330I Manual Vs Auto

330I Manual Vs Auto

For the past 12 years I have driven an automatic and have appreciated the fact that I can have a hand on the coffee and another on the wheel and muddle my way bleary eyed in the morning to work. Having said that, I also don't want a car that is appreciably slower simply because it is an automatic. As in most things, there is a trade off for performance; my question to those who have driven both is, how noticable is the difference in acceleration between the auto and manual 330i? People choose manuals because they like manuals and people choose automatics because they like automatics. You made it clear that you like an automatic so that is what you should get. The manual lets you decelerate using the gears--the automatic requires braking. That said, I'd rather use brakepads (cheap) vs.Others want the control. This is a real difference that must be acknowledged. I love the freedom an automatic provides. For the past 12 years I have driven an automatic and have appreciated the fact that I can have a hand on the coffee and another on the wheel and muddle my way bleary eyed in the morning to work.Perhaps you should consider two hands on the wheel regardless. What I learnt in SB and BMW CCA driving schools has been invaluable in terms of driving safely and being able to avoid problems that drivers who aren't prepared mightn't avoid. For the past 12 years I have driven an automatic and have appreciated the fact that I can have a hand on the coffee and another on the wheel and muddle my way bleary eyed in the morning to work.We conclude that you may not be ready for the full BMW experience. We urge you to put the burger and fries down, finish the Coke.and when you're ready to DRIVE with both hands come back and chat us up.Oh! and not to mention, WE ROCK I support Equal Rights. I support wars on terror. I support capital punishment. I believe in liberation of Tibet! Aight, my one and half cents about this.http://www.dd-inside.de/userfile/coby-photo-frame-manual.xml

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I am not a big fan of manual, actually I love automatic, but cuz it's BMW, I picked manual. Besides I am driving manual since I am 13 (offffff the record) so I do consider myself a pro when it comes to manual tranny. Automatic does give you freedom, so if you do lots of city driving and are concerned about the freedom for your second hand, then go for automatic. IMHO. I support Equal Rights. I believe in liberation of Tibet! Get the GTI or A3 Sportback The DSG Auto transmission for 0-100 is 0.3s faster than the manual. Bingo Plus it does give you shifting control with the steptronic mode which is how I always drive, but then if I get tired of shifting, I have the main auto mode. If you want an auto, go with that because BMW makes one of the best steptronic transmissions out there. It appears that there is not much difference in performance between the auto and manual. Thanks for helping me decide to go with the auto--I love the freedom it offers as well. I'm not sure about the comment regarding driving with both hands on the wheel. I mean, it's like arguing that someone shouldn't wear a helmet while riding a bike, or buckle up while in the car, or wear goggles while weed wacking the lawn. I'm in my car 70% of my work day; and my car, many times, doubles as my office. Otherwise it's one arm; that's right I really said it.one arm, one arm, one arm. I'm more comfortable that way and in all my years of driving plus the fact that I am on the road much more than most people, I have been in ZERO accidents. I think that feat is reserved for Indian coal walkers and snake charmers. I don't know about you, but in an accident, I'd be a little more concerned about the 3,000 to 6,000 pounds of steel hurtling my way, than a 12 oz cup of coffee. But hey, safety 1st Marcus330i, I appreciate the warm welcome; you read my mind.I'll wait to order my bimmer until you and the rest of the brain trust approve of my ownership.http://fine-trading-knotwork.com/uploads/coby-mp705-2g-user-manual.xml

In the mean time, I'll be the one armed, coffee drinking rebel endangering folks daily out in Northern California--stay off the sidewalks! But I see one main advantage of manual tranny is the extra gas mileage that people seems to be getting, and have posted from the another thread. hmmm.I wonder if using steptronic full time will boost my 22.1 mpg in combined driving?. it would be inetesting to hear from others who have done it But I see one main advantage of manual tranny is the extra gas mileage that people seems to be getting, and have posted from the another thread. hmmm.I wonder if using steptronic full time will boost my 22.1 mpg in combined driving?. it would be inetesting to hear from others who have done it To me, the only reason to purchase a manual transmission would be if you actually enjoy shifting your own gears. Steptronics may give you a little more control than a traditional automatic, but they will never replace the joy of heel-toeing or say, executing a perfect rev-match before entering a turn. I find that I get much worse gas mileage by driving a manual transmission, since it's so much easier to keep the engine in the sweet spot. Currently I'm averaging 15-17 mpg in the city. The manual lets you decelerate using the gears--the automatic requires braking. I love the freedom an automatic provides. There is, however, an RPM limiter to prevent over-revving if you try to take it down too fast, or up too fast for that matter. It's like letting the car drive itself. I've never owned an automatic, and I don't intend on owning one until I'm incapable of shifting on my own--which by that time, may be the time to retire my license. In the mean time, I'll be the one armed, coffee drinking rebel endangering folks daily out in Northern California--stay off the sidewalks! I drink and even eat sometimes in my car and I have a manual. It's an artform.but it can be done.

That said I think the rewards of driving a manual far outweigh the inconvenience of the lunch-while-driving challenge. You might find your habits will change if you get the stick.but your quality of life won't. There are too many downsides of eating in the car: it smells bad, you get french fry salt on the black carpet, errant bits of lettuce turn up months later glued to hard to reach sections of the cockpit.the list goes on. Not to mention ketchup stains on your new shirt. The one thing the Germans have refused to yield on in their vehicles is that picnic table set-up that you find in a Yukon.they just think that eating is for the cafe.not the car. I've driven an automatic my whole life. My BMW is my first manual car. I pickup Starbucks several times a week, and guess what, I have no problem drinking on the way into the office. Most of the time, even in a manual, you aren't shifting gears. You'll shift to get up to speed, then cruise in 4th or 5th. You can pick up your coffee, take a sip or two, and put it back down. Sure maybe you can't hold your cup the entire time - but do you really do that. As for Auto vs Manual: Don't worry about speed difference. The question is, would you enjoy the shifting, the rev matching, that satisfying snick when you upshift while accelerating hard, etc. It's more of a mechanical linkage with your car that provides satisfaction. If that's not important to you, then the automatic is a great choice. It will still handle just as good as every other BMW, and will still be very fast and exciting to drive. Don't worry about little things like drinks, or traffic.There is, however, an RPM limiter to prevent over-revving if you try to take it down too fast, or up too fast for that matter. I think there was a thread on this. Sounds like you are leaning towards the auto.nothing wrong with it. My last vehicle was manual and it was great. It handles great!! No issues whatsoever. I have no particular stats on auto vs manual speeds.

but whatever it is.the auto in sport mode is so much freaking fun. I do not miss the manual at all. I can understand the love and control appeal of the manual.I mean, this is the ultimate driving machine, right. But in my daily living, and my use of this vehicle.it was auto and no regrets!!!!!! Good luck, let us know which way you go. In the discussion on auto vs. Steptronic shifting is OK.but for a guy that enjoys a manual.it'll never quench that thirst. You hear the traffic argument a lot. Gearing is such where there really isn't a whole lot of shifting going on. It is a little more inconvenient.but the joy of shifting a performance car will clearly override this inconvenience. If it doesn't.you should get an auto. Regards, Jeff It is ALOT of fun, but if you overuse it, it wastes alot of gas. Worth it though. However, it is not nearly responsive enough to replace a true manual. For instance, if you decelerating hard and are downshifting at the same time, there is a considerable amount of time you have to wait before the gear actually changes, because of computer calculation time and the simple fact of having a torque converter. On upshifts, mine lags considerably from 1st to 2nd, but after that it's pretty good. I agree that with acceleration from a standstill, there is probably little difference.but there will be a big difference if shifting in and out of corners, particularly downshifting while going into the corner, as others have said. Sometimes, I wish I would have got the manual, but for me, this car is a daily driving, and since I leased it, I sure won't be racing it either. I spend 90% of my driving time in dense traffic, it seems like a manual would be a waste, as is my sports package. I need to steal an RX-8 so I can have a car to race too. It appears that there is not much difference in performance between the auto and manual.

In the mean time, I'll be the one armed, coffee drinking rebel endangering folks daily out in Northern California--stay off the sidewalks! All rights reserved. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. Was thinking, can i make a 330i as fast as a 33oci. I want to stick to automatic engine, i was never a fan of manual. Some people say that manual is faster and you can make oyu car faster on a manual engine.Oh and please be honest, not just because you have a manual say its better than auto etc.Sounds like you prefer sporty, so I'd go with a manual. I think the only way you could make your car faster with a manual engine is to get a lightweight flywheel. I could be mistaken though. Been driving 330ci manual for 4 years.Find bmw wheel style here I don't regret it because it has its advantages, but i would love a manual. I don't think you can be disappointed with either unless the auto blows up on you. And yes, manuals are faster with a good driver because you can always be in the optimal gear. I had a 323I Sedan Manual, then got a 01' 330ci manual. I love the manual and its fun everytime I drive it. Are you asking if you should get a manual 330i and a auto 330ci because the coupe may weigh less making up for a transmission slowing it down. I know you had it reversed I'm just trying to figure out your logic. Manual is always going to be faster then a manual no matter what. Doesn't matter what we say get what you like to drive, just know auto's are more prone to transmission issues. I would also like to note I have no clue if the 4 door out weighs the coupe or not. ZHP NA Build - Search for Expensive Power Been driving 330ci manual for 4 years. Sounds good to hear from someone who drove both, hows the gas.I don't regret it because it has its advantages, but i would love a manual.

And yes, manuals are faster with a good driver because you can always be in the optimal gear.Are you asking if you should get a manual 330i and a auto 330ci because the coupe may weigh less making up for a transmission slowing it down. I would also like to note I have no clue if the 4 door out weighs the coupe or not.THE point of me asking this quesiton is that a group of aorud 25 friends and i are going to start a car group for meets etc, and im going to be the leader, so i want my car to be the example, and i believe if i drive an auto as a car group leader i will be looked down at. Nonetheless, either way im planning to learn manual, but i want to know the differneece between auto and manual 330.Was 2004 X3 3.0 Current 2000 323i I have also owned two BMWs with automatic steptronic. 2001 325i 2005 325i It's not only that a manual car feels faster, which obviously in my 323i I can't care less. Most importantly, for me is the connection, and the driving experience. Traffic will never determine what type of gearbox I choose. GL with your choice. Better performance, better gas mileage, more reliable, and it is a smaller sportier car. It's more fitting. Was 2004 X3 3.0 Current 2000 323i I have also owned two BMWs with automatic steptronic. 2001 325i 2005 325i It's not only that a manual car feels faster, which obviously in my 323i I can't care less. GL with your choice.THE point of me asking this quesiton is that a group of aorud 25 friends and i are going to start a car group for meets etc, and im going to be the leader, so i want my car to be the example, and i believe if i drive an auto as a car group leader i will be looked down at.Right on the lower back.:lmao: So you want your car to be the example. Example of what, exactly?:hmm::eeps: Is this the E46 M3 fuel pump relay. I got it from behind the passenger side trunk panel next to another green relay. I'm thinking the fuel. I know it’s different from e46, but the engine it’s well known in this forum.

The problem is that the car doesn't have the power it should have. Let me explain better, in the first gear up to the limiter. The only thing that usually helps to get the car going again for maybe 5 miles at a time is waiting a few minutes before. Come join the discussion about M performance, turbo kits, engine swaps, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more. I can't find many sources on 330i automatics. So which has faster acceleration? BMW states 7.7 seconds to 100kmh or 62mph Who knows, maybe its a bit faster or maybe a bit slower. Still I am happy. I keep hitting 60 in under 5 seconds. I keep hitting 60 in under 5 seconds. I keep hitting 60 in under 5 seconds. I think its a bit off. I have one too, and am skeptical about the acceleration times. It seems a bit high Just about a year ago (yes, prior to the E90 release) I was able to participate in the BMW-sponsored autocross event here in Atlanta. All the cars were 330s with automatic transmissions. In case anyone asks, yes, I did plop it into 'sport' mode and drove like I stole it. About 3 months after the fact, I took delivery of my 325i with the stick shift.Opinion: straight acceleration between the seems about the same. The 'fun' factor is no contest.It is by far the finest manual I've ever driven (incl.Hope that helps. I think its a bit off. What about from 60-120. I don't know if this has been asked, but do manuals have an advantage when it comes to highway speeds? The dyno data I have seen on this forum suggests only a 20bhp difference at the wheels between a 330i step and a 325 manual. Then factor in the lighter weight and shorter gearing of the 325, it is probably a wash. I am originally from UK where manual transmissin cars are the norm and have got used to autos in the US. I have seen some posts here claiming the acceralation of the 330i automatic is better than the manual, yet all my experience of car specs is that manuals are always around 0.3-0.5 secs quicker.

Anyone have any views. Come forward all you techos. With that said, check out bmw usa's site for the numbers: I am originally from UK where manual transmissin cars are the norm and have got used to autos in the US. Come forward all you techos. He has manual, i have auto. Also me and dencoop are going to match his 325i manual against my 330i auto. We'll see how the auto fares against the manual. Should be interesting. He has manual, i have auto. Should be interesting. Join Date: Sep 2005 He has manual, i have auto. Should be interesting. This depends completely on the driver. This depends completely on the driver. Wouldn't it be nice to see a NASCAR with automatic and cruise control. Do you have a gf or spouse, would they drive the car, and would they like stick. Do you enjoy shifting for yourself, and having a slightly more capable car versus the auto. Manuals are usually a little faster than autos, in 99% of cars. But these days you need a really good driver to get a little better than the autos (in some of the nicer cars such as the 3 which has exceptional manual and automatic trannys). I for one would like to see the same driver race a manual and an automatic simultaneously. Can't be done based on the laws of physics as I understand them; thus my point. If one has two cars racing, thus - presumably - two different drivers, the relative skills of each driver will, given any specific model of car, factor in more than whether or not the model of a given car is a manual or an automatic. I for one would like to see the same driver race a manual and an automatic simultaneously. If one has two cars racing, thus - presumably - two different drivers, the relative skills of each driver will, given any specific model of car, factor in more than whether or not the model of a given car is a manual or an automatic. Then it's just the car. Then it's just the car. I might even weigh in to see how a auto xi fairs. I might even weigh in to see how a auto xi fairs.

My friend just replaced his auto with a manual in his 2001 740i by himself(he has a lift and everything needed). Basically, do you think it would increase the value of the car much or no. I know most people looking for Zhps want a manual one and therefore are likely willing to pay a little more. I just don't want to do all the work if it is going to really hurt me in the long run. Any input is appreciated. Thanks If you want a manual car, sell the auto and get a manual one. I just don't want to do all the work if it is going to really hurt me in the long run. Any input is appreciated. Thanks Unless you are keeping the car for yourself to enjoy, no one looking for a ZHP is going to want one that differs significantly from the original build sheet. A lot of folks who do swaps, whether it's interiors or transmissions are keeping their cars for the long haul. Significant mods like these do not add value regardless of what people are looking for. Sell the auto and buy a manual. A lot of folks who do swaps, whether it's interiors or transmissions are keeping their cars for the long haul. Significant mods like these do not add value regardless of what people are looking for.A lot of folks who do swaps, whether it's interiors or transmissions are keeping their cars for the long haul. Sell the auto and buy a manual. What Dan said here. BMW could have made the Steptronic ZHP an 'also ran'. They put the 3.64 diff with the finned diff cooler in there, and they upgraded the shift programming. I have a 330i ZSP Step and a 330i ZHP Step and the shift program is definitely NOT as aggressive as the ZHP's. What you would think are damn near the same, are not at all. Completely different animals. I would argue that the performance difference between a properly driven Step, and a properly driven manual is really only a factor when you hit the track. AND, the performance difference is a LOT closer than you'd ever expect. I own a manual ZHP as well.

There's no difference in the shift programming in any way, other than a higher red line in the ZHP. The difference you might be experiencing is a ZF vs GM transmission. AND, the performance difference is a LOT closer than you'd ever expect. So now we're getting into 'usage case' differences. Off the line, a manual will always win (with proper technique), and since there's no power difference between the two and the fact that the auto ultimately means the power isn't put down as effectively, it will never catch up once behind unless the manual driver misses a shift. So, in essence, a properly launched manual will always win, potentially by a decent margin depending on driver skill. An improperly launched manual will not win. It definitely is a case of driver skill and scenario, but when compared apples to apples with competent drivers, the manual has a noticeable advantage. With that said, the overall difference will not be night and day (like a 911 version a 325i); the overall result will probably be less than a second apart over the course of a quarter mile. So, it all depends on what you want to use the car for. For auto-x, an auto is unacceptable if you plan on being competitive, because you're giving away valuable time at the start line since you can't get as good of a launch. In ANY other scenario, however, the difference between the two is negligible. In terms of pure shift speed in a scenario where let's say you're on a time attack around the track, the manual is still better because you can shift it faster if you put a little effort into it. It'll be a very small difference, but in a time attack, every millisecond counts. Any street scenario that doesn't involve stop light racing is pretty much a toss-up between the two, and usually gives a nod to the auto in terms of overall drivability.

The autos shift smoother under normal driving conditions, and around town, nobody is going to be speed shifting a manual, so overall around town an auto is peppier if you have a heavy foot. Let's also not forget about how much easier it is to take off at a light while, let's say, making a left. They both have their advantages. For TIMED performance driving, get a manual. For anything else, an auto is just as good. I have driven a Step ZHP and was perfectly fine with its performance, just for point of view. I like the short 2nd gear because it allows for some quicker acceleration. I have not driven a regular 330 automatic, so I can't compare. There's no difference in the shift programming in any way, other than a higher red line in the ZHP. The difference you might be experiencing is a ZF vs GM transmission. I respect your opinion, but mine differs from yours. You likely don't know this, so I'll fill in the blanks. There are 2 different part numbers for the transmission computer. One specifically for ZHP pkg: The final drive is different from every other Steptronic E46 BMW made. Its tolerance to upshift during hard cornering is much higher. Different final drive ratio Different engine red line Different part number Different programming. I tell it to do what when I want it. Therefore, there's no differences between ZHP and zsp. You likely don't know this, so I'll fill in the blanks. Different final drive ratio Different engine red line Different part number Different programming.:respect Thumbs, iPhone, TaT. I tell it to do what when I want it. Therefore, there's no differences between ZHP and zsp.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Odd you say that because I tend to drive a lot more briskly with an automatic. I'm in the dilemma too. I love my step ZHP but always drive in Manual mode. And it's fun.

I'd like to have a 6mt but I fear there's no way for me to sell my well cared for and upgraded ZHP and get into something comparable in 6mt trim. It would def mean coming out of pocket likely 2-4K to switch. Is it worth that ? Not sure. I'm in the dilemma too. Is it worth that ? Not sure. I had a Step ZHP and drove it the same way, never left it in Auto. The best mod I did to it was the Sprint Booster. If you don't have one you should consider it. But, if you drive it everyday, it might be worth it depending on what you are looking for. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk. Comments only please from those who have actually driven both boxes (not necessarily the engines) I've priced up both cars and with a ?2k bigger discount than on the 330i, no SA box (circa ?1600) and no cost for metallic (?645) a 340i manual will cost me around ?1k more! Bear in mind BMW manuals are certainly not the best in the business and clutch judder issues still abound (although admittedly the 3 year warranty would cover that!) Very interested in your responses as can't seem to make a decision on this! I'd take a manual any day over auto. It's just a personal preference, I know the auto will shift quicker but I just really enjoy the stick. Makes me feel that I'm more involved in the experience. I'm not sure how else to quantify it. Just my two cents. I'd take a manual any day over auto. Just my two cents. However, I have driven quite a few of the newer manuals and I must say that I like them a lot. They're very smooth, although they may lack in feel a little bit, but the clutch has never been a complaint in my mind. I've opted for the auto on my two f30's and I currently have the sport auto. I must say that as far as non-dual clutch autos go, the ZF 8 speed is a wonderful transmission. I love how engaging driving a manual is, but living in a place where I'm guaranteed to be stuck in traffic every day I've never been sad about having the sport auto.

Comments only please from those who have actually driven both boxes (not necessarily the engines) I've priced up both cars and with a ?2k bigger discount than on the 330i, no SA box (circa ?1600) and no cost for metallic (?645) a 340i manual will cost me around ?1k more! Bear in mind BMW manuals are certainly not the best in the business and clutch judder issues still abound (although admittedly the 3 year warranty would cover that!) Very interested in your responses as can't seem to make a decision on this! Manual, absolutely no doubt in my mind. Automatic transmission in these cars is superb, it's setup so beautifully with these engines, in my opinion they are as good as it gets with automatic. It's fast and incredibly smooth and gets most out of the engine. That said, it's still not perfect if you truly enjoy driving and feeling of total control over your RPM range. Sure paddle shifters help with this, but I'm talking purely automatic mode here. And even with paddle shifters, to me it feels somewhat artificial, with ever so slight delay. I'm sure it's shifting faster than I do manually, just how it feels to me. In your case you also get 340i for 1K more, I'd say go for it. And really, since they seem to be disappearing at (for me) alarming rate, it's as good time as any to own one. Good luck, you can't really go wrong, just a matter of personal preference. How does rev matching work. I assume when you change down a gear it blips the throttle to keep the revs matched for the lower gear, much how I do it manually using the gas peddle now!? Oh and I get that 340 soundtrack too Regardless of tranny I must say that the 8spd auto is a FANTASTIC box. It's so smooth, fast, and predictable. As a do everything sort of car, I don't miss the manual transmission. That said, I love the manual in my 340. It's smooth, crisp, and feels very tight. The auto rev-match is nice, and I certainly feel more engaged while driving the car.

For long highway hauls, the 6 speed is definitely giving up some MPG to the auto because it revs quite a lot higher. My MT is tiresome in bumper to bumper in nyc and wife cant use it so i ordered an auto, will be keeping the MT for now though as a 2nd. I think the 6mt in the new 3 and 4 series is the best manual I have driven. And then on the engine question everyone (obviously) would have the straight six any day. So I thought it would be really interesting to see who'd give up that 6 pot for sport auto tranny.My MT is tiresome in bumper to bumper in nyc and wife cant use it so i ordered an auto, will be keeping the MT for now though as a 2nd. I couldn't deal with her bringing my baby home with a totally wrecked rim! My MT is tiresome in bumper to bumper in nyc and wife cant use it so i ordered an auto, will be keeping the MT for now though as a 2nd. I couldn't deal with her bringing my baby home with a totally wrecked rim! And then on the engine question everyone (obviously) would have the straight six any day. So I thought it would be really interesting to see who'd give up that 6 pot for sport auto tranny.But honestly, on the weekends and in the evenings when the roads are clearer the free revving inline six and ripping through the gears manually tickles all the right senses But honestly, on the weekends and in the evenings when the roads are clearer the free revving inline six and ripping through the gears manually tickles all the right senses But honestly, on the weekends and in the evenings when the roads are clearer the free revving inline six and ripping through the gears manually tickles all the right senses Driven both and it's an easy choice. Plus the 330 is even slower than the 340. Had some back to back drives in a 335 and S4 with both transmissions and out of those 4 options BMW's auto is the only one I'd definitely not buy. That said, the B58 engine with the manual transmission is an extremely pleasant combination.