[MBrown1003]

I was planning to replace my 2011 550i with the 2014, new motor and all. Now I find out that they will not offer the 6-speed manual in the 2014 550i! VERY bummed!! I called BMW today, and they confirmed it.

For anybody else with that combo (or looking to get there some day), call BMW USA and let them know you want it!!

[45ACP]

That's not going to happen if BMW made a business decision based on poor 2011-2013 sales for the 6MT. Time to pony up for a new M5, or lightly used one.

[MBrown1003]

Originally Posted by 45ACP

That's not going to happen if BMW made a business decision based on poor 2011-2013 sales for the 6MT. Time to pony up for a new M5, or lightly used one.

Not necessarily. The only reason there is an M5 with a manual transmission is customer feedback.

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

I was planning to replace my 2011 550i with the 2014, new motor and all. Now I find out that they will not offer the 6-speed manual in the 2014 550i! VERY bummed!! I called BMW today, and they confirmed it.

For anybody else with that combo (or looking to get there some day), call BMW USA and let them know you want it!!

With the massive torque they put in the new 550i, there is NO way they can have a MT in it! When they would, they have to reduce torque in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. Meaning when you're flat out, you need to travel +100mph before you feel the entire torque hitting. Why would you ever consider this? Just get the epic 8AT with flappy paddles instead, relax and with your finger tip, you're on to a seamless up for more uptil stellar speeds... I'd never consider an MT on a 550i or M5 with this massive torque, also considering the prestine shifting qualities of the new assisted transmissions. What a dream!

[45ACP]

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

Not necessarily. The only reason there is an M5 with a manual transmission is customer feedback.

I don't think that's really applicable as the M cars have a whole other reputation to live up to. My bet is that BMW will drop the 6MT for the M5 within two model generations, if not the next. The 1M, M3 and soon-to-be M4 will be the only ones left to carry on the 6MT torch.

[M2COMP]

Originally Posted by KoenG

With the massive torque they put in the new 550i, there is NO way they can have a MT in it! When they would, they have to reduce torque in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. Meaning when you're flat out, you need to travel +100mph before you feel the entire torque hitting. Why would you ever consider this? Just get the epic 8AT with flappy paddles instead, relax and with your finger tip, you're on to a seamless up for more uptil stellar speeds... I'd never consider an MT on a 550i or M5 with this massive torque, also considering the prestine shifting qualities of the new assisted transmissions. What a dream!

With people having DS2 on their cars (550s with N63) with Torque upto 580, I don't see or hear any problem they come across.

[Alan l.]

I agree. The SAT transmission in this car is so good I would never consider owning an F10 in manual. The 2014 will also have launch control as well so it will likely trump the MT in acceleration as well. This is coming from a long time MT drive myself. I would have gotten an M3 if i wanted to row my own gears again.

Alan

[dchartier]

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

I was planning to replace my 2011 550i with the 2014, new motor and all. Now I find out that they will not offer the 6-speed manual in the 2014 550i! VERY bummed!! I called BMW today, and they confirmed it.

For anybody else with that combo (or looking to get there some day), call BMW USA and let them know you want it!!

Huge bummer. Glad I ordered mine in 2013 -- not to rub salt in the wound, but I love my 550i with a manual. Maybe you can look for a CPO?

[harrisfb]

Originally Posted by pittx52011

With people having DS2 on their cars (550s with N63) with Torque upto 580, I don't see or hear any problem they come across.

Yeah no problems controlling my 550i 6spd even with DinanS3. Especially once I ditched the runflats for real tires.

[JamRWS6]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

I agree. The SAT transmission in this car is so good I would never consider owning an F10 in manual. The 2014 will also have launch control as well so it will likely trump the MT in acceleration as well. This is coming from a long time MT drive myself. I would have gotten an M3 if i wanted to row my own gears again.

Alan

I agree. I came from a manual tranny but the auto box in these cars is so good a manual really is making the car not only slower but have worse fuel mileage.

[Boulder Bill]

Originally Posted by JamRWS6

I agree. I came from a manual tranny but the auto box in these cars is so good a manual really is making the car not only slower but have worse fuel mileage.

Maybe yes, maybe no. But for me, it is about enjoying the drive. I really appreciate controling the transmission manually and think it is a shame that the option has been eliminated. The 550's power coupled with the 6 speed manual is a blast to drive. Glad I got a 2013 when I did.

[igom3]

[QUOTE=45ACP;14031295]I don't think that's really applicable as the M cars have a whole other reputation to live up to. My bet is that BMW will drop the 6MT for the M5 within two model generations, if not the next. The 1M, M3 and soon-to-be M4 will be the only ones left to carry on the 6MT torch.[/QUOTE


Eventually every car manufacturer will get rid of manual transmission. Even Porsche doesn’t offer manual transmission on 2014 911 GT3

[DLerner]

I've owned manuals and SATs. The manuals have all been fun to drive and engaging. The SATs were automatics. Used the paddles a few times and then never again. I don't see how anyone who has driven a manual can say there are any similarities.

I mourn the loss of the 6MT 550i, it's a sad day.

[STOOF]

Originally Posted by YodaSyrup

I've owned manuals and SATs. The manuals have all been fun to drive and engaging. The SATs were automatics. Used the paddles a few times and then never again. I don't see how anyone who has driven a manual can say there are any similarities.

I mourn the loss of the 6MT 550i, it's a sad day.

I agree. I love my 6MT.

The SAT in these cars may be "better" as far as speed and MPG but they are BORING. I had manual mode on autos, its nothing like the real thing.

I was considering getting the new 6er but as soon as i found out no more MT i said NO WAY lol

[Boulder Bill]

Originally Posted by STOOF

The SAT in these cars may be "better" as far as speed and MPG but they are BORING. I had manual mode on autos, its nothing like the real thing.

Ahmen. Not for everyone I suppose. But now, not for anyone. I have driven the SAT multiple times, and it really bears no comparison.

Guess I'll drive another car into the ground. I will note though that I test drove a Panamera Turbo. Amazing ride for an automatic. Amazing car all around for that matter. A far more sophisticated automatic transmission. But I think it came in north of $140K.

[Rbembas_M3]

Originally Posted by STOOF

I agree. I love my 6MT.

The SAT in these cars may be "better" as far as speed and MPG but they are BORING. I had manual mode on autos, its nothing like the real thing.

I was considering getting the new 6er but as soon as i found out no more MT i said NO WAY lol

Yes, I hear you about BORING... had a 535i loaner totally boring. I couldn't wait to get my 6MT back, even the technician said my car is a real BMW

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by rbembas535i

Yes, I hear you about BORING... had a 535i loaner totally boring. I couldn't wait to get my 6MT back, even the technician said my car is a real BMW

A technician is certainly not a reference. At least not the ones I have seen in my live.

The 5AT I have in my E39 is a dragon and certainly not the choice to make. The 8AT is much smoother, quicker and doesn't seem to hestitate like mine. With flappy paddle, It feels like an SMG or DSG, so almost immediate. My old 5AT is already after the apex before shift down actually happens while I requested it before steer in, that's really bad and a major let down!!

With the LCI they add the launch control function but also the "precog" function when you have prof GPS! That's really what I've been waiting for now since years: It shifts down before the turn since it knows there is a hair pin coming up!

When you have this intelligence in this marvellous 8AT, you will not be asking for a MT ever in your live again, certainly not in the massive beast the 550i is, dripping torque in every single occasion!

[STOOF]

Originally Posted by KoenG

A technician is certainly not a reference. At least not the ones I have seen in my live.

The 5AT I have in my E39 is a dragon and certainly not the choice to make. The 8AT is much smoother, quicker and doesn't seem to hestitate like mine. With flappy paddle, It feels like an SMG or DSG, so almost immediate. My old 5AT is already after the apex before shift down actually happens while I requested it before steer in, that's really bad and a major let down!!

With the LCI they add the launch control function but also the "precog" function when you have prof GPS! That's really what I've been waiting for now since years: It shifts down before the turn since it knows there is a hair pin coming up!

When you have this intelligence in this marvellous 8AT, you will not be asking for a MT ever in your live again, certainly not in the massive beast the 550i is, dripping torque in every single occasion!

You might aswell just let the car drive itself....

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

I was planning to replace my 2011 550i with the 2014, new motor and all. Now I find out that they will not offer the 6-speed manual in the 2014 550i! VERY bummed!! I called BMW today, and they confirmed it.

For anybody else with that combo (or looking to get there some day), call BMW USA and let them know you want it!!

Maybe you can get one from EU, heheh. It's sad that most sport car companies are ditching manual tranny as an option. Lambo, Ferrari, 911 GT3 no longer offer a manual, a luxury car like the 550i I understand but a GT3???

But I guess we'll have to live with it, as manual tranny will go in the history book with manual crank windows and hydraulic steering.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

Maybe you can get one from EU, heheh.

Nice try. The F10 550 MT was always US market only. It was never offered in Europe. I like shifting for myself, but I can't see how anyone could enjoy that unruly combination of weight, power and clutch. And turbo lag to boot.

[kave]

We got manual 550i in europe as well, but I guess no one ordered it. Now manual 535i is gone with LCI, which was my option. When it comes to fuel consumption, its correct the silly values from factory is lower on automatic, but I guess in realnlofe manual takes less.

[bubbahead]

When I had my 335i coupe, manual was the only way to go. I knew when I went to the 550ix, there was no way I would want a manual transmission on such a big car. The 5 is nice for relaxing and cruising with...if I wanted to toss it around abit i got the controls at my fingertips ..