Manual vs Automatic - BMW Forum

Pino · 12-23-2003, 08:01 AM

Im a noob to driving at the moment....im almost about to get my licence. I've never driven nor have i been in a car where someone isdriving MANUAL. It can't be that hard but i was wondering- is it more fun than a pain in the ass or should i just go with Auto. the whole downshift on turns seems like a pain

. How long will u get used to it? thanx!

Cliff · 12-23-2003, 08:24 AM

If you've never driven before, I suggest you practice on automatic and get used to the roads for a while before trying manual. When you feel comfortable with automatic, you can learn manual ... it really isn't that hard but at first it will be. You get used to it pretty fast (it'll take you maybe a week). I prefer manual because you really get the feel of your car and it is fun

Hope that helps you out buddy.

Take care,
Cliff

bigred318 · 12-23-2003, 08:34 AM

i drive an auto right now, and its alright, not the best but alright, my truck is a stick however, (whihc would dominate on my car) haha so i get my share of driving a stick, when i get my 325 it will be a stick too, im getting sick of the auto, cant race, just not as fun

the///man · 12-23-2003, 08:42 AM

an auto is better if you congested traffic in your area and will also give you better resale value. but if your just starting out your going to want to drive a auto. trust me, you wont wont to learn how to drive a manual on a bmw.

El Presidente · 12-23-2003, 10:34 AM

I learned a stick on my bimmer, and it wasn't hard. I'd also been used to riding with my father in his boxter too though. If its possible, you should get a manual. It will be a lot more fun and downshifting on turns isnt a pain in the ass or even required, it just lets you go threw the turn with higher RPMS and accelerate out quicker.

MrM3 · 12-23-2003, 11:07 AM

i learned how to drive on manual e46, and now i have a manual e30. its a very easy concept to learn, and the feel will come to you if you practice. you'd be suprised at how downshifting/revmatching comes naturally without alot of experience, if you have enough confidence

the///man · 12-23-2003, 11:08 AM

it also helps to know what your doing, meaning how it all works. ie what engaging the clutch actually does

Furious · 12-23-2003, 11:41 AM

i learned manual when i was 14 on my old 92' civic. learned auto (hehehe) nearly 4 years later. now i drive both everyday.

honestly depending on what kinda driving you do, id get a manual gearbox. straight out manual is better. its more exciting to drive, the power is always better.

Snowjob · 12-23-2003, 11:45 AM

If your parents have an automatic car that you could drive at least untill you get your license that'd be ideal. The longer you wait before switching to manual the better. I'm 17 and i'm just going over to manual now, my Accord is automatic (used ot be my parents). I HIGHLY advise learning on an automatic, because when you're about to make that left turn at a busy intersection and you and your parents are bugging out because you're not sure what to do, you're going to want to keep the car control as simple as possible. Trust me on that one; learning to drive with your parents is stressful enough. (Note: don't go with your mom)

Then when you have more experience and think you're a perfect driver like me, bring it down to stick. Even driving an automatic you learn a lot of hte fundamentals once you get to know your car ie. when the car kicks down a gear, the pedal positions, rev matching, the works.

ehlpitel · 12-23-2003, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Snowjob@Dec 23 2003, 01:25 PM
If your parents have an automatic car that you could drive at least untill you get your license that'd be ideal. The longer you wait before switching to manual the better. I'm 17 and i'm just going over to manual now, my Accord is automatic (used ot be my parents). I HIGHLY advise learning on an automatic, because when you're about to make that left turn at a busy intersection and you and your parents are bugging out because you're not sure what to do, you're going to want to keep the car control as simple as possible. Trust me on that one; learning to drive with your parents is stressful enough. (Note: don't go with your mom)

Then when you have more experience and think you're a perfect driver like me, bring it down to stick. Even driving an automatic you learn a lot of hte fundamentals once you get to know your car ie. when the car kicks down a gear, the pedal positions, rev matching, the works.

thats bogus, start out w/manual itll make u much better nad more alert driver...auto is the worst

the///man · 12-23-2003, 01:23 PM

those last remind me of the cartoons where the character has a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other

Pino · 12-25-2003, 02:26 PM

hah, ur right.
im comfortable on the road....and i'll have my full licence within the next two weeks.
My choises are...
1| a MANUAL 325ic (with racing chip, halos, rims, etc)
2| a AUTOMATIC 325is (Xplode, fancy sucurity system) (more practical)
-=they are roughly the same price @ 12k=-
*oh, have you ever switched into the wrong gear? It boggles the mind, i cant see where the gears are

used * thanx!

Snowjob · 12-25-2003, 02:39 PM

What are the specs on those two cars? I'm shopping around myself and I would have priced htem a grand or two higher.

I'd get the coupe with the manual, which isn't one of the options. Depends on where you live. I'm in NY where it snows in the winter so I'd feel pretty stupid driving around in a convertible, but that's just me.

e36m52rocks · 12-25-2003, 05:00 PM

Yeah... It does suck in the snow here in NY... too bad our debate got lost snowjob! Oh well, if anyone wants any of the shifting info I posted, just give a holler and i'll repost. Snow - It was a pleasure debating! So happy to finally be in some community where the people know their stuff!