BMW M May Drop the Manual Transmission

2015 BMW M3 Sedan (Credit: © BMW)

BMW M chief, Frank van Meel, only recently took the wheel of Bimmer’s performance division and already he is making enemies. According to a report from Autocar, the M chief claims that the future of manual-equipped M cars is “not bright.”

Fortunately, that quote is a little out of context, and the final decision ultimately depends on the market.

In respect to the manual transmission, van Meel is talking from a purely technical standpoint. In that sense, it is true, as the dual-clutch transmission is quicker shifting and more fuel efficient than a manual transmission. However, he is quick to point out that the manual transmission still has plenty of fans, and I will toss in my opinion that it is a ton more fun to row through the gears than tug on a paddle every few seconds.

I can personally see the value in both styles of transmissions, as I love the visceral feeling of tossing a well-built six-speed manual, like the one in my Focus ST. However, I can also attest to how hard it is for me to fish my son’s sippy cup from under the passenger seat while trying to change gears.

With the thought of me cramming my hand under the seat while driving, I can now see the reason behind the take rate on manual-equipped M cars being so low. Every single one that I can think of, except the M4, is a four-door, and a four-door performance car is something that an auto enthusiast with a family picks up. And that auto enthusiast has likely dealt with the joy of renegade sippy cups rolling about the cabin, which means he is likely willing to move to the DCT for convenience. The added pep it tosses in is just the icing on the cake.

I propose a compromise to BMW. Leave the manual transmission as an option in all two-door and hatchback M cars, but go ahead and move the four-door models to all DCT. This way everyone walks away happy.

Let us know what you think in the comments below.