For at least 10 more years, there will be a manual-performance BMW.
The mystery surrounding the next-generation BMW 3 model is whether it will have a manual transmission option, or if it will be an automatic only performance sedan. Although we will have to wait a while to find out, BMW M is happy to announce that the M4 will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.
“Honestly, the engineering answer is that you’re faster with paddles and a manual transmission,” BMW boardmember and head of development Klaus Frohlich told Road and Track during the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. They’re sporty and precise. You are more in control on the Nurburgring when you don’t have one hand [to shift]. Manuals will disappear from the overall portfolio. However, I believe M4 should remain the stronghold of manual. It should be the last manual transmission to die. This is my opinion.
This begs the question: how long will this last? Frohlich says the M4’s successor will come with a manual option. However, no one can predict exactly. Frohlich, 58, stated that the next generation of the performance coupe won’t be made until 2027 or 2028 and that “then I would be an old man.” We’ll continue to have a manual BMW performance BMW for at most 10 more years.
BMW’s plans to eliminate the three-pedal versions of its engine and transmission range are not motivated by the fact it’s cheaper and easier for them to offer a simplified engine or transmission range. Modern cars are becoming more powerful. This is clearly a challenge to the manuals.
“Because these turbocharged engines have 600 Nm torque, it’s not profitable to create a manual transmission with such high-torque for such a small volume. I tried to extend the life of the manuals but it was impossible to invest in a new manual transmission.