8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual? What's your choice?

I’d also like to say back in the ‘60’s when automatics were either 2-speeds or 3-speed transmissions, the 4-speed manual was the best. Then automatics grew into 4, 5, 6 speeds as sticks became 5-speeds with 5th gear an overdrive for economy. Now we have 8, 9, 10 speed automatic transmissions and we still have 6-speed manuals. 7-speed manuals were a thing for a few years but no one liked it. So automatics now shift so fast and have better power curves than sticks. Sticks are a dying breed. It’s funny how people say if you drive auto you’re not an enthusiast, yet F1 racers use sequential shifting. No one says, I wish I could turn off ABS because I want to be totally in control of my braking. Or I want manual steering so I can really feel the road better. Times change, people change. I don’t miss my flip phone, nor miss my rotary dial phone from 1955. Cars are built better now with airbags, auto climate control, satellite radio, seats that warm and massage your butt. Soon manuals will be history like the carburetor on new cars. No one is clamoring for bring back drum brakes. If people want to order the M2 with a stick, more power to you. But don’t bash people for wanting the automatic. If you are buying an M2, you are a car enthusiast. Who else needs a car with 453 hp to run to the supermarket? Carbon fiber roof or sunroof…your choice; sport seats or carbon seats…your choice; auto or stick…your choice. I have an M2 on the way with sport seats, auto, carbon roof, and Brooklyn Gray. If you are here, you’re an enthusiast. Don’t kill the messenger.

Automatic all the way. The technology of modern day Automatics are just straight up better than the manual transmissions

That's what I took from my M3 test drive. The engine is better matched with shorter gear ratios and shifting speed of the Automatic. The test drive made me change my M2 order from Manual to Automatic. This is despite having driven Manual exclusively since I first started driving 17 years ago.

Honesty regarding a manual versus an automatic it’s nice to see this negative talk about not being an enthusiast unless you row your own gears is comical not everyone lives in rural country road driving, great review

8-auto in case BMW, it has fast lock up after changing gear and smooth in daily drive, best matching for M engine.

Agreed. Ordered mine in the auto. Owned lots of manuals . The 8sp auto is just a better match to this engine.

I ordered mine with the 6 speed manual. I’ve been rowing my own gears in a e46 M3 for 21+ years and can’t give up the connected feeling you get with that transmission. That is such a key element to the driving experience for me in a high performance sports car.

Authentic review 🎉

Nice review!👍

If the manual was better I would ALWAYS get the manual, however the manual is not that good in either the M4 or M2 so I guess I agree with you!

I agree. Auto all the way. Nice review. Thanks 😎

Good choice,I'd also do the same thing I like manual gear for my neighbour but I love automatic gear for my self😊😊. Anyways great choice.

I've owned 8 BMW's since 1995, all stick shifts and all were tracked from time to time. with my M2 order, I chose the auto. I love driving the car in traffic in auto mode and then on the track or curvy backroads using the paddles and/or shifter in manual mode to have fun. The 8-speed auto shifts almost as fast as a dual clutch, but smooths out the jerkiness of the DCT. the auto is the best of both worlds....for me anyway.

automatic and paddle shifters are best of both. a wonderful car, i have a 24 on order , thanks

I just purchased yesterday a New 2023 M2 Manual. Also, I still have the 2000 MZ coupe Manual I bought new in May 1999, and for 24 years of the MZ coupe, I had zero issues with the transmission (just once burned the clutch) still drives like brand new. I chose MT For three main reasons: First, I prefer the MT. Because few drivers know how to drive MT, I have an excellent excuse for not lending my M2 and the MZ coupe to my friends or families, which they always ask to test the M cars. 2nd. I feel less worried about auto theft because not too many car thieves know how to drive MT, 3rd, I use most of the time Jeep Rubicon, for everyday drives in Southern Ca. Again buy what you like and what you enjoy. And don't worry about others what they say. (excuse my grammatical error)

I traded a 2020 M2C for the 2023 M2. I was wondering whether the new version would be worth the trade. It has been! I got the automatic and am thrilled that I did. Driving the 2023 BMW M2 is a wonderful experience.

The M2 with the manual is the best option for an enthusiast who wants to enjoy pure driving pleasure. After having a E46 M3 with SMG for many years I wanted to have that manual connection again. The manual is nicely geared and having a long geared transmission that allows more time in each gear… the automatic seems to be constantly shifting and holds each gear only for a short time to ensure the engine is in its most powerful rev range. But if I was in an area where there is a lot of traffic and with awd I would take the automatic. But the manual is great and I don’t regret getting my G87 in manual. But if your going to the race track the automatic is a must. Enjoy!

I rented one 2 days ago to evaluate before placing an order. 1000% percent agree with your daily driving assessment. I am looking for a new car specifically for a manual because I keep getting bored with auto/dual clutch. The clutch on this car is tricky and annoying around town, specifically setting off in 1st and the 1-2 shift. The shifter is a little more notchy and plasticky feeling than the 1M. Maybe that will "break-in" and get more slick over time. The engine really responds more like an NA where you need to get it to at least 3500-4000 RPM to really get the torque and power going, but there is still enough passing power even in 6th at 80 MPH. The top end on this thing RIPS and I could definitely see how it would be more satisfying to bury your foot in the go pedal and take off as the auto instantly finds the right gear. Now I am a bit on the fence, but will probably still take the manual as I don't want to get bored again and as a long term car the manual will definitely be more special. Hoping that the clutch issues can be solved by removing a clutch delay valve like the M2C and 1M.

Awesome in depth look and i agree, AUTO for the win and i don't care what others say, my money my choice😁

Glad I chose the auto😎

Great car s58 with 8speed perfecg match, also with sunroof how did it feel driving M car with sunroof??? Awesome feeling hey

Ordered mine as a manual - it was actually a no brainer for me as this is a fun car (mainly for track) and not a DD. For DD etc. I'll just get a diesel anyway;)

How is the suspension of this car for daily driving use in the city? Too firm or okay? And if you've driven the m240i, how do they compare?

That would Be My Choice too ! I couldn't Careless About the so Called Purists and other gatekeepers. The 8Speed Auto is Way More versatile and easy to Drive And Quicker too.

I always found BMWs to be better suited to an auto box rather than a manual. I’ve never been able to drive a manual equipped BMW smoothly of the line, the clutch action isn’t great. Now something like a Subaru WRX or Supra that I used to own, the manuals in those were just so much better.

If I had two cars and the M2 wasn’t the daily, I’d go manual. But I daily the M2 so I went with the auto.

I daily a 2006 Subaru STi, which I love. But its nice to hop in an automatic and just go. I plan on buying an 2024 M2, and when I do it'll be auto. I'll still keep my 06 STi but it'll be more of a weekend driver while the M2 will be my daily.

How does this ZF compare to the DCT (for track or back road use)? In terms of speed (both up and downshift) and also the "feel". I love the raw and kick-in-the-back feel of the DCT.

I havent had a manual car before but I just put an order for m2 manual. Hopefully i can drive out from dealership

The 6 speed was almost an afterthought to satisfy a much smaller base. So, in case of this car, I agree with the 8 spd auto.

I have the manual in my G87 and don't regret it one bit. The "rubbery feel" is overplayed, echo chamber BS in my opinion. It's true the gears are longer in the manual, so you really only have to shift once from 3rd to 4th in a 60-130 pull. Comfort based on the transmission selection is highly subjective - just like sport seats versus carbon buckets. Two people drive automatics - 1. Those substantially tracking their cars competitively, and 2. girls.

👍💯

What about the performance version?

I ordered mine with 6-speed manual, come to think of it I would not have ordered an M2 if I couldn't get it in a manual. Then again I would never consider living in Chicago. :)

6 speed for fun factor, as long as you are not stuck in traffic all the time.

I ordered mine in 6MT in torronto red and its already on its way. Now I'm wondering if I made a very big mistake 😂😂

Manual all the way!

Anyone who thinks they need to demean someone's else's choice in cars to make themselves feel better is pretty sad, I hope they get help. There are always reasons people make choices that you don't know. I had to sell my 911 with a manual because I have an ankle injury that causes me tremendous pain if I spend a day shifting. So for my G80, xDrive Comp it was. And as for the buckets, yeah they are amazing and comfortable but if you are buying a car to use every day, hopping in and out is going to get old, fast. I'm selling a 997 Turbo S for my G80. If I wanted a hardcore sports car, I'd just keep it. I am Purposely looking for more comfort and usability. At the end of the day, sofas and automatic, you are still buying an M2. Not a Mustang, or a Tesla or whatever. An M2 it still is. People need to have a little more kindness.

agreed 100%

This or the Mustang Dark Horse? Same price when loaded. Mustang has better brakes.

6 speed!

8 speed auto…😲

M, Made in Mexico?

The ratios are too long with the diff ratio of the M2.

Wow great looking car -only a BMW fanboy can ever say

6MT all the way. Auto is boring. I don’t get this “8AT matches better with this engine”…I have a G80 6MT and it rocks! Drove a G82 AT…Yawn.

Cringe

A catastrophically ugly car ... very sad.

i saw this G87 in real with the same spec as in this video. and as a F87 owner i have to say, the f87 looks like a tame puppy next to this thing. the G87 looks like an exotic in comparison. wider, lower. more in your face design much more grown up and agressive AF. not to mention the interior quality its like comparing a 2 star hotel to a 5 star. the higher price is perfectly justified. i love the fact that its the same width as m4. the fenders are sometin to behold of. i will wait for more color options.i want to have this car in long beach blue with silverstone bucket seats