Update: Jalopnik initially reported that the manual options disappear from the BMW online configurator which created a confusion around the lack of manuals for certain models. We apologize for the confusion and hopefully all the bugs in the online guide will be squashed. Feel free to read below a point of view on WHAT IF manuals would go away.
If you haven’t already heard, BMW has just recently announced that it will be killing the manual transmission in the 228i, 328i and 428i. You may now start to mourn.
It is a sad day, now that you can no longer get a row-your-own gearbox in some of BMW’s best models. The eight-speed ZF automatic is the only transmission option available on the aforementioned models. While the ZF auto is very good, with near instantaneous and silent shifts, it still doesn’t provide the engagement of a manual transmission. And that engagement is something that gave the 3 Series a distinct advantage in the enthusiast landscape, as almost all of its competitors have already switched to automatics as their only options.
BMW does have good reason for this, though, as the manually equipped versions of these models were simply not selling enough. The take rate was so low that BMW couldn’t justify keeping the six-speed around any longer. This is generally because the base model versions of the 2, 3 and 4 Series are mostly leased by people who just want the badge on the hood and care about little else. The good news is that the bigger engines cars will maintain the manual gearbox. Though, I feel that they are the least deserving of it.
Related: On The Obsolescence Of Manual Transmission
The ZF eight-speed makes these cars quicker. That’s no secret. So in the bigger 3.0 I6 engine models, where speed and power count most, the automatic is actually quite an advantage. In the M235i I tested recently, I so badly wanted a manual. But that desire went away upon realizing just how fast it was with the automatic. The eight-speed shifted so quickly that it allowed the engine to really open up and deliver endless thrust.
But on smaller four-cylinder cars with less power, engagement is more important than speed because even with the fast shifting auto, the car isn’t going to be all that fast anyway. So the cars that needed a manual transmission the most just lost it. The BMW 228i was one of the last bastions of hope for the enthusiast market, as you could buy a rear-wheel drive BMW coupe with a manual for less that $35,000. No longer, I’m afraid.
I think we all understand the business side of this and why BMW has dumped the manual. After a quick search on Cars.com for new BMW 2 Series models with manual transmissions in the entire United States, I found 26. So despite what enthusiasts might say, these cars simply aren’t selling. It’s no surprise though, this has been a slow burn, as automatics have been taking over the sports car landscape for a while now. We all knew this day was coming, but now that it’s here, it’s kind of sad.
I assume this includes the 320i as well? Speaking of which, any idea why there is no 220i? Maybe they’ll put the B38 in it?
I’m guessing this is just in the US?
Whilst I don’t agree with the attitude that Manual is the default enthusiasts choice, I do think it’s a big shame the choice is being taken away. I loved my Auto Bimmers just as much, more in some cases, than the Manual ones.
Yes, as far as I’ve read, it’s just the US market.
I also agree that enthusiasts don’t always choose manuals as the default (my E36 is automatic), but I would say that almost all enthusiasts would want the choice of their transmission instead if being forced to go auto.
Quote “the base model versions of the 2, 3 and 4 Series are mostly leased by people who just want the badge on the hood and care about little else”
Excuse me, but on what planet are you living? There are enough enthusiasts who may not afford all the M xyz. O.k. in the U.S. BMW are really cheap, fully loaded and come with great warranties, but here in germany we do need entry level (our entry level is 114, 316 by the way and the x28 is ridiculous expensive) and most _private_ buyers do buy a 318d or so. We also don´t get donated with leather, sunroof and other stuff you get for a gift over there. Our cars are empty.
A 320d f.e. is not easy to have for regular Fans. So please, keep that in mind. Not all BMW Fans are rich bimmerpost user.
Btw. I had to save a lot to get a new E60 V8 and spent almost everything on it. This was one in a lifetime next car I can be proud to own a new X28 or X25. Those are 50 US Grand.
I was talking about the US market, as the European markets are keeping the manuals in those cars. So when I said that most entry level BMWs are leased by people who don’t know better, I was referring to the US market’s abundance of people like that.
Can you provide the source for this info? I still see the manual transmission as an option on the order guides for the 228i, 320i, & 328i.
Do you mean for the 2016 models? If so that’s wrong info as I ordered a 228i in manual 6 weeks ago. What is your source?
Yeah this is totally wrong. If you search cars.com or autotrader you can find 2016 328i’s with a manual.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=98102&endYear=2016&modelCode1=328I&sortBy=yearDESC&showcaseOwnerId=620253&startYear=2015&makeCode1=BMW&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&searchRadius=0&showcaseListingId=408242226&mmt=%5BBMW%5B328I%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=407656901&Log=0
We apologize. There was a glitch in the configuration system. Jalopnik picked it and we did too. It has been fixed since.
Most automakers DON’T want to sell manuals no more.That’s why they push their dealers to make customers choose automatic geabox (“get the auto, it’s more efficient, faster and more easy to sell blablabla)
Because in a world where they have to make cars that drinks less gaz and became more eco-friendly at each generation, the auto box is an easy choice to get some more mpg and less co2. And it’s good for their profit too (having to desing the car for only one geabox option…)
Too bad they try to make you believe is they dropped the manuals, it’s because of customers.
“on smaller four-cylinder cars with less power, engagement is more important than speed because even with the fast shifting auto, the car isn’t going to be all that fast anyway” i don’t know why, but i’m laughing very hard at this xD
Even if it’s wrong i’m gonna react anyway. For smaller engines, the ZF does not make a difference because the car is still slow and the fuel consumption doesn’t change that much… But still you have to shift and operate the clutch, we can be painful if you have knee problems and just over time in regular driving it’s annoying for most people.
So i think the auto should be standard, as most people would prefer to drive without having to worry about gear changes and stalling in public. They should keep the manual as a no-cost option, see if it’s still a valuable solution (worldwide), and then act.
Maybe you’re right, but making manuals as an no-cost option will more bury them up, especially written with some little letters on the side xd