James
Lord of the Erg\o/s
Unlike UK (from what I hear?), it is more difficult to buy manuals down under and they attract a premium over auto equivalents.
I saved NZD4K specifying 6MT over 8AT when I ordered my BMW. But that was in 2013.
However, I think some of the more unicorn manuals will be worth more in the future in the second-hand market, as this is what will appeal to the more hard core enthusiast.
That's what I'm banking on, especially with a classic inline 6 cylinder motor, wagon format and all the M-Sport goodies.
All auto gearboxes have a quasi-manual mode where the driver can select a gear and the box won't change up or down unless the engine rev range exceeds the limits for that gear. It can be very useful when descending long or steep hills, for example, where the normal 'semi-coasting' default mode isn't much help.
Not sure about that. When I test drove a ZF8AT equipped BMW, I distinctly recall it automatically changing down when driving down an incline. What I didn't like about the 8AT is its programming to hold onto a lower gear / higher engine speed when driving in sports mode. With a 6MT, I can enjoy the sharper throttle response with any gear of my choosing. I was happy to sacrifice some fuel economy and 0.2s off its 0-60mph time.
I also believe my choice of 6MT is another reason my brakes have lasted 180,000km and still well within spec, not needing to resist the torque converter when slowing down.