Been keeping an eye out for a BMW wagon (transmission rant)

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Aug 2012, 15:18

I have saved Craigslist searches I run almost every day for many types of Volvos and Volvo parts, and also BMW wagons. I just want one, always have. Anyway, here's my point...

Man alive there are many BMW automatics out there. At least 10:1 auto:manual transmission, as gauged from my CL search. It's not just wagons, which BTW are much rarer than Volvo wagons of the same era, it's all BMWs. I expected more manuals.

1990s to early 2000s models, 5-series and 3-series cars.

Post by **jimmy57** » 02 Aug 2012, 17:00

Research well if you get an auto trans Bimmer. They have their weak units (some of the stinkers are GM units...I think I may have heard bad things about those somewhere......) But I can't recite which of the Exx platforms have the lesser respected gearboxes.

Post by **jblackburn** » 05 Aug 2012, 17:22

You wouldn't believe how hard my new car was to find in a manual transmission at a dealer. You can find quite a few of the ECO models in sticks (the fuel economy champs), but none of the LT models. I had to drive 70 miles to go get it. My dad had to do something similar with mom's Honda - there was 1 EX-L 4-cylinder in all of Eastern NC with a manual transmission at the time, and he got it nearly 2 hours away. Manufacturers build the higher-end models all with autos, and what seems like only the very base trims in a stick.

I think the take rate on most cars with a MT is about 10% at most, though it really does depend on the model. I suppose you might find a lot more BMW 3-series sedans with a MT than a wagon.

This might be exciting for you

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/2013 ... u-s-bound/