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Re: Automatic or Manual BMW 330i? (archive)
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Posted by Josh on January 15, 2001 at 13:15:41:

In Reply to: Automatic or Manual BMW 330i? posted by Chris on January 14, 2001 at 22:46:06:

If I were you, I would call around to a few car rental places in your area and see if any of them will rent you a 5 speed for a few days. This way you can learn on someone else's car, and see if it fits in with your everyday driving. Personally, I had a manual e36, and switched to an automatic Audi a year ago (not completely my choice, long story) and almost everyday I miss the manual transmission. For me it makes a huge difference in driving pleasure. If, though, 90% of your day is spent in stop and go traffic, you will resent having the manual after a few weeks.

Just my opinion.

JEC



I'm thinking about buying a 330i and wanted some opinions on which transmission I should get. I know the manual is a bit faster(and more fun to drive) but would I be disappointed if I got the automatic? Is the automatic still fast and fun? I would like to get the manual but there are some issues. The first is I have never driven a manual before. Well ok, a couple of years ago I drove one for 5 minutes. I couldn't seem to get the hang of it(please don't laugh, I'm really not that uncoordinated). I either let out the clutch too much or not enough. After 5 minutes I gave up, mainly because I was felt I was ruining the cars transmission. I guess 5 minutes is not enough time to learn how to drive a stick. I also live in a large city and traffic can get heavy. I always hear people who have manuals complain about them when they get stuck in traffic. Are they really that annoying in traffic? I plan on going to the BMW dealership this week to test drive both the automatic and manual(I guess the salesman will have to drive the manual for me). That way I will get a better idea of the difference in performance and fun factor. Still, I would like to get your opinion on which one to go for. Thanks.




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