Demand For BMWs With A Handbook Gearbox Is Fading In The U.S.

Whereas Mercedes-AMG and Audi Sport have lengthy deserted manuals, BMW M has vowed to hold on to the clutch pedal. Nonetheless, conserving manuals alive is turning into more and more troublesome as ever extra subtle driver-assistance programs are inclined to work greatest with automatics. Declining curiosity in efficiency vehicles with a handbook gearbox solely provides to the problem.

An almost forgotten reality concerning the BMW Z4 is {that a} handbook transmission has been out there since 2019. That mentioned, it was restricted to the four-cylinder sDrive20ian entry-level variant by no means provided in the US. In consequence, three pedals didn’t attain American patrons till a few years in the past, when the M40i gained the non-compulsory Handschalter Package deal.

Though the take price for the six-speed handbook stays stable, it misplaced floor to the eight-speed Steptronic in 2025. BMW USA advised Engine1 that demand was cut 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 standard than it was in 2024. Based on BMW USA, the take price 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 alleged 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 solely to the bottom fashions. Engine1 experiences that simply 6–10% of all M3 and M4 patrons ordered the six-speed handbook final yr. Talking strictly concerning the entry-level variations, nonetheless, about half of M3 patrons and a 3rd of M4 clients opted for the do-it-yourself gearbox.

Trying forward, the M2 and M4 are anticipated to maintain the handbook alive till the tip 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 G84is believed to reach in 2028 solely with an automated transmission and all-wheel drive.

All indicators level to the handbook transmission being on its final legs, so now is likely to be the time to purchase a three-pedal BMW whilst you nonetheless can. Skipping a handbook possibility for the M240i was seemingly a missed alternative, and that ship has most likely already sailed.

Supply: Engine1