Petrolhead Question Time: Are Manuals Always Better? (ft. BMW E39 540i)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@johngregg401]

Do you want to try the E60 2003 545i manual? 😈

[@ouch9326]

rules of driving for low emissions can add layer of fun to the usual idea of driving for fun, usual idea being excitement of escaping danger. after habitual obsession with winning at the game, itll become more exciting than it seems , similar to how people have fun moving characters on a screen in video games. think about it, you speed beyond optimal fuel and rpm according to bsfc chart for your drivetrain (electric cars have similar) if your on downhills or uphills especially before uphills. (more speed per fuel etc). you brake and steer steadily and minimally (even with regenerative braking, for efficiency and longveity). your constantly guesing how much momentum you can preserve even in straight line...even in CVT, normal manual transmission engagement isnt as engaging. for efficient car is, the more every bit of driver performance does make a difference in efficiency. 0 to 60 miler per hour in 2 seconds isnt exciting after soon getting normalized to how easy it is to not be near danger, and the drama is over in only 2 seconds. limited slip differential can help make speeding around a turn more efficient which can make a difference on very downhill uphill situations, and lower tire dust endocrine disrupting carcinogenic microplastic emission (more tire longveity) especially if its ultra smooth like lucid air and koniegsegg saab NEVs dual rear motor. g force meter and inline/decline meter(already used in some offroading like toyota tacoma or land rover range rover, whatever it was) can be used to aid. heads up display, toyota hybrid power gauge

[@jkliao6486]

I find this channel far more relatable than any other car channel on the internet. It doesn't sound like a lesson from someone who's driven all kinds of car and has owned several hundred of them, but rather your neighbor who just likes cars. One of the rare occassions that I think youtube algorithm is actually doing a good job.

[@jkliao6486]

@@Svj63dreamcar That's just your opinion, just like this is my opinion. No one is objectively wrong, so you don't have to find importance in the comment section for the sake of it.

[@MileHighJay]

@@jkliao6486KZbin algorithm is good, it gives you what you seek. Nonetheless I agree, Jay is relatable in his reviews of such cars

[@nicochicobean1395]

jay just doesnt make being well versed in cars annoying and cringey

[@BS-ge4ne]

​@@Svj63dreamcarwhy, in your opinion?

[@cgturbo975]

This exact car that you are reviewing is my old car, it still has my plate on it. Absoultly loved this car and was very sad to see it go when i traded it in for an E46 M3, it has so many features and even the head rests are electric. Glad to see its still on the road and someone else is enjoying it, sounds like someone has changed the exhaust which i like and the gearknob has been changed cos its not an M model just a straight 540i

[@guy8700]

Must be a weird video to watch Probably like seeing an ex with the new partner…”how are things?” lol

[@alangil40]

Not my exact car of course, but I had a 540i sport with 6-speed manual myself. I owned it from 2002 to 2012. Wonderful car.

[@runner3033]

How cool is that! I like the spec it was ordered to - slicktop with the sport comfort seats (or whatever they all called, with the articulated seatback). They weren't an option in North America, 7 series only. We also didn't get the E39 in '96, think BMW wanted to try it out for a year before bringing it to the meat grinder that is the North American market.

[@gairnmclennan5876]

I think there's something to be said for auto but only when it's a torque converter auto. James you really should have bought up the CVT version of an auto. A powerful car that accelerates and you clutch to make the gear change can be uncomfortable for the passengers as the surge forward is interrupted. You mention Mercedes should have manuals I totally agree; so should Audi. The DSG box in a Golf GTI is a superb and fun thing. But the bearing I had to replace in mine a 50 thousand miles was not cheap! Another way more important application an auto makes sense is for a vehicle that tows anything heavy, a horse float, car trailer. And back to the CVT they don't have gears to shift, they are in entry level smaller engined cars with 4 or 3 cylinder engines. They are like having a worn clutch. If you put your foot down at all the revs jump up and not much else happens. They drive from friction of a steel belt running around a cone!! Really weak torque is all that they will transmit to the wheels. Yet most cars these days since early 2000's have them they will last hardly 50000 miles before they expire. You need to change the transfluid at 25000 and it will last just a further 25000. They are not serviceable so expensive to replace the cars suddenly worthless and useless....scrap.

[@PYCCKNN86]

@@runner3033 pretty sure they were available. Friend of mine had a 99 540i 6spd with the same seats.

[@geraint8989]

For gawd’s sake don’t let that E39 see what BMW have been designing since. It doesn’t deserve that.

[@dlevi67]

The E60 isn't that bad, though my E39 535i remains the most beautiful car I've had. Last generation stuff... the least said, the better.

[@yungboicontigo9278]

F90 is gorgeous imo

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

@@dlevi67 it looks awful IMHO, but more importantly has the material quality of a lada

[@aulzhoefer]

How did BMW loose its war so badly.. E39/E46 peak BMW both timeless.

[@dlevi67]

@@alexanderstefanov6474 The E60? No, definitely not.

[@HumbleHonkingEnthusiast]

My weekend cruiser is an automatic v8. It's carefree, effortless power at all times. My daily is manual. It all comes down to personal preference.

[@arthurbates1167]

i’m the other way round lol. love cruising to work in my V8 L322 and bombing around on the weekends in my 2006 boxter s. As you say it’s all personal preference 👍

[@septanos]

First time i see someone whose weekend is an auto and daily is a manual lol

[@nonjajay2944]

What cars do you have?

[@StreetPreacherr]

@@septanos Yeah, that's weird! Not sure what your commute is like, but if I had a car especially for work that would be the automatic since most of the time I'm in stop and go traffic...

[@john1703]

Large engined luxury car - auto. Small high-revving engined (sporty) car - manual.

[@morphyon]

I‘m not saying they are always better… I only say, I want to have a choice

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

I want a choice too. I'll choose between an auto or nothing.

[@psk5746]

Well said

[@gaara4667]

Your preferred choice isn’t selling well so it’s a waste of money to produce.

[@morphyon]

Strictly speaking that perspective does more apply to Europe: I will try to perfect my downshifts as long as I have the opportunity. I want to be involved in driving and not tempted to stare on phone screens

[@user-oi4bj4cv7u]

​@@gaara4667 Makes sense.. Men are a dying breed.. lol

[@igorkratka]

So many bots in comments with pictures of women. .....They appear like mushrooms after rain when you upload a new video. Anyway, always pleasure to watch your content, Jay!

[@daveblock4061]

As Gordon Murray espouses; Numbers mean nothing, it is all about the driving experience.

[@negrusz]

yep. i have a 28i m sport with a manual (5spd) since 2008 and actually its give u a better driving experience then a 40i. why is that? because its only ~1500 kg vs ~1650 (-/+40kg according to extras, equipment) and u got better steering system so the agility its better. of course the 0-100 its better with 40i but that is all. :)

[@moneyshifters]

@@negruszyes rack and pinion vs steering box. The rack and pinions are great.

[@snailnda]

exactly what a mx5 guy would say 🤝

[@rafallo1333]

​@@snailnda As an MX5 die hard enthusiast I approve this message

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

The E38 740i was also available with a 6sp manual, those cars are super rare and expensive now, I'm still kicking myself for not buying a minter in Germany several years ago, it even had velour upholstery

[@jamesonslow]

Here's one for you. Automatic RX-8... sacrilege! Particularly when the 6sp manual option is one of finest shifts around.

[@citrusjuicebox]

The 4AT before 2006 was an absolutely disaster. They should've never sold it and kept the car manual-only until the 6AT for the NC was ready. The 6AT works pretty well, but the 4AT in auto mode basically lugs the engine to death.

[@ReplicantBattyman]

Auto 350z as well. Why would you ever buy one??

[@ResevoirGod]

Certainly not better when I have sprained my ankle

[@asdasd01]

on which leg?

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

Or if you're an amputee

[@LevyHappyClapper]

push through the pain man

[@gilesl]

I had a manual e28 535i and it really made the car come alive

[@SpeedIng80]

I loved the 535i. My uncle had one back in the day when I was I child, in white, cloth sports seats, sun roof, no air conditioning, no catalytic converters. It was a beast, the first car that made me feel pushed into the seat during full acceleration. My dad had a 528i, dolphin grey with beige cloth interior, manual as well. Very fast compared to most other cars, but the 535i was in another league.

[@nkhalmizahar]

Wow, e28 535i the beginning of M5.

[@Redmongoose-rdm]

Yes, for me manual is always best. Over 2 decades of driving, in snow, ice, rain, fog, 80km long traffic and even after trying a 911 gt3 with a PDK. My answer is still yes, manual is always best.

[@bmwman1981]

No disagree modern autos are far superior to any manual now but most manual bmws and Mercedes drive horrid old Mercedes manuals were not pleasant at all

[@maximravinet9950]

​@@bmwman1981a bad manual is still more fun and engaging than a good auto. I drive the shittiest of manuals (2019 bmw 116d) to work the whole week and regularly get into a pdk panamera. There's no way I'm speccing anything with an auto, ever

[@bmwman1981]

@@maximravinet9950 no manual gearboxes are ok in a classic car from when autos were bad but I would never spec a car with a manual gearbox ever as they are so much better then 1960s technology which a manual gearbox is as they really haven’t advanced since then where autos have improved in light years

[@bmwman1981]

@@maximravinet9950 disagree I’d rather drive a average auto box car over a bad manual

[@petec2583]

I had a 1998 E39 540i auto until just recently. The auto box was perfect for cruising tbh and suited the character of the car, only when wanting to press on did it become a bit annoying. Then I had it flashed with the Alpina gearbox software - completely different. More revs, more torque converter lockup, better shifts, earlier downchanges, and manual mode becomes true manual - you can hit the limiter! Transformed the car, a perfect halfway house in my opinion. And if you have the software and a cable, it costs £0 😁

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

Good to know that, I had no idea it was possible. I was always an advocate of manual boxes but for this kind of car, an auto box suits it perfectly. It would be different if it was a 3 series, those with a manual are completely different thing. Also different is a manual Mercedes, it’s a thing that simply doesn’t look right, even though it would transform the behavior of some amg’s.

[@philiphockey7996]

@@petec2583 hi where can I get the software for this I have a e39 540 msport auto which is screaming out for this.

[@Checkyoursix77]

Depending on the type of car. My Porsche is manual and my Jaguar is automatic, perfect!👍

[@johnbambo9036]

Last Friday took delivery of my 2024 Porsche Boxster GTS - Manual. It's a great piece of kit.

[@matspatpc]

I just "upgraded" from a 2005 Z4 2.2i to a 2010 Z4 35is - the latter only available with a DSG box. I've also been riding a motorcycle with up and downshift without the clutch, using an electronic quickshift/blipper system for a few years. So far, I'm seeing the DSG as more or less the same concept, and works for me, with the added "I can just forget the gears" in places where you can't use the extra power of being in 3rd gear doing 3500 rpm or similar. Also completely agree, big engine + automatic is much less bad than (traditional torque converter) on small engines. I've had a few rental cars in USA, that were the small model of car with a basic and small engine, and the gutless thing wouldn't pull the skin off a rice-pudding in first gear, never mind in any of the higher gears. So the only way to get it to "go" at all is to floor it, wait for a second to get into a lower gear, then it slowly picks up speed. On a bigger engine, there's still enough low-down torque that the gas-pedal isn't a on-off switch, you can go a little bit faster without putting the foot to the floor.

[@chrisgriff901]

I'd say it completely depends. I have an e89 Z4 28i in auto. Reasons being is: 1) it's my daily driver and it's far less miserable commuting in horrible British stop start traffic in an auto. 2) I test drove the manual when shopping around and I'm just too tall to deal with lifting off the clutch (most of my tallness is in my legs). It was just too uncomfortable for me to consider a manual as a daily.

[@beautgrainger147]

I like manuals and had an E36 compact sometime ago, so more recently tried a manual 2 series before getting an E38.. also long-legged, I couldn't comfortably use the clutch in the 2 series.. add some electric throttle delight and it was horrible.

[@viriatvsoflvsitania5422]

It's funny that Ferrar, in late 2000's/early 2010s,i stopped offering manual gearboxes and life went on with nobody batting an eye, but years later when Porsche stopped offering the manual, in their 911 GT3 everybody wsent berserk! Different times, different trends...

[@DontPanicDear]

Different markets too! Lots more people own a Porsche as their only performance car. Fun new Porsche cars start at £50,000. That’s almost never the case with Ferrari, as the average owner has seven cars if I remember correctly. If they do fancy manual car, they’ll probably have one as well.

[@brandonsever2576]

Kinda says a lot about Ferrari vs Porsche buyers. Ferrari guys probably don't care how it drives or if the transmission is horrible as long as it's pretty and makes cool noises. Porsche sells mostly "driver's cars" to people that actually give a shit how the car feels. At least thats what it seems like from the outside looking in

[@DontPanicDear]

@@brandonsever2576 Yes and no 🤓 Ferrari marketing the flappy-paddle thing as F1 was a master stroke! It gave people who couldn’t drive manual cars, licence to buy them, without feeling like they had an old man’s wanky slush-box version. “It’s F1 the same as Michael uses at weekends, and is better than that old manual version” Imagine the poor take up a slusher automatic 348 would have had 🤮 Yet the ‘auto’ in the later 355 and latterly 360, became the more popular choice! This only works if the cars get good reviews and the cars retain their credibility and heritage, or their appeal as trinkets would soon wain. Reviewers were unbelievably kind to the F1 box, as nobody wanted a black mark from Ferrari. Honesty only crept in once the cars were older and Maranello had moved on a couple of generations. If anyone had slated the F1, their organisation would be ex-communicated. You could have actually ended your career. Now those are older cars, and (for driving the things) only enthusiasts want them, the manuals are worth WAY more. At the low end….. Porsche pushed auto 911s and called it Tiptronic, which didn’t work anywhere near as well. Everyone knew it was a slusher that had no place in a sports car. To look into the cockpit and spot that old PRND was 🤢 They had to re-brand the DSG for success selling auto cars because they’re ’Better” Then came BMW with “Sports Auto” which non enthusiasts could option, putting them in cars they would never have been able to buy before. These people then did the job, parroting the ‘It’s the better gear box for the enthusiast as it’s faster” mantra. It’s just about selling a very expensive option and convincing people they didn’t need to be ashamed. Then the cars sell in greater numbers and on we go towards the death of the manual. If Ferrari made a manual car now, they could charge pretty much whatever they wanted for the thing. Sorry for the ramble!

[@yungboicontigo9278]

Your typing skills are garbage wth 🤦‍♂️

[@teertaa]

afaik most people who have privilege/permission to buy ferraris are pretty old dudes. Like geriatric range. They are pretty selective about their customers.

[@SWatchik]

Used to be die hard proponent for a manual, but after growing up a bit, having to compromise and get a shared auto car, i have to admit it was a bit misguided. Theres plenty of engagement to be had with a good auto, and i definitely don't miss stop start traffic using a clutch

[@gqh007]

Was daily driving Autos for a while, but daily driving a manual for a few months now. The enjoyment has been worth the suffering in parking lots and traffic so far. This is in the ever congested Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia.

[@maximravinet9950]

The best automatics achieve the incredible feat of not ruining the drive. The pdk goes in this category of "does its job perfectly" but I'd never choose it for my own car. Autos only make sense for absolute boats as they hide the weight a little

[@twoMidnight2Green4649]

left foot braking is kind of fun. Especially when you play a game of trying to make it as smooth as possible.

[@anthonygray333]

For my first 8 years of driving I was manual only. After that, I moved to a major metropolitan area and the daily driver got the slush box. My fun cars were almost exclusively sticks and even today my three toys are manuals. As for muscle car shifters, most of mine had Hurst Competition ones installed either factory or aftermarket. Much improved. My worst shifter in my ownership experience was the one in my 83 Renault Alliance. Every shift was an adventure.

[@davidbee9563]

What a lovely 540i. That colour...so 90's and the better for it. Here in North America, the 540i Sport with the 6M was packaged differently. The speed limiter was increased from 210 to 250kph. I remember driving the 5 auto and being impressed at how fast it was above 80 mph. Curiously, the Z8 was only sold as a manual. Except the Alpina version that had the 540 based engine and gearbox not the M5 engine. The question is relevant today to only a small percentage of enthusiasts. Which is not to imply having an auto makes one not an enthusiast. But the average buyer now is not interested in the driving experience. Having a one geared electric car with self driving option is what they aspire to. Just relax and let the car do all the work...And the manufacturers are happy to supply four wheeled Ipads. And the emission regulations and such conspire against having a third pedal. Remember the days before turbos and paddle shifting autos and AWD when an M car would deliver performance and fun and get decent fuel consumption on the motorway. Your old 130i with a six speed manual would give close to 40mpg . And a new 240i gets about 25 to 30 real world. That's progress. I can't afford or justify owning a car. But have several bicycles. The two that I ride most often are single speed fixed gear. The others have 20 or 22 gears... On the weekend I was out for a 55km ride on a single speed. Which was fine except for when climbing slower than 15kph or descending faster than 45kph. A fun ride anyway but more enjoyable for the parts when coasting downhill at 60kph and spinning uphill at less than 15 with gears. Different tools for different jobs.

[@runner3033]

The Z8 had the S62 engine, for which BMW did not have an auto transmission that could handle the power...which is the reason for the Alpina having the "weaker" M62 in it. Crash, emission and mileage regulations have really backed manufacturers into a corner with regards to cost, styling and choices to the consumer. Law of diminishing returns - we're giving a lot away in trying to squeeze that last 1% out.

[@davidbee9563]

@@runner3033 Part of what I understood James to say was that the character of the car would influence which transmission best suits. The M5 was a performance car that came with 4 doors. But what was the Z8? A sports car or a grand touring convertible? It did not follow the Mercedes SL nor the 911 convertible image but somewhere in between. At the time it was presented as a modern 507. A model which did not sell as many but has been appreciated since.

[@sacleocheaterz]

I find there's just too much traffic on the road these days to fully enjoy a manual. My daily is now an automatic hybrid. The manual is relegated to the early, summer 5am B-roads.

[@stephendavies6949]

Now in my late 50s, I really enjoy the effortlessness of driving a powerful auto V8, for example. I can focus on how driving the car makes me feel, as opposed to the mechanics of making it go & stop.

[@reyeslexus]

Not having M Sport bumper with those M Parallel looks goofy

[@EastsideBodega_]

I also agree with this

[@F3udF1st]

Yes. That BMW sounds exactly like the Buffalo in GTA San Andreas!

[@ca9968]

I was always insistent that manuals were the only way to drive until 2009 when working at an upmarket used car dealership in Johannesburg and I got given a Golf GTi MK6 with the DSG box as my company wheels, it blew me away with just how great it was to drive...since then i`ve only bought two cars that had a manual box and that was a 20 year old E36 M3 German Spec and an E46 M3...even the newer "normal" auto boxes are so so much better than they were back in the day...

[@damienmills293]

Technically, a DSG is a manual gearbox, it is just that the shifting is done by a robot. That is; it has a clutch (or two) Such manual gearboxes have been around for decades, maybe even a century by now. I know for sure that MG had a "pre-select" gearbox in the early 1930's. DSG dual clutch type transmissions are not traditional "autos" with a the soft torque converter and pressure switch valves to change gears. I will note however, that drag racing cars still use this kind of technology.

[@jonfrank2566]

Had a 6 speed E39 M5, 5 speed B10 3.30 and auto B10 V8S. For most the time, the B10V8S was the best - the M5 only came into it's own when you were driving 9/10ths or above. B10 3.3 should have been the best of both worlds with a lighter front and better steering rack but just wasn't. Funnily enough, the gearbox let it down. Really needed that 6th gear on the motorway

[@davidbewick9208]

I've got an S4 that was never offered as a manual and to be honest it's perfect as it is. Modern auto's and DSG's are so good now that manuals will fade away in time. Even HGV's are now mostly auto's and DSG's.

[@richardelford1923]

C36 AMG has been my daily driver for past twelve years. Never get tired of it's inline 6 and five speed auto -always changes at right time, goes from a growl to a howl through gears with brakes, suspension and quick steering box to match. Near perfect match of auto!

[@SamRouns]

That car has a v8 bro, you had that for twelve years and not even the sound hit you? You cant even make shit up

[@Waterguy211]

@@SamRouns I think you're mistaking it for the 63, Richard is referring to the C36 which only came with an I6

[@Coffee_Boss]

@SamRouns there's still time to delete this bro 😂😂😂😂

[@Passionforgermancars]

@@richardelford1923 drove a 96 C36 for 5 years. It was the 4 speed auto. The box wasn't the worst but I wished it to be a manuel

[@k0edby22]

@@richardelford1923 C36 is a very underrated and under appreciated classic. I loved its later variant, the C43 AMG, but the C36 will always have a special place in my heart.

[@institutmorningkiss]

I chose an E34 540i auto. Really happy with the choice... but only because I have other manual cars ;)

[@Wargasm54]

I love manuals. Owned quite a few. But I’m not a “stick or die” kinda guy. Doesn’t matter all that much as long as it’s gotta a good transmission. I’m cool with paddle shifters, slapstick, 5 gear stick, 6 gear stick….i just don’t really care as long as the car goes like it should. When I was younger (20’s-30’s) I often went for the 3 pedals. But modern sports car transmissions are ridiculously good. So I’m not gonna fuss about not having a stick. If I want a manual, there are still plenty of them to be had. But the older I get, the more I am ok with an automatic. Living in a hilly town and dealing with bumper to bumper traffic doesn’t really do much for spirited driving with a stick anyways. Give me a nice twisty country road and of course I’d love a stick. But those times don’t present themselves that often in real life. So I’m fine driving whatever. As long as it goes fast when I want it to.

[@bigsiv]

Is this two 540i videos in the span of a few months?! Thank you Jay, from a 540i owner. Much appreciated 💯

[@tmsthailand]

I live in Thailand and have bought and sold many cars. It's really tough to sell a manual and they tend to command cheaper prices as the vast majority of the population only want automatic gears. I like a manual, but it does not make sense to buy one. However, I run a Nissan March Sport 1.2 manual for fun stuff, then a Ford Everest Sport Automatic for longer journeys and/or a work trip.

[@King-jh4ny]

here is my story. used to drive mercedes sl500 r230 v8 5l with 7g tronic. gearbox is sluggish, yet it's versatile comfortable in city driving and with manual mode for curvy roads. bought boxster 718 base this year with a manual. i absolutely love it. driving it with roof down, i can hear mechanical creaks it makes when i switch gears, shift knob makes pleasuring clicking sound and it lays perfectly in my hand. i also love hill assistant when it works, haha. it took me some weeks after mercedes to get my reflexes back, though. i am not against automatic transmissions, and i do realise that with pdk the car would be much faster and fuel efficient, but i personally will opt for manual where and when it's possible. Haven't taken it on a track yet, but sure I will.

[@christersundin773]

Brilliant video! When I drive small/ish sport/y cars, I definitely prefer a manual but in a larger car with a larger engine, a slush box can be surprisingly nice! The E39 540iA has a "sport" mode that only shifts up if I reach the redline or if I lift off. If I want to shift up before the redline, I lift off for a split second, then floor it again. A reasonable emulation of a manual, I'd say (and it has a "manual" mode, too). For relaxed driving or in heavy city traffic, the standard auto mode is perfect

[@steadfastandyx4947]

I drove one of these in auto and, for a while and fun, as a manual sequential. It was incredible. I bought a 530d touring E61 auto and using it in sequential was again wonderful. I didn't do it often because it was so good in auto.

[@christianfleisch2357]

I always thought manual transmissions to be more enjoyable when on empty roads, but my daily driver is automatic because it is so much more comfortable in stop&go traffic.

[@sepocon]

Have driven plenty of both and enjoyed driving them. Pros and cons for both. With modern adaptive cruise control an auto is very handy.

[@analogdriven]

I love the 540i content! 97 540i 6 speed owner. I've come to learn that the 96-98 years for the 540i are a mashup of all sorts. All 6 speeds received the sport package but this predates the M5 so there were no M-tech bumpers. But regardless of the odd looks with the regular bumpers which were designed to compliment 15" standard rims, all manual 540i's had the sport suspension upgrade and had upgraded 17" Split BBS alloy rims. I have to admit though, this M-par wheel w/standard trim looks off to my eyes. The M-pars on the E39 really need the M-tech bumpers.

[@johnboyairey]

I drive a similar model… I have a 1996 bmw 840ci. Same e39 engine, Built as an auto, but now converted to manual. The difference is night and day. The 840 is geared wrong for town driving, the 5 speed auto works, but the diff ratio at 2.93-1 means it’s always sitting low in the revs, and in kick down you can’t really steer the car off the straight and narrow without huge risk. So when my gearbox died, it was an opportunity. In came the 6 speed, and an extra pedal. The most amazing thing was the weight of the old gearbox, being 10 stones heavier on the bathroom scales than the manual box, without the auto box oil. Driving it I found the gears to be too long, so a better m3 diff was sought, and at 3.64 it drove like a scolded cat, and the free revving engine saw a massive difference as higher revs means some serious spread of power, which wasn’t there before. For an over square v8 it was a poor choice to lump in a slush box, and a autobahn gearing. Now with the reality of absence of a hidden child passenger in weight, better Lsd diff, and gearing, its a true GT car. For an older guy it still makes me grin in retirement, I never tire of the drive and effortless sense of connection with the pedals. There are faster cars, they can frighten you, they frighten you wallet too. Long live the manuals!

[@stephendavies6949]

Hello James, I've just listened to this piece for the 2nd time, whilst sunbathing in Santorini, and appreciate even more the balanced nature of your excllent presentation. In summary, the selection of a gearbox type is a mix of personal choice and type / character of a given car. My 5 speed auto 4.2 XK8 would not suit a manual 'box, whilst my auto SLK definitely would. Personally, as I reach my 60th year, autos are more attractive. They give me the opportunity to appreciate/feel the car, rather than spending time and effort dealing with the mechanics of changing gear.

[@JoshuaKoerner]

When we got my Boxster, I wanted to go manual, but I never properly learned, and while I could do and it would be fun, one of the things I wanted to do with it was go on road trips with the better half. She'll go on the adventure with me, have a good time, but didn't want to have to learn to drive manual to be able to give me a break sometimes. Fair enough. Went with the Tiptronic. It's a great car. Love it. For most things, it's super. I miss the 6th gear on the longer highway drives. As I'm sim racing plenty, and wanting to get into some level of fun, if not performance, driving, it doesn't make a ton of sense to me to go have the manual car fun if I can get one more fun car before we have to start seriously considering an EV or a PHEV. And I do a lot of city driving, as a proportion of my total driving.

[@jonathangillbanks3891]

Good and objective piece James, Have to agree with the F1 box on the MC Stradale - Im a died in the wool manual/ stick shift guy but have to admit that the Maser box is also engagingly mechanical despite the automated clutch. You have to remember though that it is still a manual box per se as opposed to a torque converter hence you do feel some level of physical response and interaction. Ive tried the Maser with auto boxes and they just had a completely dead feel - that said, some manufacturers have really managed to get it right. Aston DB9's are old 6 speed autos but somehow it feels pretty dynamic when shifting them manually. Jaguar on the other hand, give zero feel even with the outstanding and ubiquitous ZF 8 speed and a reason that has kept me away from their V8 F types (and XKRS which is otherwise a fabulous thing)

[@McGrory69]

Once were all forced to buy two ton glorified milk floats there will be no manuals.

[@omegadomega]

I get what you mean, but seriously still comparing modern EVs to milk floats? seriously?

[@yOnKiNaToR]

I just turned 40, and have NEVER owned an automatic; and I live in the US. Its getting harder and harder to continue this. I'm basically in a continual restoration mode of my old cars since nothing new is manual. I feel like a horse rider living right after the model T was invented.

[@malcholden5357]

The 4 speed gearbox in my first car, a MK3 Cortina and third car a Ford Sierra were excellent. I always praised them compared to the later Japanese manuals. So I guess today they’re just worn today

[@varshapatel4537]

Love your content man, all these other channels just review based on numbers or how fast something is and it’s all fast fashion nowadays. True petrolheads want that control or else your just pushing a pedal and where’s the fun in that. Obviously luxury cars don’t need this but the essence cars broadly has been taken away today. Please keep up the reviews amazing content

[@jamesardrey1069]

manuals are fun in light, fast cars and on A-roads and twisty bits. Any other time, auto is far superior.

[@print-master]

yup

[@TrueFilter]

Exactly and 90% of driving is usually the latter.

[@TimSlee1]

Manual for sporty, manual for luxury and semi-automatic for supers.

[@sebastienturner2]

After 20 plus years of almost exclusive manual driving, I decided that for my next car, I needed to give the left leg a rest. Daily commute, often in jams, plus just a few short years 'til the big five oh, time to be kind to myself. So I got a 12 yr old Jag XF sportbrake. The commute is now a pleasure, and have just spent the summer hols getting some serious touring in. I' m in wafting heavan

[@Planetary13]

Keep in mind that some old shifters wear out if they have bushings. I went from missing shifts to enjoying my setup buy replacing the worn out bushings/ball & cup, they're are often upgrades for those as well. I like your take!

[@harrytomlucy]

Great video Jay, I totally agree with you and fab again to see you in the E39 :). I myself own 2 x 2003 E39''s (525i m sport and 525d SE) and both are autos, they drive great and love the auto boxes on them. The missus on the other hand has a 2012 E88 125i cab (3 litre straight six) and it's a manual, if that was an auto it would just not suite as the manual box is spot on. Look forward to the next video.

[@kleinbottled79]

"Good gearboxs come in all shapes and forms" An excellent point. I love my manuals but I'll take a good DCT over a crap manual. Even a good torque converted automatic can be better than the worst manuals.

[@FergalCummins]

Excellent video, Jay. You always make mighty content that is very enjoyable. Well done. Keep it up.

[@alangil40]

When you are driving spiritedly like on the weekend, either transmission can be fun. But 90% of time people are not driving spiritedly, they are just commuting. And it is exactly during this boring commute that a manual keeps you engaged. So, for me the value of a manual is when I am driving slowly and I still have something to do to keep me involved and entertained. When canyon carving again either transmission can be good because the overall experience of driving quickly is providing engagement. I think a lot of people get this backwards. For me I have a manual daily and an auto daily and an EV daily (depending on my mood or cargo needs and the latter two shared with my spouse), plus a manual weekender.

[@Sandy-oy2lr]

I have a Z06 Corvette that didn't have an automatic option. It's the latest version with a Tremec TR6060 trans. The shift action is pure magic. Like a well oiled rifle bolt, as is sometimes said. Wouldn't have it any other way. I also have a 2017 Mazda3 2.5L manual. It's decent. Scratches in 2nd when rushed. But, otherwise, for a cable FWD, it's not too bad and I'd still have it over the auto. Though I've heard the auto version is very good. One of the best was my 1992 Nissan Sentra SE-R. It had a rod/spherical bearing setup. This combined with synthetic tranny oil, the shift feel quality was right up there with the TR6060.

[@dennisnichols2411]

I have studied numerous semi-automatic and automatic transmissions largely out of curiosity. so here are a couple of things that came to mind while I watched your video. An automatic box will always be one gear down from the manual transmission version due to the fact that they have torque converters. The torque converter by nature of its operation eliminates the need for a low first gear. The torque converter multiplies the torque through what is the equivalent of the first 2 ratios of a manual. This idea came to me when I was studying the Volkswagen Beetle's "Automatic Stickshift" from the 1960s.This transmission was basically a second generation Saxomat but instead of having the cumbersome lever operated automatic clutch, it replaced all that with a torque converter at the front. The second third and fourth gear ratios in the Automatic Stickshift were identical to the ratios in the Beetle's four speed manual. So the shifter has three positions on the Automatic Stickshift gear selector L, D1, and D2. D1 was for urban driving up to 50 mph and D2 was made for highway driving kicking in the VW's overdrive top for anything above 50 mph It's true that drag racers do use an automatic transmission, These are usually two speed heavily modified Chevrolet Powerglides. Drag racers never self shift though, you do have to move the lever from the low gear to the high after you take off from a launch. Take off in low and then when the revs are right you slap shift up into the high gear. The old Powerglides were pretty easy to modify this way. You can buy new ones set up strictly for the slap shifting of drag racing.

[@imkirbo3094]

That's definately true of older autos, newer ones however do still have a tiny 1st gear for some reason. ZF's popular 8 speed usually sets off in 2nd gear, and 1st only gets you to about 15mph. Not sure the reason for that mind.

[@martinsv9183]

Partly true.. Yes its possible to start in 2:nd gear with an auto without problems. But its still then going to accelerate about the same as in a manual 2:nd gear... Not going to be any faster after you actually start rolling and get some rpm on the engine. MB had 2:nd gear start on all their models for a period. Worked fine. At least on the bigger engines. But it would still downshift to 1:st if you were heavy enough on the throttle. In the w211 you got the option to select if you wanted 1:st or 2:nd gear start with the S/C button. 2:nd gives a much smoother drive in the city.

[@ouch9326]

i wonder why toyota hybrid gotfirst gear on their non hybrid CVT when their hybrid CVT already built to not rely on battery in case battery charge is low

[@fondu-design]

Had a MkII Escort with the shifter going straight down into the guts of the 'box; yes, the centre-springing was ....well I'm not sure they even put any in. But it was only a four speed with a lockout reverse, so it wasn't hard to find your way around. And the mechanical feel of slotting gears and shafts was unspoilt by relays and cables. It was a lovely thing. Stick fell easily to hand (as opposed to the Geminis of my mates (and Mum's Morris Minor) where the gear lever felt like it came out of the firewall) and was relatively short right out of the box.

[@adams7405]

I have owned and driven hundreds of cars and to this day the best gear change was in an Escort mk2...no linkage just sits straight over the box

[@dj_paultuk7052]

I have an old 90's manual car and its so much fun to drive and use. But for outright performance, a modern DCT has it. I had a 2016 Merc A45 with the AMG Speedshift DCT and that thing was just a joy.

[@StevieeG]

I drove a V6S F-Type with the 8 speed ZF around Bologna a few years back and it made me realise where the strengths of an auto can lie in a performance car.

[@deelarso3766]

Sold my E39 535i manual of 5 years (converted from auto to 6 speed) earlier this year. It was so much better with the short shift kit, the 420g gearbox is not a particularly good example of a driver's manual gearbox, heavy, notchy and long throw - it was the same in my E46 M3 manual. I still don't think I would fancy the auto, it's too slow and clunky and makes the already bad mpg even worse. Back box delete and short shift kit made it easier to live with and you could dance down the gears and make it sound really good with heel and toe shifting. It wasn't a fast car but it made driving it harder a lot more rewarding and could still be relaxing due to the VERY long gearing (I retained the auto 2.93 final drive). An auto you would only ever want to roll around gently in, but that's fine too. For anyone considering one, buy a pre-facelift/pre vanos if you want to have the best sound by only bypassing the rear box (cheap), the later ones have two sets of cats and the sound is far more stifled even with full cat-back exhausts

[@renesaxer5828]

I got an E34 518i with the 4-speed auto. I have no issues with it. I see myself as an enthusiast, but I'm not a sporty driver and if you think about it... My car has like 115 HP and not much torque, while I still want a comfortable drive... Why would I bother with having to work for my speed? While the auto is really quite jerky at times and very lazy when it's cold, it at least gives me the ability to lock it into a gear or just floor it, if I really need some pace. I bet the lack of torque together with slow traffic would be extremely annoying over extended periods of time. So in that regard, I do value the old thing. It suits the car and the way I like driving. I guess that's also why the first owner ticked that option when ordering the car.

[@renesaxer5828]

@richardharrold9736 I'd almost bet a 518 with some nice specs would be the same price as the a 520 without most of the fancy stuff (when they were new, of course). I'd guess if you only cared about the car as a whole and not outright speed, it doesn't matter too much. I personally got it because German car insurance and taxes are ridiculous and a 518 is kind of the sweetspot for a Beamer of that age, where you can still run it on a budget without having to sacrifice luxury or quality by buying something else. Also, nobody cares about a 518 in the first place, so they're a bit cheaper to buy. So I get climate control, electric windows, a nice paint job, fancy wood trim, a sun roof, an autobox and don't have to sell my youthful soul to be able to enjoy an older executive saloon as my daily. I don't know, if that justifies it, but I don't care. It's my first own car and the nicest I've driven yet^^

[@renesaxer5828]

@richardharrold9736 It just comes down to priorities I guess. I would've liked the 2 litre, but the benefit doesn't justify the premium in terms of insurance and tax for me. I do think the 1,8 is a much better engine than one would give it credit for. It's the part of the car I'm the least worried about, along with with the gearbox. Surprisingly, I actually have now coolant issues, like many a used BMW xD

[@renesaxer5828]

@richardharrold9736 I totally get it, but for my preferences and the budget I have, it's more than enough. I still get to experience one of BMW's best cars and get where I need to be in comfort with acceptable fuel costs.

[@renesaxer5828]

@richardharrold9736 Well, I got an auto. Not sure if it'd be that much more economical. Gonna be a bit too mich either way, but fuel prices are fine. Insurance is definitely better this way

[@mad-FrenchS203]

I've never thought about having an auto but I begin to change my mind. Between slow city driving and the fact that my leg got broken in 3 places, yeah, it gets me thinking

[@bluesman5283]

In the past until fairly recent times I was completely convinced that a good manual gearbox is always better than even the best automatic one imaginable. Automatic gearboxes never shifted according to my needs, there were always situations where it felt quite odd and it really strangled the driving experience of a decent engine. That changed for me when the magnificent ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox came out which is now more or less an industry standard used by BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Maserati up to the late Dodge Challenger V8 versions and others. It shifts much more precisely and chooses the right gear for every driving situation, mostly better and much faster than I'm able with a manual gearbox (possibly my fault). For the remaining time of the ICE I will not look back to manuals, actually this ZF 8-speed I would like to drive for the rest of my life and I wouldn't miss anything.

[@briand1060]

Let me sum it up: Manual transmissions can be way more fun, but it never sucks to drive a good auto.

[@johnrayner3940]

Always been a manual man and, in my heart of hearts, I always will be. Earlier this year, I wanted to get back into a 130i, a car I owned several years ago. Thought I'd left it too late, and they were too old to be sensible daily runners. Then I saw a 2008 Japanese import, which retained hydraulic steering after the facelift, with only 10,000 miles. Saw my chance and took it. But... it was an automatic. How am I finding it after my previous manual 130i? Honestly, although I'd still have a manual given the choice, it's better than I thought it was going to be. If I put it in sport mode and then select gears manually, unlike some other tiptronics, it holds the gear I put it in, indefinitely, until I voluntarily change gear. Plus, in sport manual mode, it has direct lock up with no torque converter slip at all. A pleasant surprise, and not what I expected at all. In fact, I've had to ask myself, what does it actually lack (when in sport manual mode) that only a manual could deliver? I had to rack my brains for this one. But, the only thing I can think of, is you can't suddenly disengage the engine by pressing the clutch like you can in a manual. Other than that, if you put in sport manual mode it very closely resembles a manual, and if you leave it in drive, it's an effortless luxury long distance cruiser.

[@deramon1000]

Fiat actually dabbled with a manual/auto mixed gearbox way back when they were making the Alfa Romeo 8C. There's a concept car in their museum in Milano that had it. Sadly it was never offered

[@BMWEiMSport]

“always” being the key word then the answer is “no”. As a personal preference I like my cars manual.

[@Project40Cars]

These days Modern autos are so good that for day to day they are the better option for me, for a “sports car” manual shifting is more engaging but a double clutch auto will shift far faster (and far better than I ever could with a manual). I’m also old, so manual gears are slog sometimes 😂

[@sayanpal9491]

Great discussion on Manual vs automatics. Wondering if you should make a video on how to have fun driving an automatic or how to properly use the paddle shifters for a sporty driving experience.

[@stevenbusk539]

It completely depends on the size and type of car, the engine, and the shift quality and performance of both the manual and automatic transmissions that are available in the vehicle in question. An automatic Lotus Elise would be horrific and useless, but a manual Range Rover sport, Lexus LS400 or Jaguar XJR would be just as pointless. You need a fast and slick close ratio manual gearbox in a high revving nasp hatchback like a Honda CTR or Renault Clio 182. Also proper 4x4 off roaders are also sometimes better and more effective in certain conditions with an automatic transmission than with a manual. Id also say that most cars with modern DI turbo petrol engines that don't really rev, but have these 1500-4500 torque and power bands, well thats what DSG gearboxs were ideally made for!

[@samulis8275]

Answer is a 8HP. Specially easy swap for BMW, all you really need is CANformance TCU and list of BMW parts.

[@318iSpoons]

I swore that I would never own an auto as recently as 2020 because I loved the interactive feel. But then I got to drive a dual-clutch auto (Porsche PDK) which was eye-opening: nicer to make forward progress without unsettling the car (even changing gear mid-corner!). Then you put it full auto mode if you just want to cruise around. They really are two gearboxes in one👍

[@benzinapaul7416]

Older manual you have driven have probably suffered from stretched cables, worn out joints in the mechanisms etc. Not saying they weren't vague when new but so many survivors would benefit from new linkages, cables etc

[@bmwman1981]

Old Mercedes manuals have always been dogs even when new better in auto

[@benzinapaul7416]

@@bmwman1981 this won't go down well but I bought a new E46 M3 manual and thought the gearchange was awful. Clunky, slow and almost too mechanical in feel.

[@546268]

Driving an auto is like having your mum in the back seat telling you what gear you should be in. They are universally frustrating. Only time I appreciated it was, as you said, when I lived in London.

[@christinahamiltonracing]

I like a good dual clutch transmission as a compromise. In my 2016 Cayman S the PDK feels great as long as the “auto start / stop” is disabled to prevent the PDK from using “coast mode”.

[@patrick-ml9rs]

I always swore I would never switch from manual. I now have an Alpina D4 (yes, diesel - Satan's fuel - performance diesels could be the subject of another good vid!) with an 8 speed auto box and can't for the life of me think how I would ever go back to manual. With flappy paddles/Alpina buttons I have just as much engine control as I ever did in my old manuals. Enjoyed it hugely on the Transfagarashan (as in the Top Gear Romania special) recently. Huge smile on my face throughout.

[@virangaabeywickrema3901]

I commute in a flat 6 Subaru wagon with a manual, and our weekend car is an F10 BMW 5er with the I6 and 8speed ZF. The auto is a necessity so my wife can drive it, but even the great ZF 8 speed isnt as good at regular urban driving than the manual under its normal shift program. Its often caught out in the wrong gear, or not delivering throttle response when I need it as it strives for efficiency. Conversely when hooning through our hillside roads the ZF is outstanding in sport mode, the shifts are faster than I could to them, and its always in the perfect gear. Very counterintuitive I know, but a manual would actually make me enjoy the F10 more for regular urban driving.

[@dwn2634]

Love an auto in the right car. Recently owned a 2004 gen 2 CRV for tip duties and it had a column auto gear selector. The feeling every time I got in that thing that I was headed out onto Route 66 (in reality the A21), was amazing. Slow but oh so characterful and oh so easy in stop start traffic. Would buy an E39 5er auto 6 or 8 pot in a heartbeat over a manual car.

[@simonbanks3112]

Drove manuals for 33 years, the last one being an e39 M5. Changed to an AMG so forced to go auto...and not sure I'd ever go back. Paddles for when I want to play, or just bung it in D and go, for ease/convenience for when I just need to travel

[@nevian]

I have an ‘86 Audi 100 and the reverse is; push stick down, to the right, and then pull it into the back seat.

[@neblolthecarnerd]

As someone who has basically grown up with paddle shifters being a thing in top end cars my entire life (05 kid) I quite like the idea of one. The ability to control the gears but without the worry of messing up the clutch and ruining the engine when focusing on other aspects of driving appeals to me. I don't think I would like a regular auto though. Currently I only have experience driving manual.

[@iboswell]

One of the nice things about Autos is that you can left foot brake. Some will say that's terrible etc but if you've ever raced karts etc then you have no option and just learn the subtlety necessary. I realise you can left foot break in a manual but that's way harder and always seemed to be the domain of older turbo rally cars and drivers called stig/hannu etc

[@simonelliott5956]

I’ve always preferred a manual for the experience of doing it yourself, but because I do a lot of town driving or spend time sat in the traffic on the motorway, I’d much rather buy an automatic. That said the PDK on my 911 (991.1) is brilliant in every sense. It’s intuitive when in auto and generally has a much better idea of when to shift that most people do! It’s also very quick when in manual mode and down right lightning fast in sport plus mode with a fabulous kick in the pants too. I’ve used it on track and on the road and it’s never one to catch you out.

[@AristotelisMelas]

I used to be prejudiced against automatics, especially slushboxes. Last year I was in the market for a Z4 3.0si roadster and, living in a small country, there were only 2 examples for sale. One was almost pristine, with 130k kms, but had the zf 6spd slushbox. The other was a manual, but had double the mileage and was in such terrible shape that after fixing only the critical stuff on it I'd have paid more than the other one and still end up with a 260k km example that still needed work. So I got the auto, expecting it to ruin the car. It didn't, it's actually great. Competent and smooth around town, fast and dramatic when giving it the beans. Got an xhp tune to hold the gear at redline and feel more connected and it's almost perfect. Would I swap it for a manual if I had the chance? Only if I was planning to supercharge the car.

[@iancharlton678]

I drive and have owned/driven a dizzying array of engines and boxes on both 4 and 2 wheels…….. I currently have a LHD column manual - Trabant, Auto slush XC90 D5, DSG TD Yeti, Auto Slush 280GES……….. LHD manual 16 speed Unimog !! and a 996 Tiptronic turbo coupe…….. I’m standing still awaiting being shot down 🙂 I looked for the tip coupe, being old, but still driving like a car thief…… the MB five speed changes quite quick enough, the car is brutally fast - and quick enough to feel better with both hands holding the wheel. The Tiptronic buttons aren’t the best option, but act quickly enough - although I may go for the paddle conversion. When, at 60, my left knee takes a day off, I still manage to set off my heart rate alarm 🥳 My DSG is snappy, as far as a 4x4 box and paraffin stove allows……… the XC90 is fairly leisurely, but does a wonderful job. Living near the M25 and the crowded South East, most of the time an auto is a God send for the stop start malaise……… even our IVECO 7500kg trucks are robotised manuals, a bugger to get used to, problematic with maintenance, for what should be a simple 6 speed ZF box……. Room for both…….. but as regards the 996 I can’t accept it’s the lesser car, just different 🥳🇬🇧

[@betaorionis2164]

I have 45 years of driving experience. I had always preferred the manuals, until I drove my first auto 20 years ago (they were extremely uncommon in Europe). Now, I only drive autos. And driving experience aside, automatics have two hidden advantages: 1) given that you don't need to push a clutch all the way to its end, you can have a more relaxed driving position 2) you don't wear away the sole of your left shoe in less than one year

[@KotomiP]

Like you said, it all depends on where you live, what car you drive and transmission availability, your driving habits and goals, cost involved, including the used car value of manual vs auto etc. There are also some extreme end of spectrum like aftermarket 3-speed automatic that are purely designed for drag racing and best drag times, as well as 5-6 speed racing sequential where it would cost 20+k for the transmission and will need to service it every 500 miles, and you can customize gear ratios to match the track you are racing Current 'gold standard' seem to be BMW programmed ZF 8 speed automatic, or Porsche's 7 speed dual clutch for their GT cars, or Porsche and Mazda Roadster/Miata/MX-5's 6 speed manual, which seem to equal or better Honda S2000. Honda S2000 6 speed had it's minor inconveniences as well, it was physically difficult to see which gear you are in due to short travel and angle of the shifter, and it vibrate a lot when in idle, although it is mainly cosmetic. I also remember seeing somewhere some Caterham owner posted how the new Mazda derived 5 speed gearbox only requires 25 shifts a lap on certain track while the old lunatic shifting 6 speed (which they no longer offer, due to contract ending and also supposedly reliability issues) you had to shift 37 times on the same track and end up with about the same lap time, and whether it is really worth or more fun to shift that much extra time while having the same results.

[@graemeanderson8556]

Hi there. I have a manual focus that has a great gearbox in it. Only drawback is when delayed in traffic for an hour covering 5 ks. Nearly wore my leg out

[@slacksmeridian]

Heres my personal experience driving multiple manuals and automatics from 2008 till now (Currently driving a Audi A6 S-Tronic) DSG's, ZF's, CVTs The only time driving an automatic is better is in traffic. All other times manual is better, If I remove the idea of 'enjoyment' and 'connection with the car' which are two valid points but are more personal preference than technicalities Approaching Junctions, Pulling out of junctions and roundabouts, rolling down hills, being in the correct gear during corners, slowing down then deciding to speed up, predicting what gear you should be in for the road ahead, reversing, creeping forward slowly. All of these things are far better when you have complete control over the clutch, Hill starts used to be something that required skill in manuals and I was going to add that to the 'pros' of an auto but No longer we have hill assist in almost every car. As someone that loves driving even my S-Tronic is too slow when making decisions. Sure its faster than I ever could be when changing through gears and its smooth, very smooth. But its can be a fucking nightmare when you're in stop start traffic moving towards a roundabout... Oh and another thing. Stop start functions on cars are better in manuals. Clutch in, Car on Clutch out (And out of gear) Car off. S-Tronic, As soon as the car stops, engine off even if I stop for less than half a second now I've got to wait for the f***** car to turn its engine back on and if I rush it, Gearbox will shunt you uncomfortably!

[@GavinHitchens]

Main takeaway for me has always been - Automatics with decent torque have such a good creep for moving off, parking and creeping in traffic, love that. Obviously, you can creep with a clutch, but the ease is different.

[@staric4863]

Clutch pedal forever. I am the one who decides when to shift, downshift.

[@pereldh5741]

Spot on - you’re ”playing it as an instrument”. Sure, an automatic 8-speed Alfa Giulia Q has lower laptimes, but both manual Giulia Q I’ve driven are far more enjoyable drives. Sure, its not the best box (like Bmw’s) but I was playing the car as an instrument, and once I have the dough, I’ll by one. (Yes, I’ve driven two auto Giulia’s too)

[@MrMfaust5]

Hello James, very enjoyable gearbox on this M 5 series! A manual certainly gives more control to the driver; on the other hand, if someone lives in an urban environment with the usual unpleasant heavy traffic, this will take all the joy out of a manual; in such an environment, an automatic does shine!

[@camilstoenescu]

Are Manuals Always Better? No. Definitely not for city driving.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

@@camilstoenescu the last few years most manuals have had hill hold assist, auto hold and rev matching on some, which makes them much easier to live with

[@ianmontgomery7534]

or in a funeral procession.

[@LevyHappyClapper]

I drive mine in the city ... no problem at all

[@larkop6504]

Drove a manual, in the most congested city in the world. It was doable but my knee was wrecked with the heavy clutch. Switched to an automatic and now drive like a terrorist, fitting into gaps that shouldn't exist and avoiding head on collision every 20 yards because locals are obsessed with driving there cars and scooters on the wrong side of the road.

[@camilstoenescu]

@@larkop6504 yeah, same thing here in forever traffic jammed Bucharest

[@vMaxHeadroom]

Always been a manual person going all the way back to the early 80's....probably becouse of the hot hatches I always went for. Recently tried a BMW 128ti which only came with an 8 speed torque converter and I was surprised at how good it was...Maybe my memories were of the older auto boxes that my parents had that were just slow to change and never gave you the controil you needed....Feel bad that I like the auto box!!!!

[@theodoredeverell3894]

Few extra points: I remember Clarkson mentioning this in the Africa special. There may be a benefit to an auto box in some cars because the people who brought a manual have “taken it to the max between changes” and overall driven the car harder. Secondly my other thought was for off road 4x4s ect. Having an auto allows the driver to focus on the trail and rock crawling ect whilst not cooking a clutch. Just a couple of thoughts.

[@TheRacerRich]

My dad bought a 540i new in 1998 with the automatic. If I remember correctly, in the USA the manual was a considerable upcharge (in the thousands). We kept that car for 22 years. In 2012 I bought a 1999 with the manual. It's honestly a pretty bad manual transmission (the box isn't too terrible, but the clutch is), nevertheless, the car is 50% better with it. And yes, it was faster than the auto - it got a shorter final drive thanks to its 6 speed trans. Please don't blame the steering on the recirculating ball though. That car with its Christmas tree of warning lights surely has some worn bushings. These have great steering feel for their weight class when well sorted.

[@analogdriven]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on whether you think this car was faster due to the gearbox or due to the engine? This is the Non-VANOS motor which is said to be underrated from BMW from the factory and that the 282HP rating which is the same as the previous generation V8, the M60 4 liter found in the E34, E38 and E31. When BMW engineered the 4.4L M62 V8 for the E39, E38, and E31, the only power rating that increased was the Torque which was bumped slightly to 300lb/ft. SOOO, it's believed unlikely that the engine increased in displacement from 4l to 4.4l with the new V8 and didn't gain in HP rating. There are people who have dyno'd these cars and gotten 282 to the wheel, putting the HP figure just above 300hp. Then when they released the Technical Update V8 with the Single VANOS on the intake cam, the HP rating was STILL listed as 282 but torque increased to 325lb/ft. The proposed reasoning for BMW to underrate this engine was so they could continue to upsell people buying E38s and E31s to the V12, which at the time was rated for 322hp. If the non-VANOS 4.4 V8's were really making just over 300hp at the crank, the upsell to the V12 which offered almost no power gains would have been MUCH harder to make. So when the updated engine added VANOS BMW detuned the motor but made up for it by increasing low-end torque. I have a 97 540i and I would be very keen on trying a newer model to compare. When equal 540i/6's go head to head, the VANOS cars take the lead until around 100mph when the top end HP of the non-VANOS motors comes into play and permanently leaves behind the VANOS car.

[@kanalnamn]

This is also the same box as in in the euro E36 3.2. I've read somewhere only 1400 540s were produced with a manual. I've driven one, it was fantastic... but far to rusty to buy.