BMW and M Power Owners

[TW]Fox · 3 Jun 2015 at 12:08

Uncle_Gravy said:
Best way to source a 650i with a Manual Box?

Factory order a new one? Though actually I'm not even sure its offered. Basically, forget it. It's not really a manual box sort of car anyway.

Jez · 3 Jun 2015 at 12:34

Uncle_Gravy said:
Best way to source a 650i with a Manual Box? I've been trawling the web for months and not a single one

There is a reason for that

Uncle_Gravy · 3 Jun 2015 at 13:20

I'd be happier with a manual with the 650, it will be my fun car, not something that will be riding the motorway all day, I would probably be better off with a 335, but I have a real soft spot for the E63/4, having seen and driven a 645, I really really like the car.

[TW]Fox · 3 Jun 2015 at 13:50

It's a large GT car, its for crossing countries not hooning around B roads and clipping the apex as you hook the perfect gear change. This is why they are overwhelmingly automatic and I suspect if you did find a manual it wouldn't drive the way you think it does.

Malt_Vinegar · 3 Jun 2015 at 14:24

Cleaned up the bargain banger on the weekend

She's looking just about acceptable enough to drive around in public now

If you look closely it shows it's age, but then what car at this age would not!

bobbarley · 3 Jun 2015 at 14:32

Looks nice mate!

Malt_Vinegar · 3 Jun 2015 at 14:45

Thanks! Trying my best not to spend any money on it!
Already found myself looking to buy some stuff to re-furb the wheels, and thought I might have a go at the arches to learn about home bodywork/paint repair. However, I have to keep reminding myself that the whole purpose is to just have something to drive about when I sell the jag, and just save up some cash for buying something else. So, throwing any money at it is just not sensible!

Uncle_Gravy · 3 Jun 2015 at 21:07

I'd still want a Manual....I'm stubborn

[TW]Fox · 3 Jun 2015 at 21:12

Uncle_Gravy said:
I'd still want a Manual....I'm stubborn

Buy something where the manual is a popular enough choice then. You'll have a job on with a 335i but they do at least exist in more than single digit numbers.

I used to be just like you - I waited AGES for a manual 530i and then AGES for a manual 335i too. I now have an auto and I'd never go back to a manual. Unless you are driving a Porsche Boxster or something, manual gearboxes are just crap - I even insist on automatic rental cars now, too

Raymond Lin · 3 Jun 2015 at 21:18

[TW]Fox;28126346 said:
Buy something where the manual is a popular enough choice then. You'll have a job on with a 335i but they do at least exist in more than single digit numbers.

I used to be just like you - I waited AGES for a manual 530i and then AGES for a manual 335i too. I now have an auto and I'd never go back to a manual. Unless you are driving a Porsche Boxster or something, manual gearboxes are just crap - I even insist on automatic rental cars now, too

You sound like my dad, honestly, that's what he tells me and my sister when we talk about changing cars.

I think I like an auto, especially when stuck on the motorway and it just start and stop. Hate it.

Alibaba99 · 3 Jun 2015 at 21:36

[TW]Fox;28126346 said:
Buy something where the manual is a popular enough choice then. You'll have a job on with a 335i but they do at least exist in more than single digit numbers.

I used to be just like you - I waited AGES for a manual 530i and then AGES for a manual 335i too. I now have an auto and I'd never go back to a manual. Unless you are driving a Porsche Boxster or something, manual gearboxes are just crap - I even insist on automatic rental cars now, too

I'm with you on the auto/manual thing. Unfortunately, due to the premium they command, automatic hire cars cannot be ordered for work unless you either have a doctors note, or lack a manual licence.

Clarkey · 3 Jun 2015 at 21:36

I bought an auto just because I felt like trying something totally different to what I'd had before. Turns out I loved it. Fortunately I never do any urban miles or drive during the day at all, if I did then I would not even consider a manual again.

Uncle_Gravy · 3 Jun 2015 at 23:02

I drive an auto Accord as my daily, and Yes its soooo much comfortable, WHEN! i'm stuck in rush hour traffic its a god send, i'm a manual person at heart, and I really like the 6 series....and I want a V8 in my life

Don't worry though I'd probably get impatient and just get the 335, slowly saving up so I've got plenty of time to search

I'm hoping this job i'm in right now takes me on permantly as i'm an agency worker, they've mentioned it recently cause of short staff so i'm crossing my fingers

mrk · 3 Jun 2015 at 23:14

Manual gearbox is best gearbox :cool:

xs2man · 3 Jun 2015 at 23:22

mrk said:
Manual gearbox is best gearbox except for some autos, which are truly excellent.

Edited for accuracy.

Jez · 4 Jun 2015 at 08:59

Manual gearboxes are totally lost on me, always have been. I wont even have a manual rental car if i can avoid it.

I would genuinely rather drive a 3 speed 80s autobox of utter fail equipped car than a manual car.

bobbarley · 4 Jun 2015 at 09:08

A manual is for real drivers (men) unless you can afford a car with a very good auotmatic gearbox.

Howard · 4 Jun 2015 at 09:22

I think I sit on both sides of the fence. I love having an auto for general day-to-day driving. It's great. Mine's pretty intuitive which helps things, and quite enjoyable in manual mode.

Only when I'm having a bit of a hoon (which is not that often these days) do I prefer the feel and control of a manual box, or if I had a slightly less mundane car in the event that I didn't drive to work and it only was used for social / pleasure.

I think a big old cruiser such as a 6 Series is the ideal car for an auto box.

Malt_Vinegar · 4 Jun 2015 at 09:25

Both boxes have their place. Long daily commute in a manual is just annoying, but when pressing on, paddle shift will do, but manual is much preferred.
Sadly most of my driving nowadays is the first type.

mrk · 4 Jun 2015 at 09:29

If I drove to work 5 days a week then I'd rather have an EV than an autobox normal car.