I've never driven a 5 speed E30...

[federal]

that's it fellas... my 325ic is an automatic, and there's not many e30 overhere. What is the difference about the feeling?
I'm starting a project, i've got a '84 325e (auto). Should i look for a 5 sp. trans to do the swap?

[Farbin Kaiber]

I've never driven an automatic e30. I don't have an answer.

[Mastrcruse]

Driven and owned both and you won't experience the feeling of the car without the 5 spd.

[e30leigh]

e30 manual is a much nicer car than its auto brothers. they are slightly lighter. more enjoyable, easier to controll, they are quicker (i find) and something about them transforms into this true drivers car.

the autos arent called slush boxes for nothing.

[Jaxx_]

e30 manual is a much nicer car than its auto brothers. they are slightly lighter. more enjoyable, easier to controll, they are quicker (i find) and something about them transforms into this true drivers car.

the autos arent called slush boxes for nothing.

autotragic.

[StinkE30]

My first e30 was a minty fresh 1988 325is automatic and it was so boring I sold it for a Datsun 620. I now have a pretty beat up 325ix 5-speed and it is infinitely better to drive just because of the manny tranny.

Go for a 5 speed, you'll love your e30 at least twice as much.

[VinniE30]

that's it fellas... my 325ic is an automatic, and there's not many e30 overhere. What is the difference about the feeling?
I'm starting a project, i've got a '84 325e (auto). Should i look for a 5 sp. trans to do the swap?

You are the 1%

[reelizmpro]

Back when new the automatics were in high demand afterall its a BMW. The 80s yuppie car...I guess their kids are the so called hipsters? It was smooth and considered a preferable luxury vs the manual. Then came the recalls, service bulletins and failures that led everyone to curse them.

[idanity]

im guessing you've never driven any manual...
the
only
time
any auto is better, is when it has paddle shifters.

and thats a very nice car...

[reelizmpro]

Lol I never said auto was better just it had its appeal back in the day. U do know e30 m3s only came in manual right? All of my cars are manual.

I owned an auto 325e and did a 5 speed swap...once I changed the diff, it was like another car. It was much better performance and better mpg in my experience. Less drivetrain loss.

[federal]

thanks guys for the coments... i was expecting something like that.
I have a chance to get an euro m20b25 '89 and a 5 speed getrag 260. I hope i could get the cluster too.

[idanity]

Lol I never said auto was better just it had its appeal back in the day. U do know e30 m3s only came in manual right? All of my cars are manual.
.

my reply wasn't directed at you reel....twas at the op... :)...and your cars are nice too...however, correct me if im wrong, but the mtech2 cabrios were all autos..right ? (w/4.10LSD) ?
so this is not your cabrio right ?

i would (for an 84) do the 'i' swap while doing the 5speed.
etas are torquey, but not rev happy

[federal]

my reply wasn't directed at you reel....twas at the op... :)...and your cars are nice too...however, correct me if im wrong, but the mtech2 cabrios were all autos..right ? (w/4.10LSD) ?
so this is not your cabrio right ?

i would (for an 84) do the 'i' swap while doing the 5speed.
etas are torquey, but not rev happy

My DD is a Toyota Hilux, 5 sp. turbo diesel. But I think for a DD I'd prefer an auto.

My 325ic is not a real MT2 (that came manual only, I think), it's just a appearence package MT2 (alpine edition), auto with 4.10 lsd.

[DaveNorCal]

Nice car!

[MC Hammered]

I bought an automatic 325ic and driving it felt like I was navigating a boat. After two weeks of ownership I swore I'd never own another automatic car again.

Bought a 5sp 325ic and it was night and day how responsive the car is and so much more fun to drive.