ATS 6 speed, anyone got any wheel-time with it?

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland)
09/01/2013 at 17:12 • Filed to: CAR BUYING, CUSTOMER SEVIS, ATS, BMW, CADILLAC, Automatch consulting, Automatch

So my dad is still down with the 328 6-speed, but he is one of those people who doesn't like to get what everyone else has. And there is about a bajillion 3 series roaming around S. Jersey. I can count on one hand how many ATS I've seen. I know the only way to go is with Mag-Ride and Brembos, and that the early gearboxes were a bit sloppy but that is really it. I have driven the F30 328, and it is pretty sweet. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and ideally he would test-drive both, but the manual ATSs are far away and I don't want to send him on a long trip if it is not worth it. So do any of you have experience with the ATS 2.0T 6 speed?

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DISCUSSION (47)

YSI-what can brown do for you > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 17:19

I have heard these are actually better to drive than the 3-series. Although it has touch screen buttons. . . and those suck.

Your boy, BJR > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 17:21

I worked for cadillac. Driven a few 6MT ATSs. They're awful. Gearbox is clunky as hell, my 6MT sonata shifts smoother. Otherwise they're alright. Still a cadillac though.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 17:21

I test drove one. Loved it. The manual is as natural and easy as the best from Honda, and better than the few BMWs I've driven. And the power plant and chassis is very well sorted. It's not the "ohmygoshareyousurethisisntteM3?" power of the 335, but easily hands the 328 its lunch. And the ride is compliant while still being very purposeful and sporty. I found it to be quite superior to the 3 series in most ways.

GhostZ > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 17:26

There's a test drive coming up in December for one that I plan to go to.

GM, being the douchebags they are, probably won't have a manual or a Magnetic Ride Control there though. I might just look around local dealers and test drive just for the hell of it, even if it's way out of my price range.

dieselwagon > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 17:27

It looks sexy, and a proper gearbox in a Cadillac... mmmmm

The old man not into Audi?

Tom McParland > dieselwagon
09/01/2013 at 17:29

The Audi is o.k. but he would prefer RWD, and lease offers on the A4 aren't that great right now. Also Audi's 2.0T really can't run with the turbo 4s of the BMW and Caddy. Keep in mind his G37 is quite punchy, he can't afford an 335/ S4 so I am trying to get him the quickest car possible for the price rang.

Tom McParland > GhostZ
09/01/2013 at 17:30

The manuals aren't too hard to find, but none of the listing advertise whether or not it has Mag-ride. :/

Patrick George > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 17:33

I recently had one with the 3.6 V6, MagRide and auto transmission. I really, really liked it. The car has exceptional handling and is just a blast to use.

I've heard the V6 and 2.0 turbo aren't very far off in terms of 0 to 60 times, so I bet it's got some hustle. The manual with the turbo is probably the one to get.

GhostZ > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 17:34

From what the Test Drive event people told me, Chevy really doesn't like putting Ride Control on anything unless specifically asked to. I imagine most dealers would prefer to order in one, but there may be a waiting list/quota of Magnetic Ride Control cars they are allowed to have. It's a sort of rare option and very expensive, to the point where I suspect GM actually loses money when they put it on a car. I would guess (based off of only experience, not facts) that unless a customer actually requests it, it's not worth dealers to keep it in stock. You'd need to talk to someone who works in a dealership though to find out the truth.

Tom McParland > Patrick George
09/01/2013 at 17:36

Hey thanks for stopping in Patrick! I always get a kick out of when one of you big-shots joins the convo on Oppo. Yeah my Dad really wants to stay with a manual trans. He lost his mind for a second and considered a C250 coupe...I put a stop to that right away. The only way, I would hook him up with the Caddy instead of the 3-series is if he can get the Mag-Ride. Thanks for the input!

Tom McParland > GhostZ
09/01/2013 at 17:37

Yeah I found a dealer who has at least 10 6-speed ATSs they gotta have at least one Mag-ride in that bunch. Just hope they have the right color.

Tom McParland > Your boy, BJR
09/01/2013 at 17:40

Just curious...and maybe you can help me out since you worked for a dealer. When you say "Still a Caddy" what does that mean? I get that as a brand they are not at the same level as ze Germans, but is there anything else behind that? (I'm not looking for a fight and I'm being totally sincere) Folks pay me to get them cars, so this is rather important info for me.

dieselwagon > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 17:46

Fair enough. What's the status of the Jaguar XF in your corner of the globe?

It's a difficult one because on the face of it the BMW is the best/easy choice, but they're so common their exclusivity is non-existent these days. I'm actually quite bored of seeing all the Audi, Merc, BMW's now, all the UK salesman's choice. The E-Class is about the only one I will still turn my head for, especially in wagon form...

Your boy, BJR > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 17:58

Just personal bias. Had a couple northstars, both were garbage, plus the XTS seems to be a "service bulletin/recall of the week" car (at one time they had 12 recalls on them at once) and just general old man/mafioso d-bag/strip club owner stigma to them. But, I was raised with imports (until my mom started dating my stepdad, he is the one who got me the job at the dealer (he's a salesman at Gold Coast Cadillac in NJ). So, yeah, I just have always biased toward imports (again, save my STS and DTS, which were sorta forced on me).

Tom McParland > dieselwagon
09/01/2013 at 17:59

Not too many XFs round these parts...and hardly any wagons as I'm sure you have seen me rant about like a billion times.

Tom McParland > Your boy, BJR
09/01/2013 at 18:03

Holy crap I just put an inquiry at Gold Coast...they have tons of ATS manuals. Is he still there? Maybe we can work together on this deal. Do you have an email or phone# for him. Or he can contact me at Automatchconsulting @ gmail.com

And thank you for your honest and informed opinions about the brand

Your boy, BJR > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 18:06

Yeah. Chris Bruno. His direct desk line is 732-695-8463.

dieselwagon > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 18:09

I'm all about wagons and coupes, sedans are an irrelevance or a compromise in my European world :P

Kinja'd!!!

Tom McParland > Your boy, BJR
09/01/2013 at 18:14

Awesome! Thanks dude, is your real name Benjamin Rolland? Mine is Tom McParland if you happen to talk with your step dad today or tomorrow. Will he be working tomorrow with the holiday and all?

Tom McParland > dieselwagon
09/01/2013 at 18:18

That is one sexy wagon

Your boy, BJR > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 18:55

Yeah That's my real name. I'll find out when he gets home (I believe he is, but I'll find out for sure)

Tom McParland > Your boy, BJR
09/01/2013 at 19:01

Ok cool, just checking on the name because you never know around here... and thanks again for all the info. :)

PS9 > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 19:11

Kinja'd!!!

Senpai noticed us!! *swoon*

PS9 > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 19:15

Kinja'd!!!

I'm kinda shocked you aren't trying to get him into an A3 Ava-

...Oh wait. He's in the US isn't he? Nevermind... * grumbling forever*

Kugelblitz > Patrick George
09/01/2013 at 19:44

Seconded.

MiL owns one, and I look forward to driving it whenever we are going out for dinner or suchlike. The car drives pretty nice, my only complaint is that it doesn't feel the raod as well as my M, but minor pick. I like the car.

Your boy, BJR > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 19:47

Yeah he'll be working tomorrow.

Tom McParland > Your boy, BJR
09/01/2013 at 20:07

Great! I'll ring him then. Thanks Oppo bro. :)

Your boy, BJR > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 20:09

I'm about to undertake my first major restoration so i need all the good Carma i can get.

Tom McParland > Your boy, BJR
09/01/2013 at 20:18

Best of luck with that I really respect folks who have the skills and patience to do those. Keep us posted on Oppo. :)

Your boy, BJR > Tom McParland
09/01/2013 at 20:44

Well I wouldn't say I have the skills but as they say, "yolo" once i get started I'll start posting pics.

Cain_Robertson > Tom McParland
09/07/2013 at 20:39

A. Hem.

This is Jalopnik, right?

Not Consumer Reports? Did I wander into a local bingo hall, retirement community, or are we all 15 year olds with Forza addictions here?

They have this thing, I've heard legends of - called the 'Aftermarket'. I've heard tales of upgraded shifters for anything and everything, no matter how bad the original box was on the showroom floor, and if you can afford a 30k+ plus car, even if they raped your for 500 bucks to get a manual trans ATS that shifts like it should, I think you can afford it. I'm just guessing.

I'd bet the manual ATSs are going to be collector's items in the future...in the words of Chopper, 'Harden The Fuck Up!' Seriously, Bimmer-philes aren't afraid to mod the cars and admit that the factory design being less than perfect wasn't a deterrent, but an AMERICAN car, people are afraid of perhaps having to hot rod it a bit?

If I rolled my eyes any harder, I'd be afraid they'd get stuck that way...

Tom McParland > Cain_Robertson
09/07/2013 at 22:42

Kinja'd!!!

Actually, this is Oppositelock the back page of Jalopnik where we as a community are here to provide information for each other. Unlike those other car forums that are nothing but egos and pissing contests this is a place where someone who loves cars can get can get a legitimate (and maybe even not so legitimate question) answered without the typical internet bullshit. So, for the sake of Oppo hospitality, enjoy some RWB.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Tom McParland
09/07/2013 at 22:59

So I posted about this a while ago. Took the ATS for a spin and I would say it felt damn nice. About as nice a ride as the 135 I test drove a while back, and I would also say the manual trans felt better than the 135. Not sure if the new 3 uses the same 6 speed as the old 1, nor which level ATS I took out, mostly wanted to drive one in stick and get my free $50 gift card. But seriously. Just do yourself a favor and go drive one. That way you can positively say for yourself whether or not you like it rather than live in the stereotypical German-only close-minded world associated with BMW, Audi, and MB drivers.

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PS9 > Cain_Robertson
09/07/2013 at 23:10

What in the world are you blathering on about?

His Stigness > Tom McParland
09/07/2013 at 23:35

How's that report going for how to punctuate using parentheses? Lol jk. I swear you have more gold in the comments than your articles only because I enjoy so much how you respond to idiots. I come for the great writing, but I stay for your comments.

His Stigness > Tom McParland
09/07/2013 at 23:40

Audi/VW is also having a lot of problems with oil consumption on the 2.0T. I talked to a local service manager who runs a dealership where there's Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, and Audi all under one roof. I liked him because he preferred Mercedes.

His Stigness > Tom McParland
09/07/2013 at 23:42

What's wrong with a C250 =[

TurboSloth > Cain_Robertson
09/07/2013 at 23:45

Man, get the fuck out of my oppo.

Lets Just Drive > Tom McParland
09/08/2013 at 00:09

Some.

I'll happily tell you about it.

Are you still tracking this thread, however?

Tom McParland > Lets Just Drive
09/08/2013 at 02:27

Go on... :)

Tom McParland > His Stigness
09/08/2013 at 02:30

Nothing wrong with the 250, it's just not the right car for my dad. With 330hp in his G37 and a manual, I know he won't be happy dropping to 200 and an autobox.

His Stigness > Tom McParland
09/08/2013 at 02:32

But but... "The best or nothing..."

His Stigness > Tom McParland
09/08/2013 at 02:36

I was going to say: "but...but...'German engineering..." But then I realized that can be applied to the 3 Series and I'm partial to Mercedes, so I had to go with a Mercedes marketing term.

Lets Just Drive > Tom McParland
09/08/2013 at 02:39

Start with this.

And since I've had a bit more seat time since, I'll add more tomorrow. Just ending a long day, with my very pregnant wife (8-9 weeks approx, baby!) and don't have a lot of time to ramble on at the moment. Still, that'll get you started in terms of what I thought, personally.

Tom McParland > Lets Just Drive
09/08/2013 at 02:42

Cool thanks...and congrats on the little one! Time goes fast, enjoy it, i cant believe my son is turning one soon.

cyk > GhostZ
09/08/2013 at 09:40

Who's the d'bag test driving cars they can't afford and wasting the dealership's time? Pot calling the kettle anything but black?

TheStone > Tom McParland
09/09/2013 at 07:58

I own one, the action is smooth and works great with the 2.0t, far better then the automatic. I also own a Z06 and had a 07 Gt 5 speed. The car is a blast to drive, but reverse is in a bad spot, I have thrown it into reverse looking for 1st a few times. The gears are spaced too closely together, It feels like a little wider spacing would increase 0-60 times as you won't have to shift into 3rd. Power drops off 5K rpm.