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This is a stupid argument. How small does your world have to be before you get offended by how other people choose to shift gears?
My 335i is auto w/ paddles and an Alpina trans flash. It also has full bolt ons, upgraded turbos, and makes over 500hp on pump gas. I did most of these mods as things wore out for less than OEM cost. A manual would be fun, but I'd get an LSD first. It's also great for Atlanta traffic and my wife can drive it when she needs to or wants to. To the guy that listed not driving a manual as a DQ for being a great mother - get a life.
I also have an E30 M3, which is a manual. I bought it because I like it, just like my 335, not to prove I'm a "car guy" on the Internet.
I feel like I'm reading a thread that's in the P&R section...
It seems to have gone that way quickly.. And that's not how I meant it when I started the thread lol. I meant it more as a "the dying art of driving manuals" kind of thing.
Now I think that getting an automatic because your wife "hates" to drive a manual if she has her own car, then it's a BS excuse. Her car is the way she wants it because that's how she wants it, your car shouldn't be an exception. I could understand having a "family car" that's a utility car that's automatic (we have a truck for that, it does all the long distance driving and the family haulings to dinner). There are some times when I just don't feel like driving a manual (usually after the gym or having an extremely long day). Your car should be however you want it, and personally, for me, I'll take a manual.
If I got a second car (here we go) it'd be an automatic because sometimes it's nice getting those extra 10 mins of sleep on the drive to work. But seriously, a lot of old muscle cars are drool-worthy and are automatics. Being into cars isn't about your transmission, it's about liking the experience of owning and working on your car.
I always get the feeling that a lot of the nose-thumbing towards people who choose automatics is by people who feel special and accomplished for being able to use a manual transmission. Being able to do it is far from impressive, though, because plenty of morons who are awful drivers manage. For me it's a subjective preference, can't be bothered to worry about whether someone on the Internet has the same opinion.
OK, to clarify...I do a lot of "officing" from my main vehicle...an automatic, boring, Ford Escape. My wife drives a '95 Volvo 940..also a slushbox. My E30 is in fact, a 5 speed. I've driven a Ferrari 458 with the paddle shifters and...wow. I could get over not having a third pedal if I had that car. Hostetter out /
I always get the feeling that a lot of the nose-thumbing towards people who choose automatics is by people who feel special and accomplished for being able to use a manual transmission. Being able to do it is far from impressive, though, because plenty of morons who are awful drivers manage. For me it's a subjective preference, can't be bothered to worry about whether someone on the Internet has the same opinion.
^This, and the fact that most people are too easily convinced to not do something (buy a manual) by one or two simple drawbacks (traffic on a daily basis can be a grind or whatever). Not saying that manuals don't have their drawbacks, but every time I get a back road or clear stretch of twisties to myself it's worth every single 1-N-1-N-1-N-1 in traffic. This is coming from someone who drove in to DC and then back home to MD 5-6 days a week for 2 years with different manual transmission vehicles.
As an aside, I find that if you drive a manual you are less likely to follow close behind another car in heavy traffic and thus create gaps and "squish" space in traffic. Which seems to let the traffic behind you clear up more rapidly if studies are to be believed and allows you to move steadily forward versus repeated stop and go.
I've only purchased manuals for my daily driver. Yes, I know that auto's can and are quicker now. Yes, driving in traffic with an auto is saweet. But I love being able to short shift in the rain or berating myself when I miss a shift... To each there own but I'll always choose a manual over the auto.
ps-my wife hates when I drive her car and forget it's an auto. I put her head thru the windshield when I hit the brake instead of the clutch on gear changes. :)
Starting to worry me about where the car scene is going..
That statement irks me.
Just like the kids who are 21 and think they are OG's of the local car scene. This shit has been around longer than we have, and it will be around after we are gone. It's ridiculous to feel worried about someone else's choices.
No E30 Club
Originally posted by MrBurgundy
Anyways, mustangs are gay and mini vans are faster than your car, you just have to deal with that.
My 2c is that the driving experience in a properly sorted car (not necessarily the fastest/most powerful) for me is far more enjoyable manually.
When I'm finishing zipping around after a couple hours in the 318 my whole body seems to continue to vibrate, palms sweaty, tense muscles with a tad higher BP..maybe it's just me but I got none of that driving paddled M3.
Paddles are a choice and preference like anything else but imo just isn't applicable (read sporty/performance enhancing) in SO MANY MODELS.
My old Style 5 Thread / My Swap
1991 318IS :bow: 2.5L S14 Swap/BC Coilover suspension/Some new (old) wheels/
IS Skirt-Lip/RG Splitter/M-Technic I Spoiler/Dogleg/3.46 Diff/Euro H4 headlights etc.
1998 528I (Sold) // 2003 540I ///M Sport
I'm surprised when I look in the window of a car and see a stick.
That's what she said ;D
But seriously, I hate all transmissions. Gimmi hoverboard :D
///Monstrosity. (OO≡≡[][]≡≡OO)
Aside from showing yourself to be offensive, lacking experience and ignorant in the ways of business, you're also illiterate and imprudent. Beyond that, your sense of liability is severely impaired.
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