Wife wants X3 with manual transmission

v10rick · #1 01-04-2007, 04:16 PM

She presently drives a Z4 manual but likes my new X5.

After searching Auto Trader and Cars.com there are very few available so I take it this is not a popular option.

Is a manual X3 a bad choice? Any problems with different years?

AzNMpower32 · #2 01-04-2007, 05:08 PM

The problem isn't that the manual is bad on the X3. In fact, it's an excellent manual transmission. It's just that (as with most BMWs) in the US, too many people are too lazy to learn a proper stick and buy an automatic. Plus, the AT became a no-cost option, providing yet another incentive for people to order the slushbox.

I highly recommend searching CPO inventories and looking around. They're not impossible to find (like it is on the X5). Once in awhile, a manual pops up in CPO at my dealer although there aren't any at this moment.

JSY · #3 01-11-2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

It's just that (as with most BMWs) in the US, too many people are too lazy to learn a proper stick and buy an automatic.

Is that why people get automatics?

That's a bit harsh... I think people should drive what and how they want without having others think they're "lazy".

If people in the U.S. were allowed to drive manuals only if they road tested on a manual for their license, I am sure you'll find more people in the U.S. drive a stick.

AlanL · #4 01-12-2007, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSY

If people in the U.S. were allowed to drive manuals only if they road tested on a manual for their license, I am sure you'll find more people in the U.S. drive a stick.

Nice thought - and they might actually learn to be better drivers too.

AlanL · #5 01-04-2007, 09:54 PM

My dealer said the same - it just wasn't an option buyers have been asking for so we ordered one from the factory. Dealers in my area (Portland, OR) had only asked for autos as of spring 2005 when we ordered ours. It turned out to be the first manual X3 our dealer had ever delivered.

No regrets at all - I would do it again in a heartbeat and am delighted that my wife made the request.

RamVA · #6 01-04-2007, 10:21 PM

Beware the resale value is likely to be worse (if that's important to you). I took advantage of that when I bought my 5-year old X5.

AlanL · #7 01-04-2007, 10:54 PM

My own focus is on buying cars I want to drive. I am not terribly interested in compromising my own driving experience for the sake of someone in the herd out there who gets the car after I am done with it.

RamVA · #8 01-05-2007, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanL

My own focus is on buying cars I want to drive. I am not terribly interested in compromising my own driving experience for the sake of someone in the herd out there who gets the car after I am done with it.

I don't disagree with you - I've never had an automatic and I hope I never do. I looked long and hard to get the right manual X5.

I'm sure you will agree, though, that if someone is weighing the pros and cons of manual v. auto, that the resale issue is something they should be aware of.

AlanL · #9 01-05-2007, 12:34 AM

Quite possibly true, but it's also the case that for some cars it's almost a plus to have one with the manual given how scarce they might be. With the X3 we seem to be close to the magic proportions that make having a manual tranny an asset.

asawadude · #10 01-05-2007, 05:23 AM

The latest edition of Bimmer magazine has a roadtest of an X3 3.0si 6MT. They had some very favorable things to say about it, including that they prefer it to the E91 328ix Sports Wagon in regards to overall handling and performance.

BTW - A X3 3.5si is rumored for a 2007 introduction, complete with the 3.0L biturbo engine currently found in the 335i. That might be worth the wait.