Do dealers every carry a 6MT that can be test driven?

[///M///]

Having lived abroad for 24 years of life, I pretty much grew up on manuals. The first auto I ever drove was when I moved to the US in 2000. it was a Mitsubishi Diamante and I loved it more so because it was different and effortless. That said it didn't take me long to get back into a manual with a 11 sec 92 AWD Mitsubishi Eclipse. Followed that up with a 90 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo. The tranny on the Nissan was absolutely amazing.

But then came the E46M3 and as much as I loved that car, the tranny felt notchy and especially the 1-2 shift. It was definitely the better choice over the SMG though. Moving onto the E90 M3 which is my current ride, I test drove a couple of manuals and hated their tranny's even more than the E46 M3 The clutch felt way too soft and the 6 MT just didn't do it for me. So I went the DCT route and absolutely loved it. Now it's time to move the F8X and I am hearing really good things about the new tranny so thinking of switching back. I am really hoping that is the case but I will not make a decision on the manual until I have test driven one. Going by past manual's on BMW's my default choice for now is the DCT if I don't get to drive a manual.

So the question is, how do you find a manual to test drive? I don't want to ask a fellow member because I don't feel comfortable driving anyone else's car. Besides I don't think anyone would offer Every dealer I have contacted in a 100 mile radius only carry the DCT

[AMPowerJ]

It will probably be difficult. I ordered a MT this time on blind faith that it will be good. The last MT I had was on my '09 M3 ... DCT after that and I am ready to go back to rowing my own gears.

[Hoopumpers]

I called 3 dealers. I found a MT test drive in a day. They are out there.

[KASM3]

Hendrick BMW north lake in Charlotte, NC has an M3 and M4. I know it's a distance but if you are planning a road trip or can afford a weekend flight to Charlotte I'm sure they will accommodate you. Good luck!

[Wah]

There is one near you... not sure if they are letting people test drive, but if you are serious, I can't see how they wouldn't let you.

http://www.bmwofdevon.com/new/BMW/20...6e51134203.htm

Good luck!

[RickMonet]

Dealers are ordering DCT for their spec'd cars. The only way they would end up with a 6MT is if someone cancels their order after production started.

[Wah]

Originally Posted by RickMonet

Dealers are ordering DCT for their spec'd cars. The only way they would end up with a 6MT is if someone cancels their order after production started.

Most are... not all.

[JoeFromPA]

Dude, you can totally drive mine. I wanted to get it broken in, but now the clutch is seating nicely. I'll still be in break-in.

Bring your e90 though

[Lups]

http://www.mckennabmw.com/new/BMW/20...3659b9b00d.htm

Yup, cancellations.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

Dude, you can totally drive mine. I wanted to get it broken in, but now the clutch is seating nicely. I'll still be in break-in.

Bring your e90 though

Haha. You sure? Thanks. I'll let you break it in first By no means I want to rip in it. Just want to get a feel for the clutch and shifting. I really didn't like the E9X tranny so hoping this is very different. Am gonna call BMW of Devon and see if their is available for a test drive. My build is gonna be similar to yours but I might opt for the SO leather just because I have never had anything but black. Swing by at C&C this coming Saturday (weather permitting). The turnout is huge when the weather is good.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by Wah

There is one near you... not sure if they are letting people test drive, but if you are serious, I can't see how they wouldn't let you.

http://www.bmwofdevon.com/new/BMW/20...6e51134203.htm

Good luck!

Thanks. Not sure how I missed that. I have been checking every week

[DadzM4]

I can say that the clutch in my M4 is MUCh better than the clutch in my 2010 E92 was. I always drive a manual and think that all the BMW manuals were horrible up until this new car. i always bought them in manual anyway but this one, IMO, is a huge improvement.

[JoeFromPA]

Originally Posted by dsm918

Haha. You sure? Thanks. I'll let you break it in first By no means I want to rip in it. Just want to get a feel for the clutch and shifting. I really didn't like the E9X tranny so hoping this is very different. Am gonna call BMW of Devon and see if their is available for a test drive. My build is gonna be similar to yours but I might opt for the SO leather just because I have never had anything but black. Swing by at C&C this coming Saturday (weather permitting). The turnout is huge when the weather is good.

Yep. I usually put around 300-500 miles a week on. Let me get 500 miles on her and I'll be fine. I'll come to cars and coffee next weekend (i.e. 2 weeks from now) and we can take it out - can't make this weekend. You are still planning on ordering one next year, right, so no rush?

[celler]

I like the F80 clutch and am happy with it, but I think it could be improved with a UUC short shift kit which I understand is in development.

[E92LNGCGY]

The tranny/clutch is probably the best BMW have done so far. No regret with my 6MT.

[Damasconian]

First of all, the write-up you did for the car you are selling is outstanding. Well done.

I think the dealers are most likely to blame here. They order the cars they think they can sell the fastest. 9/10 times, that is the one with the automatic transmission. I think your best bet is to find a forum member willing to let you drive theirs. I dont have my car yet (ED in exactly 30 days) but when I do, itll be open to anyone that wants to see what the 6-MT feels like. Also, I hope to see how great the DCT is for myself via return favor from a Texan that owns one. Good luck.

[2thdr]

Originally Posted by celler

I like the F80 clutch and am happy with it, but I think it could be improved with a UUC short shift kit which I understand is in development.

Wondering if Rogue is making one as well.

[dhoggm3]

If you absolutely can't find one, my 1200 mile service is this Friday. For the proper quantity of Warsteiner we might be able to make some arrangements.

On the other hand, just order one. You will like it. It's not a Miata or a BRZ or a Boxster S, but the best 6MT BMW has ever produced (same as the M135 but stronger). And it's very easy to drive smoothly.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by dhoggm3

If you absolutely can't find one, my 1200 mile service is this Friday. For the proper quantity of Warsteiner we might be able to make some arrangements.

On the other hand, just order one. You will like it. It's not a Miata or a BRZ or a Boxster S, but the best 6MT BMW has ever produced (same as the M135 but stronger). And it's very easy to drive smoothly.

Haha, thanks. Sure am leaning towards the manual.

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

Yep. I usually put around 300-500 miles a week on. Let me get 500 miles on her and I'll be fine. I'll come to cars and coffee next weekend (i.e. 2 weeks from now) and we can take it out - can't make this weekend. You are still planning on ordering one next year, right, so no rush?

Awesome. Thanks. Yes, no hurry at all. Can even wait until next sorting, no worries. I called BMW Devon and they said they donot offer any test drives for the new M3 and M4's. So the AY one they have is useless