[ERudited]

Just ordered a 2015 428i Coupe with the 6-speed manual option, even though I couldn't find one anywhere to test. So, I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with the manual transmission in this car.

Not a fan of an automatic transmission in my "fun" car (Call me old... fashioned, I mean). Still, I'd love to hear thoughts from anyone who has actually driven one with the manual option.

Thanks!

[bobkat09]

I have always been a manual guy myself, having it on every car I have owned. And I still do enjoy driving a manual but I have to say that this will be my last one.

My wife just ordered a 435 GC that has the sport transmission and it's awesome. It shifts extremely quick and downshifts like no other auto I have ever driven.

And with the paddles it is so much quicker than my manual. I have to admit that it is much better than a manual.

[PRODIGAL KING]

i have a manual 435i its ok just feels slow to me oppose to the 8 speed so I'm sure the 428i would be more fun in auto though theres no clutch unless you plan to jb4 and down pipe

[Luongo]

I have a 428i M-sport with a 6 speed manual transmission. It is a blast to drive and I have zero regrets for not choosing an automatic (it wasn't even a consideration for me). The engine noise is surprisingly pleasant with a deep burble especially at higher rpm.

One thing I noticed when going WOT in sport mode is that when I shift up near the redline in the first gear, I don't get that 'being pushed into the the seat' sensation in the second gear. However, if I shift a bit early (like 4,500 rpm) I can feel the car pulling much harder in the second gear. You may want to experiment a bit to find the optimum upshift point.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your 6MT as much as I do.

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by Luongo

The engine noise is surprisingly pleasant with a deep burble especially at higher rpm.

That'd be the ActiveSound module piping synthetic engine noise into the cabin

[DrivenByE30]

If you had BMW manual before, this one should not feel any different from all other BMW manuals...

Go forth confidently


You are either a Manual or Auto.

[AustinPowers007]

I've had my new fully loaded 2014 428i M Sport Coupe with 6MT for 2 1/2 weeks, and I absolutely love it! People can tell you that 0-60 mph acceleration with the automatic is a tenth of a second faster until they're blue in the face, but the reality is there's no substitute for the fun and involvement of a slick-shifting manual transmission. The only downside is when I'm occasionally stuck in stop-and-go traffic, but that's more than offset by the enormous fun factor during most driving conditions.

Here's my configuration:

• 428i Coupe with 6MT
• Alpine White/Venetian Beige
• M Sport Package
• Dynamic Handling Package with Adaptive M Suspension and Variable sport steering
• M Sport Brakes
• Premium Package
• Driver Assistance Package
• Navigation system w/touchpad
• Harman Kardon surround sound
• Heated front seats
• Anti-theft alarm

A photo of my new baby is shown below:

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

If you had BMW manual before, this one should not feel any different from all other BMW manuals...

Go forth confidently


You are either a Manual or Auto.

The manual in my F32 is much smoother than the one in my e92.

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by PRODIGAL KING

i have a manual 435i its ok just feels slow to me oppose to the 8 speed so I'm sure the 428i would be more fun in auto though theres no clutch unless you plan to jb4 and down pipe

I'm not sure I understand this (I got very little sleep last night).. Are you saying the 428i will gain a clutch if it has JB4 and a downpipe?

[S4NoMore]

It took maybe a tad bit more driving to get used to the clutch engagement than I've needed in the past, mainly due to the varying throttle response in each driving mode, but I absolutely love the 6MT in my 328i. The feel is great. I'm another one of those who wouldn't even consider an automatic, it's my daily driver rather than my "fun" car but it's still a joy to drive.

[Saphirschwarz]

I got a 428i manual and it is as good as my e92 was. It is a bmw so it's a bit harder than other cars to "lock" the gear but as soon as you get used to it its perfect.
I've been drivin a boxster s for 2 months and the manual is very similar, it needs a man to gear those things ( j/k)

[PRODIGAL KING]

Originally Posted by Vegetable

I'm not sure I understand this (I got very little sleep last night).. Are you saying the 428i will gain a clutch if it has JB4 and a downpipe?

No I'm saying it's more fun oppose to the manual in this car in particular and that the jb4 and down pipe makes a huge difference I drive a 435i now and I'm not impressed especially with this electrical steering

[ERudited]

Originally Posted by S4NoMore

It took maybe a tad bit more driving to get used to the clutch engagement than I've needed in the past, mainly due to the varying throttle response in each driving mode, but I absolutely love the 6MT in my 328i. The feel is great. I'm another one of those who wouldn't even consider an automatic, it's my daily driver rather than my "fun" car but it's still a joy to drive.

I should rephrase. My "fun" car will be my daily driver. It's fun in that my wife can't drive a manual so,... it's all mine!

I did test drive an automatic. While I liked it, I found my self missing the experience of actually controlling whatever gear I wanted the car to be in. Control freak?? Maybe. But I've not driven an automatic in years. Still, I was a little nervous in making the purchase without first giving the 6-speed a roll. I think I have enough info now to ease my mind.

Thanks for all of the valuable input, guys. I really appreciate it!

[TankerJoe]

I really enjoy my 6MT. Very smooth shift pattern and medium pedal feel. Enjoy!

[Maxdog]

I just got 335 with 6 spd. Had a hemi auto before . This car is so much quicker and fun to shift with nice short throw

[Toybota]

I've had my F30 6MT for a while now and I can definitively say that for daily driving, you will not be disappointed with your transmission choice. The clutch is definitely lighter than the E9x and somewhat easier to modulate. Throw in a clutch stop if you feel like the clutch travel is too long as I did. The throws are a bit long and slightly rubbery (in comparison to the excellent Honda MTs) but is nothing to complain about. If you enjoyed MT in any other car you will not complain about the one in the F30/32. I prefer my F30 MT to the E9x because the clutch isn't as heavy for daily driving and is just as easy to control. Unless you're expecting super short throws and a heavy clutch like in a real performance car, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[the_phew]

Originally Posted by Toybota

I've had my F30 6MT for a while now and I can definitively say that for daily driving, you will not be disappointed with your transmission choice. The clutch is definitely lighter than the E9x and somewhat easier to modulate. Throw in a clutch stop if you feel like the clutch travel is too long as I did. The throws are a bit long and slightly rubbery (in comparison to the excellent Honda MTs) but is nothing to complain about. If you enjoyed MT in any other car you will not complain about the one in the F30/32. I prefer my F30 MT to the E9x because the clutch isn't as heavy for daily driving and is just as easy to control. Unless you're expecting super short throws and a heavy clutch like in a real performance car, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Agreed. I installed the $10 BMS clutch stop in my 320i ZSP, and it makes the clutch just about perfect. The shifter is generally without flaws, although it isn't really exceptional in any way.

Also agree re: Honda manuals. OP, if you've never driven an S2000, don't, as it will ruin your perception of BMW's otherwise great shifter. That Honda manual feels exactly like a high quality bolt-action rifle. Shame Honda doesn't sell any RWD manual cars anymore!

[chazmink]

I traded a 2010 535i automatic for a 2013 328i and am really happy. It feels like I am driving again. If you have driven sticks before you won't be disappointed. The whole time I had my 2010 I never used the manual mode or paddle shifters. Just seemed silly to me. No flames please!

[James550i6spd]

6speed driver here. Had my 335 since Jan '14.

Absolutely no regrets (had E46 before her, and several late 90's Honda during the golden era when Honda was known for its buttery smooth manuals).

I still get excited when I take her out and shift those gears. Still very much in the honeymoon phase as i get withdrawals when I travel out of town and don't get to drive her for more than 2 days

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

If you had BMW manual before, this one should not feel any different from all other BMW manuals...

Go forth confidently


You are either a Manual or Auto.

I think the manual on the F30 is the best shifting of any of the BMWs I've owned or driven.

[tna3]

If you enjoy driving manuals, you won't be dissapointed with this one.
It has great shift feel and 1st gear is just perfect gearing even in traffic. At just 3 mph, you can keep your foot off the clutch. Also I wouldn't get caught up in the which is faster drama, BMW website says auto and manual have equal acceleration times for the 328/428, and if there is any difference its a mute point. The manual is about 50 lbs lighter.

[az8823]

Originally Posted by the_phew

Agreed. I installed the $10 BMS clutch stop in my 320i ZSP, and it makes the clutch just about perfect. The shifter is generally without flaws, although it isn't really exceptional in any way.

Also agree re: Honda manuals. OP, if you've never driven an S2000, don't, as it will ruin your perception of BMW's otherwise great shifter. That Honda manual feels exactly like a high quality bolt-action rifle. Shame Honda doesn't sell any RWD manual cars anymore!

Nailed it on the head. Unfortunately, I owned an S2000 prior to my 335i but I had an automatic MB C350 in between. I was expecting more from BMW as the shifter is very high (IMO) and the throws are long. I'm hoping to find a decent short throw to fix this. But in terms to the S2000...absolutely amazing. Anybody who knows how to drive a manual could hit the gear they want to every time. Though I've only had my car a couple weeks and am trying to get back into the groove of a MT, I'm still finding it not as natural as I hoped for. Still, nothing beats driving a MT if that's your thing. I doubt I'll drive an auto again for awhile.