[VisualEcho]

So I've had my M2 1 month and I have to say, it's not the easiest car to drive smoothly. Just the general driving from gear to gear is taking some getting used to, and the long wide throws are making me want a shift kit.

Also, the auto-blip or rev-match, whatever you call it, is really weird. I didn't immediately realize that it just wants you to down-shift the car and quickly let out on the clutch, and it'll smooth the transition for you (any manual smoothing causes the car to jerk terribly). I guess it's a good thing since the flywheel feels like it's super heavy. I'm comparing it to my Exige, of course, but still, the throttle response doesn't seem that great.

This is my first BMW, and I remember thinking I'd kick my own ass if I ever got an M-Car and chose an auto, but now I'm not so sure.

Your take?

[RAM_F30_F87]

I've owned 2000/2006/2012 3-series 6 speed manuals.
The M2 is locally driven almost exclusively in Sport+ and I have no gripes about the shifting or auto-rev matching.

[cptobvious]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

So I've had my M2 1 month and I have to say, it's not the easiest car to drive smoothly. Just the general driving from gear to gear is taking some getting used to, and the long wide throws are making me want a shift kit.

Also, the auto-blip or rev-match, whatever you call it, is really weird. I didn't immediately realize that it just wants you to down-shift the car and quickly let out on the clutch, and it'll smooth the transition for you (any manual smoothing causes the car to jerk terribly). I guess it's a good thing since the flywheel feels like it's super heavy. I'm comparing it to my Exige, of course, but still, the throttle response doesn't seem that great.

This is my first BMW, and I remember thinking I'd kick my own ass if I ever got an M-Car and chose an auto, but now I'm not so sure.

Your take?

Oh no... now you've gone and done it! Get ready for 18 pages of manual versus automatic hate-fest! By the end of this thread, 31 forum members will have been banned for threatening to shiv other members.



OP, I had EXACTLY the same experience. I was one of those DIE-HARD MT for life guys. My last 3 cars I custom ordered and waited 12 weeks for each, in order to get the MT.

One day, I'm hanging out on this forum, and another member posts that there's a HS M2C sitting on the lot at a dealer near me. Unfortunately, it's DCT, and only scumbags get DCT, so no way am I going to buy the car. Just going to see HS in the metal. I get there, test drive the car, and the sales guy tells me that it's available for MSRP - this was back when there was ZERO supply and most dealerships were charging $5k to $10k markups. I tell him I love the car, but can't buy it because DCT is for scumbags only. He says, "Have you test driven the 6MT in an M2?" I say, "No, why?" He says, "Let's go for a test drive in a 6MT."

We get in and I'm jerking around like a clown riding a mechanical bull. Now, maybe it's because I just truly, truly suck at manual. But, I don't think so. I mean, you know, maybe I suck a little, but not THAT much! Sales guy tells me that he used to be a hardcore MT guy too, but that he spec'ed his M3 with DCT, because a) he's a scumbag, and b) his interpretation is that with that much torque, modern cars are designed specifically with DCT and auto transmissions in mind, and only later do they retrofit MT. Don't know if that's true or not, but that was his speculation.

All I can say is that, a) yes, I do suck at MT, clearly, b) I immediately bought that HS DCT M2C on the spot, and c) yes, I do freely admit that I am a scumbag now.

I never thought I'd say this, but I LOVE the DCT, and going forward, am never looking back.

[VisualEcho]

OK, I don't know you from Adam, but this response immediately makes you my friend. Fantastic post sir.

I don't regret getting the 6MT, just warming up to the fact that I could possibly actually own a DCT in the future. Maybe I'm just getting old.

[heavyD^2]

I have driven mostly manual cars over my lifetime and I find my 2018 to be one of the smoother manuals to operate. These would be fine cars for a first timer to learn how to drive a manual transmission IMO.

[TemjinX2]

the clutch stop mod helps with the long throw...or you buy the ultimate clutch pedal which is angled lower compared to the bmw clutch pedal. other mod people do is removing the clutch delay valve, which some people say helps with the 1-2 transistion.

for me personally i did the poor man clutch stop mod the first day i got the car, and it made a huge difference for me.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

I have driven mostly manual cars over my lifetime and I find my 2018 to be one of the smoother manuals to operate. These would be fine cars for a first timer to learn how to drive a manual transmission IMO.

I have a pre-LCI and I agree; it's one of the smoothest gearbox since my Acura. I literally use the tip of my nail from my pinky finger to shift gears sometimes.

I'm honestly perplexed by all the complaints about the manual, it's like they're driving a different brand or a defective vehicle.

Frankly, I would of gone Mercedes if I had no choice but an auto/DCT. The saving grace of any modern BMWs is the fact that they're stilled offered with a stick. The competition has so much more to offer in terms of value and performance.

Absolutely no regrets here

[TemjinX2]

Originally Posted by Poochie

I have a pre-LCI and I agree; it's one of the smoothest gearbox since my Acura. I literally use the tip of my nail from my pinky finger to shift gears sometimes.

I'm honestly perplexed by all the complaints about the manual, it's like they're driving a different brand or a defective vehicle.

Frankly, I would of gone Mercedes if I had no choice but an auto/DCT. The saving grace of any modern BMWs is the fact that they're stilled offered with a stick. The competition has so much more to offer in terms of value and performance.

Absolutely no regrets here

i think its because the engagement point on the clutch is a bit high..especially if you driven jdm sporty cars like evo, g35 or integras. on my integra...i remember the shifter was smooth and you can shift with your ankle so it made for quick shifts.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by TemjinX2

i think its because the engagement point on the clutch is a bit high..especially if you driven jdm sporty cars like evo, g35 or integras.

After awhile, like everything else, it becomes second nature.

And the fact that there is a clutch position sensor built into the system, the play within the engagement point is by design, not a flaw.

After all, this vehicle engineered to be a street car, driven by the average driver, not Jeff Gordon on a racetrack.

[VisualEcho]

I can drive the car smoothly, I just think it's more difficult than other cars to do so.

[Aloha Joe]

For me, this has been the easiest manual to drive smoothly versus any other car I've owned. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this is the best 6mt I've driven, just the easiest to drive smoothly. The shifter throws are too long and rubbery, plus the clutch pedal travel is also long and goes too high. I've put in the clutch stop and that has helped 1/2 with the pedal issue.

This car is my daily driver, and even with some of the 6mt short comings listed, I really enjoy driving my 6mt M2 and plan on keeping it for a long time.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by Aloha Joe

For me, this has been the easiest manual to drive smoothly versus any other car I've owned. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this is the best 6mt I've driven, just the easiest to drive smoothly. The shifter throws are too long and rubbery, plus the clutch pedal travel is also long and goes too high. I've put in the clutch stop and that has helped 1/2 with the pedal issue.

This car is my daily driver, and even with some of the 6mt short comings listed, I really enjoy driving my 6mt M2 and plan on keeping it for a long time.

I'm comparing the car to my last set of manual cars:

2006 Lotus Exige
2005 STi
2001 S2000

[seis-speed]

All manuals take some time to get used to, it is part of the engagement with a particular car. They all act differently and you learn to adjust how you drive, seating position, revs, clutch engagement, etc....

They (manuals) also react differently at different operating temps and milage intervals. One of the many reasons - I adore the manual transmission.

[DarthFader]

The MT in the M2 feels similar to other BMW MT I've owned. Shifting smoothness and enjoyment of the car greatly improve with CDV delete. The damn CDV muddles the engagement point, most notably in the 1-2 shift.

I'm living with the CDV currently, but it's on my to do list.

[SEAT TIME RULES]

Consider doing this:

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1643086

[Moflow]

I dont have a problem with it. I've been dailying my 350Z for 13 years and that has an even heavier flywheel and hangs revs a bit when upshifting. The M2 is straight up easier to drive smoothly IMHO. The auto rev-matching is ruining me though, every time i get back in the Z i forget to rev match my downshifts the first couple of times.

As for transmission choice: this is a $60K car. Please, for the love of god, buy whichever one you enjoy more. That's too much money to spend on something that isn't equipped in a way that maximizes your driving enjoyment. Screw what anyone might think about you.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by Moflow

As for transmission choice: this is a $60K car. Please, for the love of god, buy whichever one you enjoy more. That's too much money to spend on something that isn't equipped in a way that maximizes your driving enjoyment. Screw what anyone might think about you.

It was never about what anyone thought about me, I just prefer a manual, but this car seems to be a bit harder to drive smoothly. If I had it to do over again I'd still get the manual.

[MrOhnoez]

I know before break in it felt impossible to drive smoothly in my m2c. I mean it was bad. I didnt change my style bur after the 1200 service itnl was MUCH smoother

[AndrewC1989]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

6MT owners, do you consider your car hard to drive smoothly?

No.

[Karmic Man]

Smooth as butter..,

There is no challenge in driving BMW Manuels, a walk in the park...

Then I am used to on-off clutches (metal, twin carbon...etc) back from the JDM days so take my opinion with a grain of salt

[Schnll M]

I am glad I am not the only one who felt this way. If i drive the car hard, its easy, especially after the fluids are hot, but if I am trying to drive miss daisy (or my kids around), its clunky for me, or not as graceful as I'd like. And 1st gear can be an issue to get dialed in, I often have to pull it out of first and go back to it, or to second then back to first, cause I am just not confident its seated in 1st, and I have been on it when its popped out of 1st!!! Car is a 2017, got it with less than 17k miles, and i barely have 18k on the odo, so I was also thinking maybe I don't drive it enough to get familiar with it. Was thinking I should take it to the dealer to have it looked at, but thought maybe I was just being a puss about it.

[JG_Coupe88]

My previous 428i m sport 6 speed was actually jerkier and more annoying at really slow speeds, especially with sport/sport plus throttle. My 2016 M2 for me is super enjoyable. Super easy clutch pedal and even my gf got used to the clutch release instantly to the point that it surprised me.

I also own and drive a track prepped e36 M3 both on street a little and on track mostly, M2 also gets tracked with dsc off, pedal placement is nice for me to heel toe easy too. I've had other manual BMW's, Honda's, Mitsubishi, Dodge, ect. Haven't bought an auto in13 years. Just my experience, we are all different , but I hope you get you used to it and start to enjoy it more.