hi,
i was just curious as to the feel of the m3 manual transmission. I have only driven it with the dct tranny. I know I should drive it to know for myself, however, I have no inclination to buy it; I am just curious. If anyone from personal experience can chime in on the transmission on the new M3, whether it is easy to drive, in traffic, as a dd, forgiving vs unforgiving...is it like the m coupe tranny feel wise?
thanks again.

 

the m3 6 speed manual transmissions tend to be notchy and rubbery and only get worse with a short shifter kit. they could use significant improvement IMO. my cayman S has the factory short shifter and was much shorter in throw and MUCH smoother than the m3s stock shifter. ive never had a shifter in any car that good, it was perfect!

 

hi thanks for the input. i guess not the best choice as a dd driver in traffic...

 

I disagree. My e46 M3 was not notchy at all. Pretty smooth I thought (no short shift kit on it). Definitely smoother than the notchier 6speed 996TT (I do have B&M short shift on this). I like the notchier one myself and I daily drive and live in the city. Depends on what your tolerance is...

 

I'll chime in. Gates are a bit vague, and the throws are a little too long for my taste. The factory short shift kit that came in the E46 performance package 3 series was FAR superior to any M car I've ever driven.

 

Don't know if you should absolutely rule it out. I drive my E46 M3 daily when it doesn't snow, and I think that the transmission is fine. Though it's a bit knotchy, it is not unbearable imo and definately ddable.

 

6 Speed is the way to go.

 

thanks for all the input.
guess i will have to try one, its just i am not the most comfortable fo stick drivers, and i would be driving all day in the m3, a lot of hills and traffic, but im sure you get used to it.
also, i just found cayman s 08 stick, i have driven it efore, and find the stick on it farily easy for me, considering i drive manual once every 5 yrs...the bmw will be less forgiving than the prosches tranny right?
08 m3 coupe vs 08 cayman s
practically the dead same price...i must get out to try the stick m3, but with snow on the ground thatshould be fun.
thks

 

buy a manual. the smg is incredibly notchy in comparison. i DD mine in traffic every day

 

The Active Autowerke or UUC SSKs are very popular and the buyers seem to be happy with their performance.

 

My GT3 is a little notchy, the M3 is a little vague, the 1972 365gtc/4 is very vague and the is very exact but they all require the driver be involved which is why I love them all!!!

 

The DCT is much smoother than the SMG....i would think for DD this would be the way to go

 

i didnt like driving the E9x M3 in manual at all....

too long throw.... not to mention the 6MT M3 is so slow compare to DCT....

 

I had an 06 that was at first notchy then became smooth. Ive always liked the way it felt. But if i were to purchase an E92, i would get DCT.

 

m3´s manuals tend to be no to so good as the rest of the car. you get used to them however, and eventually you can use it fast and eficiently.