Which Transmission Do You Have? (Step or Stick)

[zhp43867]

I was just curious to see what the spread of manual vs steptronic cars is on here. Hope you don't mind Marcus.

[kayger12]

LOVE being back in a manual!

[MrMaico]

Manual. I owned 2 Bimmers in the late 70s and early 80s and both were autos and I always told myself if I ever got another one it would be a manual. The only reason I even bought autos was because they just happened to be for sale locally (North Dakota). Now days with the internet it's a lot different when looking for a vehicle. I ended up buying my ZHP in Vegas.

[NDubSki]

Manual for days

[rikdee]

As to manually equiped cars, can anyone confirm exactly which MT is in our cars? Getrag vs. ZF, is there an ID of such, is it the same trans as the E46M3 or different?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I was just curious to see what the spread of manual vs steptronic cars is on here. Hope you don't mind Marcus.

I don't mind at all. It's the membership's forum. Have fun.

[az3579]

I have the correct transmission in mine, a 6-speed manual.


As to manually equiped cars, can anyone confirm exactly which MT is in our cars? Getrag vs. ZF, is there an ID of such, is it the same trans as the E46M3 or different?

Getrag GS6-37BZ. It is not the same transmission as the M3. The M3 uses a S6S 420G tranny.

[Washburn]

I'll be brave:
step

[kayger12]

I have the correct transmission in mine, a 6-speed manual.

:rofl:

[gr330zhp]

6 speed manual!!! :)

[3ZHP]

stick and rear wheel drive, it doesn't get any better than that
My preference has always been stick

[postitpad]

Mine is a 6 speed manual, having an auto in this car would make me sad.

[az3579]

I'll be brave:
step

Being Alpine makes up for a small part for it. :p
Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen an Imola with an auto...

[pyreguy]

6Mt is the only way to roll. I feel a visceral need to shift my own gears....

[johnrando]

Steptronic. Would have preferred a manual but occaisionally the wife drives the car and a manual wouldn't do for that. I get my shifting fix with my '80 TR8.

[Tampa330i]

Auto :(. The car was cheap, low miles, good color, and available when I needed it - it outweighed the transmission choice. There weren't a lot of zhps around here to choose from, either. I had no bmw knowledge prior to buying this, but I figured If I'm going to buy a 3-series, it may as well be the at the top of the line. I went from looking at all 5 and 3 the series to just 3 series to just 330s to just zhps right before I found what I didn't know I was looking for. I'm very happy with the car so far, 3 weeks strong.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

My first car was an automatic. Nothing wrong with that.

[INDY|UND3RGROUND]

6 MT, I can't stand auto-manual, I used to have a B6 s4, b7 a4 2.0t, and facelift 325ci... All auto... I can't stand auto... I need to rev match!

[INDY|UND3RGROUND]

Auto :(. The car was cheap, low miles, good color, and available when I needed it - it outweighed the transmission choice. There weren't a lot of zhps around here to choose from, either. I had no bmw knowledge prior to buying this, but I figured If I'm going to buy a 3-series, it may as well be the at the top of the line. I went from looking at all 5 and 3 the series to just 3 series to just 330s to just zhps right before I found what I didn't know I was looking for. I'm very happy with the car so far, 3 weeks strong.

Good to hear you're enjoying your ZHP

[jjcools]

First 6 speed. Love to be back in a MT.

[Linh]

Had to get the 6speed manual here. I wouldn't mind trying out the step tho.=)

[Mike V]

Manual for me!

[nk_zhp]

Guys just to clarify, SMG was never offered on ZHPs correct?

[danewilson77]

^no

[Marcus-SanDiego]

SMG was not offered in the US on the ZHP.

[Linh]

Are you sure? I thought I've seen a Tiag with smg for sale on auto trader before.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

The 330 (not ZHP) was available in SMG. But it's my understanding that you could not opt for the ZHP Performance Package and the SMG.

[Washburn]

Steptronic. Would have preferred a manual but occaisionally the wife drives the car and a manual wouldn't do for that. I get my shifting fix with my '80 TR8.
This was also my primary reason for getting the step. 2nd reason was that my work commute is about 40% stop and go heavy traffic, and the ZHP is a DD, after all.

BTW, there seems to be 3 people with autos, but looks like only one (me) has actually voted. Vote in the poll on top of the page.

[bimmer848]

i probably shouldnt vote since i dont have a zhp, but i will say i have not owned an automatic since i was 18. i have had at least 15-20 cars since then(i'm 35 now..i think?) and all manny's. i cant even really stand driving autos when i have to, just removes the soul of a car(sorry step guys, i got love for ya!)as for the wife, she was driving a manual 300hp Cobra when we started dating, so she's bout it bout it!


edit: however, if i could afford a new ///M3, i MAY get that smg. i spent a weekend with that beast at ///M Perf. School and fell madly in love. so buttery, so precise. made the smg in the M5 and M6 feel so antiquated.

[Mtnman]

Ill help u out washburn. I have a step. Right car at the right price, and I knew the previous owner. Wish it was manual most of the time, but there are days when the phone is ringing and the baby is crying, i dont mind the step at all...

[thesixsins]

Manual all the way!

[danewilson77]

You need a bigger sig bro...^

[zhp43867]

His sig is 20% bigger than yours... meh.

296px vs 370px.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I don't have any problem with the signature sizes.

Dane just trying to be a jackass! ha!

[danewilson77]

^ oh damn....Marcus is like half of my screen too!!!!!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

^^ignore that guy. :biggrin

[danewilson77]

Just playin around.:mwah

I haz super ginormous sig like my bero's now.......

[az3579]

Jeez, the bandwidth usage on my phone bill is gonna go up like crazy now. lol

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I've been wondering why my iPad data usage has been so high lately. Now I know!

[az3579]

Well if you got yours with the "unlimited" data, then you're fine. lol
I got grandfathered in, so meh! Verizon's doing tiered plans now I think. Lame.
Why did FailT&T have to start doing this crap? Now everyone's following suit. :mad

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Well if you got yours with the "unlimited" data, then you're fine. lol
I got grandfathered in, so meh! Verizon's doing tiered plans now I think. Lame.
Why did FailT&T have to start doing this crap? Now everyone's following suit. :mad

Unfortunately, no. I have the 2GB for $25 a month. Sucks!

Sorry for going off topic, guys. I blame Dane! :biggrin

[danewilson77]

I will take that blame and raise you 500!!!!!

[az3579]

I guess 2GB is enough for most people, but now browsing this site almost nonstop and streaming Pandora, it will make it very difficult for some. Luckily I'm still unlimited. ;)

[kayger12]

Verizon, unlimited for $26.99 with my discount through work :)

[zhp43867]

Ha I'm OG with AT&T; still running the original unlimited plan for $25 or $30 a month, can't remember.

[Daddyoh]

I have the correct transmission in mine, a 6-speed manual.

+1 My Brother ;)

[badzhp]

step here, few mods including Perf Gearing LSD, which really made a difference.

[zhp43867]

step here, few mods including Perf Gearing LSD, which really made a difference.

Details? :shifty

[Rich@2M]

6speed ftw!!

[SC4ME]

Manual. That is the #1 requirement when I purchase a car. Found this baby and bought it immediately. And I :wub those six gears!

I have never owned an automatic automobile. My wife has one, but I dont like to drive it (I tend to make panic stops when I try to use the clutch that isnt there).

[billschusteriv]

Ha I'm OG with AT&T; still running the original unlimited plan for $25 or $30 a month, can't remember.

+1. I saw they were ditchin the unlimited plan so I dove in with my BB.


On topic, I'm rockin the step in the e46 since its the family car and my wife refuses to learn stick - for now. At least I have a stick in the e30.

[DESANT]

This was also my primary reason for getting the step. 2nd reason was that my work commute is about 40% stop and go heavy traffic, and the ZHP is a DD, after all.

BTW, there seems to be 3 people with autos, but looks like only one (me) has actually voted. Vote in the poll on top of the page.

+1 Mine is also step for the same reasons.

[MsRN]

Mine's Steptronic. With 39k at $17880 under warranty and local, I couldn't justify $7k more for an Imola 6MT in KY with 50k+ miles.

[MsRN]

Plus, I decided that when the Step goes, I'll put in a 6MT and a LSD. :)

[danewilson77]

^I like the way you think Mister.

[billschusteriv]

Mine's Steptronic. With 39k at $17880 under warranty and local, I couldn't justify $7k more for an Imola 6MT in KY with 50k+ miles.

Start thinking about that trans fluid flush!

[Mtnman]

I did a tranny fluid change (step) at 120000 miles. Never done before that. Got lucky, all is good, but do it at 60k at least!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Mine's Steptronic. With 39k at $17880 under warranty and local, I couldn't justify $7k more for an Imola 6MT in KY with 50k+ miles.

+1

[MsRN]

Thank you, Ma'am! :P

Reasons to go manual:

Less weight
Better mileage
More durable
Gives my left foot something to do
Freaks out car salesmen who think I don't know to clutch at stops (I shift into neutral about 500 feet out--saves the clutch).
Requires that one pay attention to ones driving, and put down the stupid iPhone/Droid/generic electronic distraction.

Besides, one of my physician colleagues ditched BMW for Audi (really, Judy--Audi?) after her e46 Steptronic nearly killed her at a tollbooth. (So I guess I should add 'more trustworthy' to the list).

More trustworthy. :)

Out of curiosity--does the 6MT limit your revs like the 5MT does mine? And does it eliminate DSC or DTC?

[Johnmadd]

I guess 2GB is enough for most people, but now browsing this site almost nonstop and streaming Pandora, it will make it very difficult for some. Luckily I'm still unlimited. ;)
That is exactly what I do...seriously. My data bill is unlimited but is funny to see how much I used, I will bet my data us higher than most of you.

[MsRN]

Okay...I'll consider a transmission flush this year. I WAS going to skip it because a) I'd prefer a manual anyway; b) I've heard that flushing high-mileage ATs can result in slippage/premature failure, due to the arcane nature of ATs, and c) I don't have an extra $5-6k lying around for a rebuilt AT; d) I've been given to understand that changing ATF is not a proven way to extend the life of the e46 AT, so why not save the $500 every 60k miles for a failure between 100k and 200k miles?

Please feel free to comment! I AM torn about this...

[Mtnman]

I'd say that if u want a manual that bad, time to sell and just buy one. Price difference would be 1k or so....so just bite the bullet now. If u don't, then I reccomend the change. I want a manual too, but the 500 bucks (I spent 375) for 3 years worth of time (60k miles) is totally worth it. Just my opinion of course.

[Mtnman]

Ps- flush is a dirty word. Just get a fluid change, at a reputable shop. Technically, they should heat the fluid prior to install. Why? I have no idea. But that's what my shop did cause they said that is what is supposed to be done....

[Johnmadd]

Ps- flush is a dirty word. Just get a fluid change, at a reputable shop. Technically, they should heat the fluid prior to install. Why? I have no idea. But that's what my shop did cause they said that is what is supposed to be done....

Same reason you do the laundry or dishes with warm water, it breaks up and gets cleaner with hotter temp fluids. Basically it gets thinner and drains easier.

[kayger12]

Okay...I'll consider a transmission flush this year. I WAS going to skip it because a) I'd prefer a manual anyway; b) I've heard that flushing high-mileage ATs can result in slippage/premature failure, due to the arcane nature of ATs, and c) I don't have an extra $5-6k lying around for a rebuilt AT; d) I've been given to understand that changing ATF is not a proven way to extend the life of the e46 AT, so why not save the $500 every 60k miles for a failure between 100k and 200k miles?

Please feel free to comment! I AM torn about this...

I was torn about this as well. The stuff you discuss in (b) and (d) above comes from one of the most respected BMW techs in the business, and was primarily why I never did the auto trans fluid in my 325. It had 99K miles on the same fluid when I bought it. I ran it until 122K and never had an issue, slip, or problem.

I was always torn, and never comfortable with the fact that I felt like my otherwise beautiful and well maintained car could have a critical component frag at any moment.

It ultimately is what pushed me to sell and get into a 6MT ZHP.

Glad I made the move. Really glad I made the move before a trans failure...

I don't remember what your mileage is on your current ride, but if it's much over 50K, I'd leave it. Under, I'd do it and then get it done every 30K. Even though there's no evidence that it will extend the life of the trans, you'll at least know you did everything you could if it goes south on you.

[danewilson77]

I am torn as well....and the decision to flush/swap fluids...imho....lies solely with the owner. That is how unsure I am, regarding the detrimental affects, the detergents can have....when the aftermarket fluid is introduced into the tranny.

I think Mike Miller says dhu eeeet though.....so...idk. Guess I am second guessing the god on this one.

I say change it......if you are at a reasonably low mileage (yeah....go ahead and define that)

[kayger12]

I am torn as well....and the decision to flush/swap fluids...imho....lies solely with the owner. That is how unsure I am, regarding the detrimental affects, the detergents can have....when the aftermarket fluid is introduced into the tranny.

I think Mike Miller says dhu eeeet though.....so...idk. Guess I am second guessing the god on this one.

I say change it......if you are at a reasonably low mileage (yeah....go ahead and define that)

Last thing I saw from Miller said not to change if over 50K and previously unserviced... Not sure if that was his latest, though.

[danewilson77]

Ahhh...ok....some shitbirds at another forum...were getting me to buy into the fact that "Mike Miller says to change it"

Didn't make sense to me.

[kayger12]

Ahhh...ok....some shitbirds at another forum...were getting me to buy into the fact that "Mike Miller says to change it"

Didn't make sense to me.

He recommends changing it every 30K, but only if you're pretty much doing it from the start. Over 50K without doing it and he related that he's seen too many fail after the change.

Of course he also said that he's seen auto trans that were maintained go 200K, and ones that weren't maintained still go 200K, and as many lower mileage ones fail regardless of whether they were maintained or not.

His ultimate solution is to avoid them like the plague and go MT.

[MsRN]

Kayger12--

I believe you have distilled the very essence of Mr. Millers wisdom, sir.

Mein Bayernisch Fehrngehenapparat mehr als neun und sechzig tausend Meile hat....

That is, 'My Bavarian [car] ('Fehrngehenapparat' is a play on words, if you speak the mother tongue), has more than 69,000 miles.'. Hence my hesitation...

[danewilson77]

Hence...in my opinion it is up to you. I would lean toward you being ok to change....but....

[kayger12]

Here's my take, fwiw.

If you're planning on keeping the car until it has much more than 100k on it, I'd change the fluid asap, and stick to the every 30k schedule from there on out.

If you're planing on unloading the car and getting into something else in the next 30-50k miles, I'd say that the risk/reward of changing isn't worth it for you and I'd let it be...

[MsRN]

Thanks, kayger12, dane, everyone else. I'm planning to keep the car (unless a REALLY, REALLY nice Imola ZHP 6MT just falls into my lap, that is) as long as I can. Barring another little one (it would be nice...), I think I'll change out to a manual when the 5AT gives up, but I'll do the ATF change ASAP (after the cooling system overhaul and rear brake change, that is), and maintain it as Mr Miller suggests.

[kayger12]

Thanks, kayger12, dane, everyone else. I'm planning to keep the car (unless a REALLY, REALLY nice Imola ZHP 6MT just falls into my lap, that is) as long as I can. Barring another little one (it would be nice...), I think I'll change out to a manual when the 5AT gives up, but I'll do the ATF change ASAP (after the cooling system overhaul and rear brake change, that is), and maintain it as Mr Miller suggests.

Good plan.

And I said the same thing about keeping my 325 unless a really nice ZHP 6MT fell into my lap.

I ended up using an abstract definition of, "falls into my lap." Pretty much involved a methodical, pre-meditated search, 6 hour round trip, and paying someone $22k to drop the car while I put my lap right under it...

[danewilson77]

Good plan.

And I said the same thing about keeping my 325 unless a really nice ZHP 6MT fell into my lap.

I ended up using an abstract definition of, "falls into my lap." Pretty much involved a methodical, pre-meditated search, 6 hour round trip, and paying someone $22k to drop the car while I put my lap right under it...

:rofl

Love it.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[Mtnman]

changing mine was the hardest decision i have made on this car to date. I did it with 120k on it though. Running great at 136,000 right now. Very glad i did it.

[MisterMotorist]

I intentionally looked for a step ZHP. I live in SF and there are virtually no streets where you can drive for more than one or maybe two blocks without a stop sign or stop light. Never got out of 2nd gear. I have had a zillion cars, trucks, bikes, etc. - almost all MT. When I got my E36 M3 in 2000 I just decided not to row my way around town anymore. I really miss MT when I get out of town, off the freeway and onto secondary roads (we have some of the very best driving roads in North America around here). If I had more room for cars I would build a 95 E36 M3 for spirited driving.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I lived in San Francisco for three years. Had an automatic. Thank goodness.

[iZHP]

looks like manual is the majority so far...so glad I have a 6 speed. My left foot feels like it should be doing something when I drive an auto.

[otto99]

Mine's a step and I regret it when I'm autocrossing. Our steps are sloppy compared to the later paddle shift steps in the E90/E92. However, at the time of purchase my commute was 15 miles of stop and go interstate, and my E34 535i with a stick was miserable in those conditions, as was my left leg. When I'm tootling around town, I don't mind so much, and when storming the backroads, the "manual" shift does make it more engaging. If I were to do it all over, though, I would have gone with the stick.

[johnrando]

I've already posted that I have a STEP due to various reasons, but I am going to vent a little. I love everything about this car, except the STEP. I've driven quite a few "manumatics" as rental cars, etc, and many of those are "close enough" to manual to be fun. The STEP, IMHO, isn't. I'm kinda mad at BMW for not making one worthy of the rest of the car... I know there are lots of posts on this on other forums, and when to "shift", etc.; but simply put, they could have done WAY better on this so those of us who "needed" a STEP, wouldn't long for manuals when the roads are right for gunnin'.

[MisterMotorist]

I agree with Otto99 and Johnrando that the step is not a very sophisticated, intuitive or responsive trans. I actually think that the auto trans in my E36 M3/4 was a better, more responsive trans in the "S" mode. I guess that if I could have gotten a dual clutch trans, I'd be a happier motorist. M-DKG — has one clutch for 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th and a second for 2nd, 4th and 6th. Five different settings available in automatic mode, six settings in manual mode. Also, I would like to have an additional 100 RWHP......

[Snuffalufigus]

So I know this is a very old thread but I'm resurrecting it! Only because I am looking at getting some Dinan software for my STEP. My last car was a 2012 128i auto and I loved every minute of it. It shifted better than my current auto ZHP and had 6 gears but I digress. I actually prefer automatics due to the stop and go traffic I endure to/from work. But if I ever got into tracking it, I would have to prefer a manual.

[KevinC]

For shits & giggles, checked (new) 3-series stock at local stealership last night.. 79 in stock (pretty big number!) Number of automatics? 79. Wow. Not a single stick out of 79. Times have changed.

I love the 3-series commercial that's been getting aired frequently lately, showing their evolution over the years. Focal point of the visuals: shifting gears. On a proper manual.

[Simmsled]

When I changed over to Dexron VI and new tranny filter at 69k miles, the Step responded faster than it ever had.
I have days where I prefer the Step, and days I prefer manual transmission.
Now that I have both, I really can say that the first 3 gears in the Step are swifter/quicker. Get into 4th, and beyond... the stick thrives.
Also, the stick provides Prius-like gas mileage compared to the Step. Holy moly.

[Dave1027]

I love my steppy. It's the slickest shifting auto I've ever owned. It always seems to know exactly what gear to grab. When I'm accelerating it rips through the gears. Also, I'm averaging 25 mpg which ain't bad.

[johnrando]

I have step and I not a big fan of it (see above post) but it works for my needs. I wish it responded quicker. But, to spice it up, 1st, do the paddle shift mod. Makes it more fun to drive. I also added the Dinan s/w and I'm not positive how much a difference it makes. I think maybe at high revs when you're pushing it hard it may shift a bit quicker, but I couldn't swear to it. I got it on sale so that helped. Couldn't really say if it was with it or not, but combined with the paddle shift, I think it might be.

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[Snuffalufigus]

Do you think the Dinan software is worth the money? If you could go back would you do a different s/w mod? I feel like we have similar ideas on what our cars should be so I want to pick your brain lol

[johnrando]

I don't know of any other STEP s/w. I had an AA tune at the time (still do) and added the Dinan STEP. The Eurocharged tune says they address shift points as well and engine performance in their tune, so that would be a one stop shop that was not available when I did mine. I'm really not sure if the Dinan STEP s/w was worth it or not. It would be interesting to see what it's like w/o the STEP s/w to see if I could feel the difference. I'm not unhappy I did it, but I'm not sure I could 100% recommend it if the difference is that small. If you did auto-x or track or something, maybe it would be more worth it.

[Snuffalufigus]

Okay understood. I've been looking at a tune as well and I've been looking at eurocharged due to the fact that they do one specifically for autos. If that's the case I probably won't do the Dinan s/w. Looking at this page, it looks like Dinan wants you to get their engine tune as well.

http://www.dinancars.com/product/d902-30a5-performance-automatic-transmission-software/?series=3-Series&mid=1021/

It says it can get to 60 in 2nd... However the cost of the tune and s/w is pretty ridiculous! lol

[TigerTater]

I can reach 60 in 2nd. Eurocharged. Car hauls ass to 3rd gear where it kind of trails off.

[Snuffalufigus]

The real question is who on this site has a supercharged auto?! lol

[johnrando]

There are a few people who do.

[johnrando]

Okay understood. I've been looking at a tune as well and I've been looking at eurocharged due to the fact that they do one specifically for autos. If that's the case I probably won't do the Dinan s/w. Looking at this page, it looks like Dinan wants you to get their engine tune as well.

http://www.dinancars.com/product/d902-30a5-performance-automatic-transmission-software/?series=3-Series&mid=1021/

It says it can get to 60 in 2nd... However the cost of the tune and s/w is pretty ridiculous! lol

As far a that goes, any tune will do. The tune removes the rev limit... w/o that the STEP s/w is useless. So it could be theirs or someone else's. The good thing about EC is again, like Ragu, it's in there. (an old commercial :) )

[Snuffalufigus]

ha roger that sir! I appreciate the feedback. Also do you happen to know anyone in particular from this site with a supercharged auto? Just looking a long, long ways down the road. At high altitude (5K+) my car feels like it has no power! So irritating

[Dave1027]

I can reach 60 in 2nd. Eurocharged. Car hauls ass to 3rd gear where it kind of trails off.

What RPM are you doing when it hits 60 in 2nd?

[johnrando]

ha roger that sir! I appreciate the feedback. Also do you happen to know anyone in particular from this site with a supercharged auto? Just looking a long, long ways down the road. At high altitude (5K+) my car feels like it has no power! So irritating

Ask Seth (udubbadger), he reps EU.

[Snuffalufigus]

Ask Seth (udubbadger), he reps EU.

Thanks! Love the SMG paddle shift mod btw


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[johnrando]

Yw. And, thanks.

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