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Re: Automatic or Manual BMW 330i? (archive)
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Posted by Sean_328i(East Bay) on January 15, 2001 at 22:01:11:

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


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.


Hi,
I just bought a 97 328i (manual), not a E46 but i am visting your site and help out i any general issues if if can.
Anyways i had never driven a manual but used to drive scooter (italian) and motorcycles (Kawasaki, Yamaha) in India since 16 and again a Ninja here so i had some idear about changing gears and using a clutch. But the car was completely different mainly because the coordination of the hand-clutch to leg-gear on the same side of the human body is the best especially on the lhs. This is because the motor nerves and analysis and perception is controlled by the right brain. Hence motorcycling is easier. In the car the movement and c-ordination is not only between the left and right foot where co-ordination is worst because of added weight of your legs which makes reflex action slower to implement (confined space too), but gradually you will find the right release spot in the clutch. this is the magic spot!!, you find and you're home..
~Hope it sound to exhaustive or deviating.

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