BMW’s Manual Gearbox Faces an Uncertain Future
BMW M2
BMW M2•
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BMW M may be struggling to keep the manual alive, but American buyers are making their preference clear. Around 50% of BMW M2 (G87) customers in the US reportedly choose the six-speed gearbox, even though the manual version delivers less torque than the automatic.
So why is the future of the stick shift uncertain? More power, shrinking supplier numbers and the addition of 48-volt technology are making the hardware harder to integrate into future models.
BMW M boss Frank van Meel hasn’t ruled out alternatives, but no replacement is guaranteed. Meanwhile, the BMW M3 CS Handschalter proves that a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive can still be a major part of a performance car’s appeal.
Do enthusiasts really need the fastest numbers on paper? Or is the joy of changing gears worth more than another performance upgrade?
