BMW Steers Further Away From Manual Transmissions

BMW 3 Series (Credit: BMW)

Fans of manual transmissions and German cars have another big reason to mourn. BMW recently announced that it’s ending production of manual gearboxes for the 228i, 328i and 428i. These are truly dark days for anyone who wants to double clutch, or simply have complete control of their vehicle’s shift points.

Instead of having a manual, the above-mentioned three models will only come with the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. It’s hard to admit, but the ZF is a pretty smooth and fast option for an automatic, but it’s still not like driving stick.

The simple fact is that many car enthusiasts in the past leaned toward the BMW 3 Series because it was such an engaging vehicle to drive, thanks in part to its manual transmission. Many Bimmer fans are upset, and understandably so, saying that this latest move is watering down the brand and caters more to badge worshipers than people who even know the meaning of the word apex or camber.

There’s another, bigger force at play: money. Quite frankly, consumers themselves are killing off manual transmissions. BMW is a business that exists to make a profit, as well as cars. It can’t do that very well if it makes what it thinks drivers need, instead of responding to what people actually want. The manual-transmission versions of the three models weren’t selling well, and that’s why the change.

Interestingly enough, the more expensive 2, 3 and 4 Series models are keeping the manual transmission, at least for now. That’s probably because people who want performance also want a bigger engine and more power.

Another point: the slow death of the manual transmission is also making drivers more distracted and lazy. There are studies that indicate having to row through gears makes drivers less likely to be texting, Facebooking, watching Netflix or doing whatever other ridiculous things while driving. In other words, driving engaged saves lives. Pass it on.