BMW M Boss Explains Why The Manual Gearbox Is Dying

There’s little question the writing is on the wall for the handbook gearbox. With the Z4 M40i simply months away from retirement, that can go away solely three vehicles within the three-pedal membership. And with the next-generation 3 Sequence looming, the M3 G80 can be on its method out. Its alternative, the G84, may go automatic-only, leaving solely the M2 and M4 with clutch pedals.

The G87 and G82 are reportedly sticking round till mid-2029, so there’s nonetheless time. In the meantime, BMW M’s boss is explaining why the clock is ticking for the 6MT. It’s not as a consequence of a declining take fee, because the handbook stays comparatively widespread, particularly in america. As a substitute, Frank van Meel informed Australia’s CarSales journal that the standard gearbox hampers efficiency and effectivity.

“From an engineering standpoint, the handbook doesn’t actually make sense as a result of it limits you in torque and likewise in gasoline consumption.”

Fanatics may argue that BMW has the information to develop a brand new gearbox able to dealing with extra torque. Nevertheless, bean counters would say it’s unreasonable to spend money on a handbook engineered for larger masses, realizing it will be tough to realize economies of scale. Growing a transmission for a handful of fashions, aimed toward a comparatively small viewers, is tough to justify.

Torque limitation is a real situation. Keep in mind the 3.0 CSL? Even BMW’s strongest inline-six manufacturing automotive, and its costliest new mannequin ever, needed to have its S58 engine detuned. The dual-turbo, 3.0-liter unit was lowered from the standard 650 Nm to 550 Nm in order that the €750,000 Batmobile revival may accommodate a stick shift.

The mayor of M City additionally argues that an computerized BMW efficiency mannequin is extra environment friendly than its handbook counterpart. We suspect gasoline economic system isn’t a high precedence for consumers on this section, and lots of would gladly pay extra on the pump if it meant preserving a handbook alive within the years forward.

Frank van Meel pledges to maintain manuals “for the subsequent couple of years,” which aligns with our reporting that the present M2 and M4 would be the final of the 6MT breed. Logic suggests we haven’t heard the ultimate chapter of BMW’s handbook story. M is more likely to have fun rowing your personal gears with particular editions earlier than the analog setup is retired for good. We’ve already seen indicators of that, such because the M3 MT Final Edition for Japan.