Auto vs Man, specifically '80's e30... Noob 101.

[BLACK DORIS 9]

Would someone mind breaking down what the benefits and disadvantages are to having manual or auto transmission? (Not only a noob to BS, but car novice in general!)

Specifically for 318 e30s between '80 and the early 90's in nz.

(General differences would be interesting too).

Details I'm interested in are:

Replacement/Service. (Including how easily this can be done/found)

E.G. With any auto, to replace the ____ you need to remove the whole transmission. Manual transmissions however do not require entire trans removal to replace same/similar parts. Must be preformed/installed by bmw mechanic etc etc.

Availability of Parts/Cost.

Fuel Consumption (on average).

Maintenance/Reliability (general - which tends to require more, more often).

Any help would be appreciated.

Apologies in advance if this has been discussed elsewhere, or this is the incorrect forum for the query.

Cheers.

[Mark 178]

Autos cost more to fix than manuals.

Ibso facto: Buy a manual.

That pretty much sums it up.

[BLACK DORIS 9]

Autos cost more to fix than manuals.

Ibso facto: Buy a manual.

That pretty much sums it up.

Lay mans terms please! LMAO. Hmmm, repairs could be a good reason.

Apart from being interested myself, I need some concrete evidence to convince my partner that auto's are out, even tho we''re goin halves in a car which is primarily for her! haha.

I could still live with an auto, but if we didn't have to...

cheers!

[greenday-rulz21 4]

Manuals are just better.

[aliluya 0]

You say autos cost more to fix. But my question to you is, in comparision how often do you need to fix/replace in auto compared to a manual?

I thought that even tho auto's cost more to fix it requires less replacement stuff?? i could be wrong here just what i thought thats all..

[bravo 34]

In regards to e30's and similar aged BMW's, here is the dirt:

Reasons to buy a manual:

Reason 1 - Autos break far more often then manuals - they are not as strong, have more parts and have usually been driven hard due to Reason 3

Reason 2 - Auto servicing costs are higher - fluid plus belts vs just fluid.

Reason 3 - Autos are less efficient both in terms of performance and fuel economy due to both efficiencies in the gearbox, the extra weight, and the power-sapping torque converter.

Reason 4 - Auto repairs are often higher as they are considered more specialised (usually).

Reason 5 - manuals are more engaging to drive.

Reason 6 - manual bmws hold there value much better.

Reasons to buy an auto:

Reason 1 - they are more manageable in stop-start traffic.

Reason 2 - if they do break, they are much cheaper to find a second hand replacement (although this will likely have the same probs as the original, and a reconditioned one will run you 4-5 times the cost of a secondhand manual which will probably never need reconditioning unless it is abused.)

ipso facto - buy a manual

Edited December 4, 2008 by bravo

[BLACK DORIS 9]

Cheers Bravo, couldn't be much clearer.

Thanks again.

Edited December 4, 2008 by bravo

[bravo 34]

You're welcome, but no need to quote the post directly above in your reply. Have edited for you. Good luck with your search for the perfect e30.

I have this added advice - buy a rubbish one and you will hate bmws and e30s for life - a bad e30 is a huge pain in the arse.

A good e30 will still break and need regular servicing and repairs, but you will love it so much in between it wont matter.

[|ncary 0]

Manuals don't change gear mid corner and have an actual mechanical connection to the road!

They are harder to find, but last so damn long in these cars.

[westy 614]

Autos are for girls and old men.

[Apex 693]

Autos are for girls and old men.

And amputees.

Manual all the way, would be half the car with an Auto.

[BLACK DORIS 9]

thanks all...

car will mainly be for my girl, and i'm almost an old man!

Will be manual tho!!

[BM WORLD 1264]

my manual gearbox in my e28 M535i has done 505,000km now and still feels good . and i do trash it on tracks when i can.

auto's annoy me , changing gear when i dont want them to , slower take off and you have to use your brakes far more often because the auto's dont do much engine braking .

and they weigh about twice the weight of a manual gearbox

[bravo 34]

Autos are not weaker

I have to disagree - the gears are equally strong, but the belts/clutches on the planetary gears will slip and wear out long before a manual box treated with the same disrespect (IMO).

We both agree it is the way in which they are driven/trated that is the main problem however.

[ant 0]

I bet the shifter is as sloppy as jelly though? All the old e30's I have tried had a shifter you could move around heaps when in gear, unless you replace the bushings.

my manual gearbox in my e28 M535i has done 505,000km now and still feels good . and i do trash it on tracks when i can.

auto's annoy me , changing gear when i dont want them to , slower take off and you have to use your brakes far more often because the auto's dont do much engine braking .

and they weigh about twice the weight of a manual gearbox

[BM WORLD 1264]

I bet the shifter is as sloppy as jelly though? All the old e30's I have tried had a shifter you could move around heaps when in gear, unless you replace the bushings.

just replace all the bushes rods arms etc and is good as new.

[briancol 3]

Quote from Bravo. "Reason 3 - Autos are less efficient both in terms of performance and fuel economy due to both efficiencies in the gearbox, the extra weight, and the power-sapping torque converter."

This comment I have to disagree with.

Saying that autos are less fuel efficient is a misnomer. People with Manual Transmissions tend to drive their cars harder and keep higher revs before they change gears, whereas the Auto transmission will change gear at specific revs. The difference in the manufacturers specs on fuel consumption between Manual and Auto is usually negated by the Manual drivers style of driving.

[BreakMyWindow 1870]

I reckon It ultimately depends on the driver. People who are in to cars go for manual transmissions, service them accordingly, and don't generally rape their cars when they shouldn't (when the car has been cold started).

Where as people who are in to cars, but see them as a means of transport more so tend to go for auto's. They also wouldn't service them as religiously i would think. In this case because the car is a classic? its a bit of a gamble really as to what would serve you more reliably, a manual or an auto. But at least with a manual you get to know more about what the car is doing.

[e30plz 1]

Buy a rubbish one and you will hate bmws and e30s for life.

I still love mine, lol.

[nath 130]

I still love mine, lol.

have you tinted the windows? or is that another.... saw it at pizza hut again haha