First post...
Anyway here goes...
I put a deposit on a 3.0i Steel Grey Metallic Auto Steptroinic Z3 last week. However since buying it Ive worried that I may regret it since test driving a couple of manuals since.
1...Basically the auto feels like its thinking about trying to change gear all the time (from the revs).
2...Also it feels like it is slower than the manuals, now is this because the gear changes are smoother and therefore you dont feel the head snapping back like a jerky manual change or is simply slower?
I just dont think it can be because the stats show it .3 of a second slower at 0-60 than a manul so why does it feel so much slower?
Its that its coming down to me going tomorrow to pick up the car and saying that i dont want it any more and losing my £500 deposit and getting a silver 3.0 (which I dont like a s much just because its a manual)
So I would be VERY grateful for ANY help on this dilemma.
Thanks
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| Reply » Z3 3.0i Dilemma - Steptronic Auto or Manual? | |
In my case, get a manual hands down. It gives a lot nicer driving experience. A Steptronic is still a hidden automatic.
I've driven a chrysler crossfire SRT6 (330hp) with a steptronic. Granted it is faster than my car, I wouldn't want it solely for the reason of not having a manual transmission...
A manual indeed FEELS faster and that's what it's all about! It FEELS better; that's why I love manual...
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| Reply » Z3 3.0i Dilemma - Steptronic Auto or Manual? | |
I see...but does it only FEEL faster or is it?
Also whats all this Ive heard about "well its still an auto with a manual overide rather than an actual manual"...why should this matter?
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| Reply » Z3 3.0i Dilemma - Steptronic Auto or Manual? | |
Quote: I see...but does it only FEEL faster or is it?
Also whats all this Ive heard about "well its still an auto with a manual overide rather than an actual manual"...why should this matter? | Well, normally the rule is; automatic (or steptronic) is slower than a manual. An automatic eats up some horsepower, which makes it slower than the manual version. I don't know the technical explanation for it. I'm sure some guys here will be able to tell you...
BMW does a pretty good job keeping the performance difference pretty small between auto and manual though. Technically the manual will actually be faster but you get the extra feel on top of it... A steptronic is basically an automatic but it gives you some more freedom...
Hope this helps a bit. I am from Belgium originally, hence a hardcore manual driver ;-).
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| Reply » Z3 3.0i Dilemma - Steptronic Auto or Manual? | |
Thanks for reply  But does all this relate to 'Drive' only or 'Sport' mode too? How can it be slower if in 'Sport' mode it revs to the redline until it changes gear? as surely u would only be doing this in manual too?
Or if u drive it in 'Manual' mode then why would it be slower as u can determine when to change up and down? Im not particularly bothered about the 'Drive' mode as Ill only use this in traffic anyway...
Im so close to just telling the dealer I dont want the car, losing my £500 deposit and continuing to look for that perfect looking manual, which this auto is 
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| Reply » Z3 3.0i Dilemma - Steptronic Auto or Manual? | |
I read this on the website below...
http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicl...an_bmw_z3.html
The tranny is a quick shifting 5 speed manual. A six speed would make highway cruising more relaxed, but the throws are short, precise and very quick. Cog swapping can be done in nanoseconds. There is a five speed automatic option for $1,275 with Steptronic. But this Z3 cries out for the manual. It's so easy to drive and it's oh so much fun.
I also read the steptronic is (only) 0.1 second slower in 0-60. So, drive both cars and see what you think is more fun. Performance wise, the differences are too small to worry about...
It's the fun factor that is most important! Don't make your decision solely on my opinion though. Both have their advantages...
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Z3 3.0i Dilemma - Steptronic Auto or Manual? |