no manual transmission for North American X3s

subman · 11-22-2011, 02:51 AM

Since BMW will no longer produce a manual transmission for North America X3's and I will eventually have to replace my X3 ( with manual transmission) I would suggest that those wanting a compact, and fun to drive SAV wait for the new Porsche Cajun which will have a manual transmission. Unfortunately, after owning 4 BMWs I will have to jump ship in order to get the basics ( 6 speed) in a mid size SAV.

fiddy yen · 11-22-2011, 02:57 AM

Honestly... Manuals are phasing out. As much as I love driving stick... I don't think I would personally every buy one. BMW's Auto transmission is pretty good in auto or manual mode. Also, your SUV in manual transmission would depreciate faster than one with auto. Furthermore, driving stick in rush hour isn't fun. BMW Automatic + autohold = win

cheesebag · 11-22-2011, 03:06 AM

[QUOTE=subman;10849334] wait for the new Porsche Cajun [QUOTE]

SOUNDS SPICY!

Nahoa · 11-22-2011, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiddy yen

Honestly... Manuals are phasing out. As much as I love driving stick... I don't think I would personally every buy one. BMW's Auto transmission is pretty good in auto or manual mode. Also, your SUV in manual transmission would depreciate faster than one with auto. Furthermore, driving stick in rush hour isn't fun. BMW Automatic + autohold = win

+1

128Guy · 11-22-2011, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subman

Since BMW will no longer produce a manual transmission for North America X3's and I will eventually have to replace my X3 ( with manual transmission) I would suggest that those wanting a compact, and fun to drive SAV wait for the new Porsche Cajun which will have a manual transmission. Unfortunately, after owning 4 BMWs I will have to jump ship in order to get the basics ( 6 speed) in a mid size SAV.

Yes, it's a shame. I recently bought a new X3 for my wife. I like the car so much I'd buy one for myself; but only if I could get one with a manual.

128Guy · 11-22-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiddy yen

... BMW's Auto transmission is pretty good in auto or manual mode.

I find the 8-speed auto in my wife's new X3's to be an excellent transmission if you like automatics, and it works very well in it's so-called "manual mode"; but I still want to control the clutch engagement myself, feel the pressure on the gear shifter, and determine the rate at which it all happens. (Yes I know, a robot can shift a lot faster than I can; but I'm not a formula one driver, so I don't care. In fact, often I want to shift slowly.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiddy yen

... Furthermore, driving stick in rush hour isn't fun.

I find that driving a stick anywhere and at anytime is fun. Especially with a very smooth clutch and a well-engineered shifter. I need something to do in stop-and-go traffic to maintain sanity.

I really envy the choices that the Euorpeans get. The only reason I buy BMWs is because I like the way they drive. When BMW quits making sticks for the United States, I will quit buying BMW's for myself.

I will definitely check out the new Porsche Cajun when it comes out. The only reason I never bought a Porsche Cayenne is because I wanted something a bit smaller, and you can't get AWD with a stick in the VW Tiguan (only FWD in a manual trans). If only BMW would provide the X4 in a stick for the U.S.

OOOSQ · 11-22-2011, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiddy yen

Honestly... Manuals are phasing out. As much as I love driving stick... I don't think I would personally every buy one. BMW's Auto transmission is pretty good in auto or manual mode. Also, your SUV in manual transmission would depreciate faster than one with auto. Furthermore, driving stick in rush hour isn't fun. BMW Automatic + autohold = win

The last manual I saw over here (other than the 1M / M3) was the E36's....

greg2step · 11-22-2011, 07:18 AM

The Porsche Cajun may be a 3 door not a 5 door.

tuco44 · 11-22-2011, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subman

Since BMW will no longer produce a manual transmission for North America X3's and I will eventually have to replace my X3 ( with manual transmission) I would suggest that those wanting a compact, and fun to drive SAV wait for the new Porsche Cajun which will have a manual transmission. Unfortunately, after owning 4 BMWs I will have to jump ship in order to get the basics ( 6 speed) in a mid size SAV.

Do whatever you want. 13 of my 15 BMWs have been manuals, but I have the new 8 spd auto now and am very happy with it.

The world is evolving, like it or not.

clivem2 · 11-22-2011, 09:34 AM

The X3 is my first auto (driven plenty before but not owned one). Auto suits an SUV well I feel, especially a good auto. With diesels it's probably even more useful due to the narrower power band than the 35i has. Coming for a 335i vert manual I find I don't miss the stick, much to my surprise.

Dechy · 11-22-2011, 11:36 AM

I've had nothing but 5 speeds since my first car, 8 different cars... except 1; Protege 5 automatic... I wanted to kill myself everytime I took that car BUT it was a DREAM once or twice a month when I had to go to Montreal.

I only had to test drive it once (the 35i anyways) to know even a 6 speed couldn't put a bigger smile on my face than that 8 speed auto... that transmission is a friggin marvel.

sfax · 11-22-2011, 12:05 PM

I've never owned an auto either but loved it the first time I had a test drive - I was planning to get it in manual. Very pleased I went for auto not manual now

colson79 · 11-22-2011, 01:30 PM

I used to be a die hard manual fan but these new auto's are so good I don't miss the manual at all.

Bustofa · 11-22-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

I've never owned an auto either but loved it the first time I had a test drive - I was planning to get it in manual. Very pleased I went for auto not manual now

Me too!

Beyu · 11-22-2011, 05:09 PM

It's perfectly understandable if you want a manual Subman, some people just prefer to row their own gears even if autos, dct, manual-automatics are the future.

However I have to admit that the ZF 8-speed that BMW uses is awesome, the 7-G-tronic from Mercedes isn't even comparable and the 8-speed is a vast improvement over even the old SMG that BMW use to use in cars like the E60 5 series.

If and when the Porsche Cajun comes out and it happens to not meet your expectations definatly spend the extra money on a X3 35i w/ paddle shifters, you won't regret it.

Lucky13 · 11-22-2011, 05:45 PM

I think you can get a manual X1 in Canada so it's possible we might get that option when it gets here at the end of 2012.

Le Chef · 11-22-2011, 06:14 PM

I can't see the point, despite having owned mostly manuals in the past. It's an SUV and a long way from a sports car handling that would make it worthwhile.

11-22-2011, 02:51 AM	#1
subman New Member 3 Rep 7 Posts Drives: x3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: vancovuer, canada iTrader: (0)	no manual transmission for North American X3s Since BMW will no longer produce a manual transmission for North America X3's and I will eventually have to replace my X3 ( with manual transmission) I would suggest that those wanting a compact, and fun to drive SAV wait for the new Porsche Cajun which will have a manual transmission. Unfortunately, after owning 4 BMWs I will have to jump ship in order to get the basics ( 6 speed) in a mid size SAV.
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11-22-2011, 02:57 AM	#2
fiddy yen First Lieutenant 25 Rep 329 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 35i Msport Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Skeetsckatchewan iTrader: (0)	Honestly... Manuals are phasing out. As much as I love driving stick... I don't think I would personally every buy one. BMW's Auto transmission is pretty good in auto or manual mode. Also, your SUV in manual transmission would depreciate faster than one with auto. Furthermore, driving stick in rush hour isn't fun. BMW Automatic + autohold = win __________________ 2008 335i 6MT - Dinan tuned stge 2 1986 325es - SOLD 2012 BMW X3 35i AW on RB Msport - JB3 @ 4.0PSi over stock, 20x9F and 20x10.5R Stance SC-5ive, H&R lowering springs. - SOLD 2006 BMW 330i - //M rep kit with custom exhaust, H&R springs, 19" VMR - SOLD
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11-22-2011, 03:06 AM	#3
cheesebag Debadged and Alpine Weiss! 13 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 Msport Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Cannock UK iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=subman;10849334] wait for the new Porsche Cajun [QUOTE] SOUNDS SPICY!
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11-22-2011, 07:18 AM	#8
greg2step X3 Owner/Driver 211 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X3 M40i (G01) [0.00]	The Porsche Cajun may be a 3 door not a 5 door. __________________ 2018 X3 M40i G01 \| Phytonic Blue \| Mocha \| Premium+Exec \| Driver Assist \| Adaptive M Suspension 2011 X3 XDrive35i F25 l Deep Sea Blue l Mojave Leather l Sport, DHP, Premium, Nav/Technology, Cold Weather, Convenience [traded in] 2008 328XI E91 Sportwagon l Sparkling Graphite [traded in]
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11-22-2011, 09:34 AM	#10
clivem2 Colonel 539 Rep 2,073 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	The X3 is my first auto (driven plenty before but not owned one). Auto suits an SUV well I feel, especially a good auto. With diesels it's probably even more useful due to the narrower power band than the 35i has. Coming for a 335i vert manual I find I don't miss the stick, much to my surprise. __________________ Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D
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11-22-2011, 11:36 AM	#11
Dechy Private 3 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i M Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	I've had nothing but 5 speeds since my first car, 8 different cars... except 1; Protege 5 automatic... I wanted to kill myself everytime I took that car BUT it was a DREAM once or twice a month when I had to go to Montreal. I only had to test drive it once (the 35i anyways) to know even a 6 speed couldn't put a bigger smile on my face than that 8 speed auto... that transmission is a friggin marvel.
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11-22-2011, 12:05 PM	#12
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	I've never owned an auto either but loved it the first time I had a test drive - I was planning to get it in manual. Very pleased I went for auto not manual now __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
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11-22-2011, 01:30 PM	#13
colson79 Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 221 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 35i DSB Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I used to be a die hard manual fan but these new auto's are so good I don't miss the manual at all. __________________ 2012 X3 35i \| Deep Sea Blue \| Oyster \| Packages \| Sports \| Cold Weather \| Cold Weather 2 \| Premium \| Technology \| Premium Sound
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11-22-2011, 05:09 PM	#15
Beyu Lieutenant 13 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	It's perfectly understandable if you want a manual Subman, some people just prefer to row their own gears even if autos, dct, manual-automatics are the future. However I have to admit that the ZF 8-speed that BMW uses is awesome, the 7-G-tronic from Mercedes isn't even comparable and the 8-speed is a vast improvement over even the old SMG that BMW use to use in cars like the E60 5 series. If and when the Porsche Cajun comes out and it happens to not meet your expectations definatly spend the extra money on a X3 35i w/ paddle shifters, you won't regret it.
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11-22-2011, 05:45 PM	#16
Lucky13 Lucky13 211 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30X Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, S.C. iTrader: (0)	I think you can get a manual X1 in Canada so it's possible we might get that option when it gets here at the end of 2012. __________________ 1995 325i, 1996 328ci, 1997 528i, 1997 Z3 2.8, 2000 528i, 2001 X5 3.0, 2001 330i Convertible, 2002 M3 Convertible, 2003 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Coupe, 2004 Z4 3.0, 2004 X3 3.0, 2007 X3 3.0, 2007 335i Convertible, 2013 X1 28 sdrive, 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30i Xdrive
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11-22-2011, 06:14 PM	#17
Le Chef Banned 16 Rep 412 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I can't see the point, despite having owned mostly manuals in the past. It's an SUV and a long way from a sports car handling that would make it worthwhile.
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