Whereas Mercedes-AMG and Audi Sport have lengthy deserted manuals, BMW M has vowed to hold on to the clutch pedal. Nonetheless, maintaining manuals alive is changing into more and more troublesome as ever extra refined driver-assistance techniques are inclined to work finest with automatics. Declining curiosity in efficiency vehicles with a handbook gearbox solely provides to the problem.
A virtually forgotten reality in regards to the BMW Z4 is {that a} handbook transmission has been accessible since 2019. That stated, it was restricted to the four-cylinder sDrive20i, an entry-level variant by no means provided in the US. Because of this, three pedals didn’t attain American patrons till a few years in the past, when the M40i gained the non-compulsory Handschalter Bundle.
Though the take fee for the six-speed handbook stays stable, it misplaced floor to the eight-speed Steptronic in 2025. BMW USA informed Motor1 that demand was break up evenly between the 2 gearboxes final yr. In 2024, 65% of patrons selected to row their very own gears. It’s additionally value noting that 2025 was the final full yr for the G29, as manufacturing ends within the coming months.
The M2 with a handbook can also be much less in style than it was in 2024. Based on BMW USA, the take fee has fallen from 50% to 40%. Whereas not formally confirmed, the long-rumored xDrive variant is predicted to be automatic-only. The all-paw M2 is claimed to debut later this yr and will push the automated’s share even increased.
Issues get extra difficult with the M3 and M4. Competitors and xDrive variations are automatic-only, leaving the stick shift completely to the bottom fashions. Motor1 experiences that simply 6–10% of all M3 and M4 patrons ordered the six-speed handbook final yr. Talking strictly in regards to the entry-level variations, nevertheless, about half of M3 patrons and a 3rd of M4 prospects opted for the do-it-yourself gearbox.
Wanting forward, the M2 and M4 are anticipated to maintain the handbook alive till the top of their life cycles round mid-2029. The Z4 has one foot within the grave, whereas M3 manufacturing is rumored to finish in early 2027. The sedan’s substitute, codenamed G84, is believed to reach in 2028 completely with an automated transmission and all-wheel drive.
All indicators level to the handbook transmission being on its final legs, so now may be the time to purchase a three-pedal BMW when you nonetheless can. Skipping a handbook possibility for the M240i was seemingly a missed alternative, and that ship has most likely already sailed.
Supply: Motor1
