RUMOR: BMW's Next-Gen M3 To LOSE The Manual Transmission?! If TRUE, Is This A GOOD or BAD Move?

According to an online publication, it turns out that there may be some interesting news on the horizon when it comes to the upcoming BMW M3 and M4. If you disappeared last week, you missed out on the M4 Concept's debut at Monterey Weekend.

So, here's what you're here for. Auto Blog is saying that a well-informed "source" has passed along information that the next-gen M car will NOT feature a do-it-yourself gearbox. This, more or less, has me conflicted. That's because of two things:

1) We know BMW reluctantly built the F10 M5 with the six-speed standard transmission to appeal to U.S.-based customers but rumors have placed the Bavarians swearing they will NOT be doing it again.

2) BUT the M3/M4 really are the "driver's oriented" cars of the lineup. It seems as though it would be silly to not feature a manual.

We've obviously seen Lamborghini and Ferrari move away from the gated shifters. Porsche threw that option out the window on the all-new GT3. Perhaps BMW is next?

If TRUE, is this a GOOD or BAD move?


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quizz - 8/22/2013 2:14:23 AM

+2 Boost

Bad move. When has reducing options ever been a good move? Make the manual an option, if people want it, they can select it. How is taking away an option that appeals to their core fanbase every good???

bmwcs - 8/22/2013 5:37:47 AM

+3 Boost

There are spy photos and insider info that disprove this rumor. The M3/4 WILL have a manual.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=879669

Yonder7 - 8/22/2013 7:48:19 AM

-2 Boost

Is an Excellent move...If happens..

SamFriedman - 8/22/2013 9:03:59 AM

+2 Boost

BAD. Let the owner choose, and for gods sake, feature it with a manual. ITS A DRIVERS CAR!!!!!

Satriani1 - 8/22/2013 2:38:14 PM

-1 Boost

What if the manual in this generation's M3/M4 has the problems of the manual in the M5 tested by Car and Driver?
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-bmw-m5-manual-test-review

Are you still going to demand that BMW offer a manual when it's no longer appropriate for the high-powered car (i.e., manual makes the car worse) and unprofitable for BMW to do so?