Getting fed up with manuals

Discussion in 'General chat' started by Stu99, Aug 19, 2019.

  1. Stu99
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    Stu99

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    As in changing gears, I've had auto before and liked them, I don't do that much stop start stuff but just preferred it in general.

    I thought about trying to find somebody to convert from manual to auto but it's stupid so if I'm sticking to a 3 series it'll be auto.
     
  2. Wynne71
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    Wynne71 WARLORD Site Supporter

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    I’ve not had an auto until the E92 currently. Was always a fan of the manual box, generally cars that I could afford didn’t have good auto boxes, so I steered clear.
    Drove the 320d with the ZF6 box and was pleased, so bought it.
    Newer auto boxes are more efficient and effective I know, but this is a good compromise for me at the moment.
     
  3. quinnj3
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    quinnj3

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    Mine has the ZF 8 speed box. It works really well with very fast smooth shifts but I think there’s a couple too many gears. It’s hard to describe but it seems to be constantly shifting on acceleration and sometimes feels as though the gears haven’t fully engaged before shifting to the next.


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  4. pinewood
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    pinewood

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    I drive two auto's and occasionally a manual.
    There is something inherently satisfying in throwing a gear and synchronised with the push of a clutch.

    having said that - no fun when in traffic and constantly clutch pumping.

    alternatively - having a auto, where you just push the accelerator like a go cart can get boring.

    i drive the Golf as a manual
    I drive the X3 in lazy auto
    I drive the Boxster like a manual with dual clutch PDK gearbox

    the car chosen depends on traffic and destination
     
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  5. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    What engine/model is it mated to?

    8-speed mated to the N55 engine in my car is a perfect match, you'd hardly know it has a gearbox in auto driving.

    Peter
     
  6. quinnj3
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    quinnj3

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    It’s the N47 in a 320d. I’m not complaining, it is smooth and quick changing. As you said you’d hardly know it has a gearbox. It’s just it seems to cog swap quite a bit. 8 speed just seems excessive to me really. Also I only have the car a couple of weeks so gearbox may not have adapted to my style.


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  7. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    Part of it is the engine, the bigger outputs drive the gearboxes much better. Has been the same from the time of the ZF 5-speed auto box.

    BTW, driver adaptation is in real time, so no legacy adaption to worry about. Generally the smoother you are on the throttle, the less the gearbox will be looking for gears.

    Peter
     
  8. bishbosh
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    bishbosh WARLORD

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    Engage Sport mode, it wakes the box up and gear changes feel quicker. The ZF8 is really a marvelous piece of technology. Part of the reason it gives incredible fuel efficiency is because of the 8 gears. (Well, 4 gear sets, 3 clutch packs and 2 brakes.) Also, by having 8 gears the box should allow the engine to always be in the power band - this is especially true for engines like the N47 where the power band will be smaller than the larger lumps.

    Do you have paddles? Go into manual mode and use them - or use the M/S mode on the gearstick. I find the box uses more of the rev range when sticking the gearstick to the left.
     
  9. quinnj3
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    quinnj3

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    I made a mistake it’s not an N47 but a B47O.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  10. bishbosh
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    bishbosh WARLORD

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    Those engine outputs are similar so the comments still apply.
     
  11. Stu99
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    Stu99

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    I guess you lot are in your own discussion
     
  12. slim_boy_fat
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    slim_boy_fat WARLORD Site Supporter

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    Welcome to the forum, Stu.

    Your original post didn't actually ask a question, so you shouldn't be surprised if the thread wanders a bit, with other Members giving their preferences.

    Oh, and a good introduction, referring to us as "you lot"....:rolleyes:
     
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  13. Stu99
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    Stu99

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    Yep you lot :p
     
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  14. slim_boy_fat
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    slim_boy_fat WARLORD Site Supporter

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    [​IMG] :rolleyes:
     
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  15. Stu99
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    Stu99

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  16. K777
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    K777 WARLORD

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    start again, were a friendly bunch.

    I assume your after our thoughts as to changing a manual to an auto.

    My thoughts would be the overall cost, is it worth it, compared to finding a more suitable car.
    I have no idea what those costs would be to be honest. But imagine that there's a lot more involved, such as the ECU - i would imagine the ECU has control of gear changing in an auto not like the old days with a torque converter, so maybe it can be reprogrammed or maybe not ?
     
  17. Stu99
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    Stu99

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    Yes it's not worth it unless there's sentimental value and there isn't. Plus just for the hell of of it I got a quote online for mine after the "mod" if it was done and it nearly doubled:eek: so I guess they don't like stuff getting done.
     
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  18. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    Ah, I think I'm now understanding your first post... You mean converting a manual car to auto? It is not just insurance, the job is very complex, even with a donor car. Simply buy an auto model, far easier, including on the pocket.

    Peter
     
  19. slim_boy_fat
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    slim_boy_fat WARLORD Site Supporter

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    What sort of figures were you getting to perform the 'surgery'?
     
  20. Stu99
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    Stu99

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    Not fully worked it out yet but I'm sure it'll be in the couple of grand area and would need to do it myself as the guy I use wouldn't touch it.
     

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