The BMW M2’s Manual Option Is Way More Popular Than The M4’s
Manual BMWs have been a hot topic in the CT office this week, and it’s all thanks to the BMW M235i. We’ve been testing one alongside the 1M to prepare ourselves for the incoming M2, and have found the shift to be rubbery and unsatisfying. In fact it irked my colleague Darren Cassey so much, he had a big rant about it.
This seems to be a common trait of BMW manuals, and the interesting thing is that they’re becoming particularly uncommon on the hotter models. In fact, on average a whopping 90 per cent of UK BMW M4 buyers go for the monstrously quick-shifting dual-clutch version over the manual. But what about the new M2? It turns out the stick shift version is a lot more popular in the ‘baby’ M car.
Since the first drive reviews of the M2 are beginning to emerge, we got curious and asked BMW how many buyers were going for a car with three pedals. So far in the UK it’s a 70/30 split in favour of DCT (pictured above), so while the auto is still by far the most popular option, the manual is (proportionally) three times as popular here as it is in the bigger M4.
It could perhaps be something to do with the M2’s predecessor - the 1M - being manual only, or maybe the M2 is more of a BMW for the hardcore enthusiast. Whatever the reason, we’re just hoping when we get our first drive of the M2 in a few weeks, the shift action proves to be more satisfying than in the M235i…
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Not surprised. The M4 must be incredibly popular among people who care more about impressing their peers than the actual sensation of driving.
I wouldn’t say someone opting for the auto automatically (see what I did there??) goes into the ‘care more about impressing their peers’ camp though. As we’ve been saying today, BMW manuals are often disappointing, so if I was looking at an M4, M235i etc, I’d seriously consider the auto option. Plus, plenty of cars suit an auto box more than a manual
Exactly.
I really wish the M5 and M6 came with a manual option
They don’t anymore? WHAT!?
That’s because old people buy the M4.
Because old people have enough money to afford and M4*
I wasnt even aware you could get an M4 with a manual gearbox!
probably because the M2 isn’t as likely to be used as a daily as the M3/M4
For the people saying BMW manuals are bad, no they aren’t, they are infact very good, its just a little gripe with the ‘feel’ when shifting gear that inst the most satisfying thing.
I think that even a enthusiast might choose the DCT over the manual. Those things are fast! And I am sorry to admit they can easily outperform a manual driver
I’m sure someone makes the shifter bushings and whatnot to sharpen up the shifter on the 235i
Probably because its a good size to throw around. The 3 serie ( & 4) is massive now.