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.

m3īs 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.