Not every car has to be a manual

"E90M3" (e90m3)
08/01/2019 at 15:58 • Filed to: None

That’s right, despite owing two manual BMWs, I don’t believe every car needs to be a manual. While I would prefer one, I would be fine with an auto if the car was never available with a manual. Bellow is a non-exhaustive list of auto cars I would own:

E90 335d

I know they have some issues with the DPF and carbon build up, but I’ve driven one and the torque is quite intoxicating.

Lexus IS-F

The IS-F is a fantastic car, it has around the same power as my M3, but it delivers it in such a different way. A 416 hp V8 that also get 25 MPG on the highway. What’s not to like? !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

W204 C63 AMG

While I think the E90 M3 is a better car, the C63 isn’t exactly terrible. Driven a couple and I think I might need one some day, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Alfa Romeo G iulia

I’ve driven a couple and I quite like them, sure they’re not them most reliable car ever. Sure it’ll spend plenty of time at the dealer, but with a driving experience to back up the looks, why wouldn’t I want one?

DISCUSSION (57)

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:05

every car i will ever own is to o slow to be fun with an automatic

(not to mention 80s 90s automatics are the suck)

modern ones seem okiday tho... and flappy paddles just look fun to me

but really... i want a stripped out 100hp shitbox with a sequential shifter

Pich, with Z32 now featuring Civic [Si] / No > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:07

WRONG

E90M3 > farscythe - makin da cawfee!
08/01/2019 at 16:07

I don’t think I’d want a 100hp shit box in the US. Renting a Versa was close enough for me.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:09

welp im in europe and 100hp if plenty enough in something light

E90M3 > farscythe - makin da cawfee!
08/01/2019 at 16:10

Light is good, but there are too many brodoo zers here to risk something too light.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:14

true that....getting worse here... but our roads mostly keep the true giants away

but tbh... im a shitbox driver... safety isnt all that high on my list of priorities

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > farscythe - makin da cawfee!
08/01/2019 at 16:14

I don’t like the automatic in my 2012 Honda. It’s fine in the context of an automatic, but the shifts are for comfort and take forever to kick down. And the gearing is clearly for economy reasons.

DutchieDC2R > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:17

I couldnt agree more. I also think the bigger the car is usually, the more ‘normal’ I think an auto is. I drove a lot of cars in my past for my work, from ‘big’ stationwagons to small ‘cityhopper’ cars, always loved an auto in a car like a 5series.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely
08/01/2019 at 16:17

tbh...ive not really tried modern automatics... other than a couple work vans...they worked fine... for vans that got limited to 2500 rpm for economy...

i was basing that mostly on reviews nowadays

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > farscythe - makin da cawfee!
08/01/2019 at 16:36

Automatic flappy paddle shifting logic also could use some tightening up. Embarrassingly long times between some paddle pulls on some trannies and a gear response.

My 2010 was almost ok. But also nearly all modern trucks come with autos now and everyone seems fine with it?

I mean, when it’s fine, it’s fine, I just don’t like it when it tries to baby you.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:38

Any family hauler should be an auto as well. Trying to text the dog sitter , drink a latte and get the kiddos to school by 8:15 AM is very difficult if you have to use our right hand to shift.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely
08/01/2019 at 16:38

oh man... i need f1 style instant flappy paddle response thats where the fun lies me thinks

oh well.. im stuck with ancient beaters till those get made illegal anyway

TahoeSTi > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:47

Not everyone can be right.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > farscythe - makin da cawfee!
08/01/2019 at 16:47

Well the good news is the longer you wait the fresher the modern ancient beaters will be :)

OmerCarrothers333 > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:51

VW’s DSG is badass.

Tripper > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:53

“Not every car has to be a manual”

Kinja'd!!!

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely
08/01/2019 at 16:53

lol i dont much like the new ones...

the longer i wait the harder 80s and 90s beaters are gonna be to get

early 2000s are okay too i guess

newer than that has too many lectric doodads and sensors and shit i dont need

HammerheadFistpunch > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 16:58

There are times, mostly commuting, where I wish I had the 5 speed manual offered in other countries for my Land Cruiser. The idea of big long trucky throws is appealing to me. The truth is, that the auto is the better choice for the truck. Its better off-road (I respect manual off-road but auto just wins for most things) and it sure has been nice with a bum knee. I hate that its a 4 speed that is dimwitted and has a HUGE gap between 1st and 2nd...but...its the better fit for the vehicle. This truck with a 6 speed auto would be amazing. In fact the 80 series with the engine and transmission out of my GX470 would be the perfect combo.

Tripper > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/01/2019 at 16:59

Wrong. CarPlay/Siri/HeyGoogle. No eating or drinking in the car, and my dogs sit themselves.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 17:00

I’ve always loved the 335d as well, and they can be picked up for a pretty nice price right now too. I’ll add the Kia Stinger to your list - it’s a glorious looking car and has a real grand tourer vibe, I wouldn’t miss a manual in it I don’t think.

Same goes for the bigger AMGs like the E63.

Tripper > HammerheadFistpunch
08/01/2019 at 17:01

I drove a 3 pedal P38 2.8L diesel in England and loved it, horribly slow though. We took it on the ferry to France, and I did not like driving a RHD car on the right side of the road. To the point where I wouldn’t buy one (any RHD car) to drive in the US.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 17:10

Okay; I’d buy a 335d with an auto. BUT I’d always think about importing a bunch of manual 330d parts to convert it...

Jordan > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 17:12

“ While I would prefer one, I would be fine with an auto if the car was never available with a manual”

I bet you wished you lived in Europe. The Gi ulia ( Quadrafoglio included) was available with a manual until recently.

Jordan > DutchieDC2R
08/01/2019 at 17:15

I think it is less to do with size and more to do with the purpose of the car. The 5 Series is meant to be a comfortable, yet driver fo cussed car, and I find them best with a manual. But in an S Class, manuals make no sense.

Cé hé sin > farscythe - makin da cawfee!
08/01/2019 at 17:42

I’ve driven a 700cc Smart on French motorways in the past.

This year I drove a more powerful but still 700cc Smart Roadster n said motorways.

I’m still here.

HammerheadFistpunch > Tripper
08/01/2019 at 17:44

yup, the german imports are the ones to hunt for.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Cé hé sin
08/01/2019 at 17:47

i rest my case

marshknute > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 17:49

Except every one of those cars would be more fun with a manual.

There are cars that are *better* with an auto, but they have a lower f un threshold as a result.

Manuals make boring cars fun, and fast cars more charismatic.

not for canada - australian in disguise > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 17:50

This is a hot take, but it’s a correct one.

The only cars that “need” manuals are cheap and/or light, “fun” performance cars. Think Elise, MX-5, Fiesta ST, basically the usual Jelopnix comment section circlejerk fare.

Luxury cars with automatics are fine. Including performance-oriented luxury cars.

KnowsAboutCars > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 17:52

I’ve probably drive a lot less different cars than most of Oppo but there’s only one car that’s available with stick that I’d prefer with auto. The mid 90's-late 00's Euro model Toyota Hiace. The shifter in that thing is located so that someone my size is reaching down and forward on most shifts. If I ever find myself owning one of those it will either have a dildo shifter or auto box.

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 17:54

Evening.

Kinja'd!!!

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > HammerheadFistpunch
08/01/2019 at 17:57

At least for the 4Runner, the 5-speed shaves seconds off of the 0-60 as well. Which numbers aren’t everything, but when the seconds begin with a 2 and isn’t followed with a decimal, it needs those seconds.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 17:58

If I ever got another Mk7, it would 100% still be a DSG. It’s just better than the garbage manual option.

CaptDale - is secretly British > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 18:00

One of the Auto cars I want

Kinja'd!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
08/01/2019 at 18:03

oh it would help the Cruiser a TON. My 96 rav4 was the 5 speed and I’ve since driven the 4 speed version and it was not nearly as “fast” or fun. That being said, for what I use the Cruiser for, the auto makes more sense.

SiennaMan > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 18:49

I see the brodozers, yet I still want a Locost. Of course, I’m also the same person who’d take an old Dodge Omni on US roads for nostalgia s ake.

7 0ish hp is surprisingly adequate if the rest of the thing is light enough..

Nick Has an Exocet > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 19:37

490HP/704ft-lb for $2,849.00. Those 335d’s were STOUT.

https://www.tunemyeuro.com/bmw-335d-and-x5-35d-hybrid-turbo-kit-jr-autotuning-performance-aar1936/

citrus > E90M3
08/01/2019 at 19:54

While the headline is a good take, i would tend to disagree on most of the pictured cars... idk i just like the idea of a small manual sport sedan (e90m3?)

even though people have done it, i honestly feel like my caprice and roadmaster would gain nothing from having sticks

Just Jeepin' > Tripper
08/01/2019 at 20:26

Siri doesn’t work well in a naked Jeep at any speed.

Tripper > Just Jeepin'
08/01/2019 at 20:34

If I have to use the phone in the old Bimmer or the M3 (ragtop) I just use one airpod.

Just Jeepin' > Tripper
08/01/2019 at 21:03

Now take the doors off (or worse, windshield down) and try again.

There’s a company that offers a $300 headset that claims to be good enough to handle convertibles easily, but I can’t quite bring myself to buy one.

Tripper > Just Jeepin'
08/01/2019 at 22:01

Handles a 75' BMW with half of an interior, no cats, cam, and DCOEs with the windows down. The only complaint from others is that I yell because it’s so loud on my end. I’ve also used them snowboarding, and mountain biking without issue. They’re $160, $200 for the new ones. Def not the best wireless headphones for sound, but the best overall particularly if you’ve got an iPhone.

wafflesnfalafel > E90M3
08/02/2019 at 00:35

Lexus LS...

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > E90M3
08/02/2019 at 01:31

Not every car has to be a manual but every car I own and drive has to have one. I take no issue with anyone who doesn’t care, and I understand certain cars suit the immediate shifting of a DCT and are better for it, and for some it’s integral to the car’s character, as is a nice lazy slush box for others.

But for me even in a big lazy car (I dream of putting a manual trans in big comfy mushy 60’s luxobarge) I will always want the constant-connection and rev-matching fun of a manual. But I get that’s just me.

E90M3 > wafflesnfalafel
08/02/2019 at 07:21

I said it was a non-exhaustive list. To that end, I’d rather have a 7 series or an S-Class.

E90M3 > citrus
08/02/2019 at 07:31

I already own a manual E90 M3, one reason I’d be fine with these cars is that it would supplement that.

E90M3 > marshknute
08/02/2019 at 07:32

While they would be more fun, they were never available with one to begin with so it sort of becomes a moot point. It’s not the same as DCT vs 6MT M3, I think we all know where I stand on that.

E90M3 > Jordan
08/02/2019 at 07:35

Maybe, but it not having a manual has kept me from making a dumb decision and getting one.

E90M3 > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/02/2019 at 07:37

I didn’t realize that they were ever available with a manual anywhere. I thought I looked at one point and couldn’t find any thing.

E90M3 > Tripper
08/02/2019 at 07:39

The problem is that we’re a tiny minority; car makers have to sell cars. While I prefer a manual, I’m sort of resigned to the fact that my next car will probably be an auto.

citrus > E90M3
08/02/2019 at 07:53

Oh this is vs. your current garage only

E90M3 > citrus
08/02/2019 at 07:56

Pretty much, probably should have added that it would supplement a manual E90M3. I’ve also got a manual E92 328i I DD, and one of these in theory would replace that, but both cars are paid for, so this is just theoretical .

Tripper > E90M3
08/02/2019 at 08:18

I know, I’m realistic. A super tiny minority indeed. Manuals in most new/newer cars are already pretty much an after thought. Offered only on base models because the parts already exist. No new/newish cars are being/have been developed around a manual (some obvious exceptions here). So even if we continue to get manuals in the future, I think they will only get more disconnected, hopefully niche cars are an exception.

I will probably end up with an aftermarket clutch and flywheel for the Alltrack before I’m happy with the way it shifts . However, I’d blame that more on typical VW things (rev hang, soft clutch and shifter feel). I may be forced into that via tune at some point anyway.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > E90M3
08/02/2019 at 13:10

The 335d was not but there was a euro 330d that was and people have done the swap.

wafflesnfalafel > E90M3
08/02/2019 at 21:40

yep - no disrespect at all. Agree - I don’t really like the new LS (but the first few gens were gorgeous...) , prefer the looks of the new Audi actually.

Montalvo > E90M3
08/03/2019 at 17:02

I’ll keep my stripped out, practically straight piped hoonmobile a manual . Otherwise an auto suits me just fine. I am looking forward to the new DCT I will have when I trade the E92 in for the new Corvette.

E90M3 > Montalvo
08/03/2019 at 21:13

I probably should have added that any car in this theoretical situation supplements my manual E90 M3. I’m warming to the idea that my next daily will probably be an auto. I’d be fine with that as long as the weekend car is a manual. Who knows, maybe I’ll have new M3 money in a few years.