Would the BMW M abandon the manual gearbox? Goodbye to the purest driving sensation?

Those who love driving and feel the sporty sensation of driving prefer the manual gearbox. This is normal in cars sold in Spain to be equipped with it, but internationally it is beginning to be replaced by the automatic gearbox. And watch out, because this is also happening in the sportiest versions. As in models such as the BMW M, for example.

In 2022, 50% of the BMW M2 units sold were fitted with a manual gearbox. However, the company’s management is considering removing this option from the range of these sporty versions. A decision that could come in about two years and that will make many enthusiasts of this style of driving think twice before choosing these models.

Many buyers want this option in their cars, but commercial and technical reality makes it increasingly difficult to have it. Managing the torque of the new propulsion systems, hybrid and electric requires greater precision in how the gearbox operates. Only an automatic gearbox can do this, reacting to the specific needs of each moment and getting the most performance out of the vehicle.

In addition, the new regulations on polluting emissions mean that manual gearboxes cannot reach the required figures. Automatic gearboxes are more practical and efficient in this case, especially in high-performance cars. The data indicate that turbocharged, hybrid and electric engines generate very high torque. With an automatic gearbox, whether dual-clutch or torque converter, they become more efficient. Electrification is causing manual gearboxes to disappear for being inefficient.

Many clubs, enthusiasts and sports car drivers want the BMW M models to keep the manual gearbox, even though the market and the needs of new electrified vehicles point towards the use of automatic gearboxes. They may offer a different sensation, but overall results are more positive than those offered by a manual gearbox.