.

[KevinM]

Just finished the survey. I appreciate the opportunity for input and certainly conveyed in the strongest way possible that I bought my current M cars because they have MTs and would not consider a fun car without one (e.g., will resort to the used market or Porsche/Golf R). I emphasized brand loyalty (e.g. I drive three M cars, all with MTs). I did what I could...

And yes, I said I would pay more for a MT...because I would. I understand it takes money to develop them and BMW may well lose money doing so. I'd rather subsidize the loss than have MTs go away. I picked > $1000 and < $1500, but the reality is that I would pay > $1500 (within some reason!) if push came to shove.

[ssuene93]

+1 on the manual. That's the primarily reason I picked M car. I also picked $1000 - $1500 if 6MT is a paid option.

[Projectile]

Just went back to DCT after a e926MT and F826MT and LOVING it. But I'm getting old. I don't think that I'll miss MTs. The question from my perspective is how the torque converting autos of the future will compare with the DCT, which is a magnificent piece of kit.

BTW, you'll be pleased to know that I have NOT received the survey!

[ff1600]

No survey for me but if anyone at BMW reads this I will always opt for a MT.
My E46 and E90 M3s were as is my 2015 F80. Just ordered a 2018 F80 with MT.

If I need to pay a premium to get one then so be it. But for that I expect continued development.

[kilpatds]

Originally Posted by Space gray

One of the questions was wrong because it asked something like "are you aware that BMW M is the only German brand offering manuals".

Yeah, that annoyed me too. I forgot to get a screenshot of that question ... But I wanted to mock it.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

if this is the last manual m so glad i bought. never selling

[FC]

Ugh. We knew it was a matter of time. Ordering my F80 next year with a MT. If it really is the last, I'll be holding on to this M3 for a LONG time.

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by Projectile

Just went back to DCT after a e926MT and F826MT and LOVING it. But I'm getting old. I don't think that I'll miss MTs. The question from my perspective is how the torque converting autos of the future will compare with the DCT, which is a magnificent piece of kit.

BTW, you'll be pleased to know that I have NOT received the survey!

I don't think the auto of the future will have torque converters, at least not on the performance cars - planetary gear sets with clutches and the wet clutch packs like benz.

[AIRHEIR]

Originally Posted by bonsta101

Glad I got mine in Manual! Keeping it for a while if they discontinue making them.

Exactly why I am trading in my 2015 to get into 2018 comp pack with manual.

I would probably not buy if they got rid of manual..or if I did buy I would hold onto this one and not trade in to get into next one

[RobC2]

Paying extra for a manual would suck, because that would mean the expensive DCT is already factored into the base price. I would probably still get a manual anyway, but I have always enjoyed the cost savings on top of all of the other benefits.

[adc]

I just got an email survey, the second one from the so called BMW board of drivers - really a flattering name for an email focus group.

This one was focused on the next M3/4 cars, insistently asking if I'd buy one without a manual transmission. Since I've only had manual cars from 1985 onwards, you probably can guess what my answer was.

I told them I'd buy a Porsche if the next M3 doesn't come with a stick, and I told them I'd pay up to $1000 more for a stick - and that's no lie.

Your take may be different, but even if you like your DCT I'd urge you to indicate an interest for manual, in case BMW asks. Won't hurt the DCT none, and it may help the rest of us to stave off the inevitable for at least one more generation.

[GERMAN M3]

Originally Posted by adc

I just got an email survey, the second one from the so called BMW board of drivers - really a flattering name for an email focus group.

This one was focused on the next M3/4 cars, insistently asking if I'd buy one without a manual transmission. Since I've only had manual cars from 1985 onwards, you probably can guess what my answer was.

I told them I'd buy a Porsche if the next M3 doesn't come with a stick, and I told them I'd pay up to $1000 more for a stick - and that's no lie.

Your take may be different, but even if you like your DCT I'd urge you to indicate an interest for manual, in case BMW asks. Won't hurt the DCT none, and it may help the rest of us to stave off the inevitable for at least one more generation.

Haven't received and email yet asking for my opinion, but I am with you adc. The only thing I have driven since 1987 has been manual transmissions. I can still remember my Dad saying ' If you want me to teach you to drive, it's going to be with a manual transmission.'

In my opinion, driving a manual gives you more of a connection with the car. Hopefully BMW will send me an email. My response will definitely be MANUAL.

[Who's on first]

I'm on my second M4. First on a MT, this one DCT. I'd 100% go back to a MT if I could.

No doubt.

[trey100]

Originally Posted by Who's on first

I'm on my second M4. First on a MT, this one DCT. I'd 100% go back to a MT if I could.

No doubt.

Wow that's telling. I have a manual but was thinking of trying a DCT next time around. I enjoy the manual very much though but was curious if the DCT would amp up the performance another notch.

[Mr Pete]

Originally Posted by trey100

Wow that's telling. I have a manual but was thinking of trying a DCT next time around. I enjoy the manual very much though but was curious if the DCT would amp up the performance another notch.

For the love of all that is holy, don't do it!!

lol In all seriousness, both very good transmissions. I had a DCT M3, and after a year, swapped that for my current manual M4. I will never ever let this car go. Never.

[Who's on first]

Originally Posted by trey100

Wow that's telling. I have a manual but was thinking of trying a DCT next time around. I enjoy the manual very much though but was curious if the DCT would amp up the performance another notch.

DCT is absolutely quicker. No question.

I'd still go back.