[fueledbymetal]

My daily has been at 2020 330i since new, which is when my kids outgrew the backseat of my 911 (I still have a Porsche for weekend fun driving). Driving an automatic has been sucking the life out of me so I finally decided in February to order a G80 with a manual. I’ve been through a couple allocation cycles now with my regions biggest dealer that I have a well established history with & am at the top of their list, but they have not received an allocation yet. Since it looks like MY 24 will be the earliest now, I’m a little worried BMW may just stop offering the manual option due to the low take rate. My kids are now too tall for the backseat of an M2 and Integra type S (oldest 2 at 6’) so I don’t know what I would do as an alternative to the G80.

What would you pick with a manual transmission and a big backseat that doesn’t suck to drive if BMW stops offering the manual G80?

[wavyyyy]

They won’t stop but ct4v blackwing is the obvious (maybe better) alternative. And if you wanna spend more ct5v blackwing

[GrannyShiftG80]

CT5V BW

[fueledbymetal]

I have never been able to warm up to Cadillac's art and science design language since it debuted over 20 years ago, but this may be the straw that breaks the camels back.

[CigarManNY]

CT4V BW or CTV5V BW. I feel like I am in an alternate universe saying that the only other MT sport sedan out there is a Cadillac.

... Although, it is not your grandpa's caddy

Only other thing I could think of is a Jetta GLI but obviously in a different class than the G80 or caddies.

[FC4]

Originally Posted by fueledbymetal

What would you pick with a manual transmission and a big backseat that doesn’t suck to drive if BMW stops offering the manual G80?

Nothing brand new. The M3 was really the only option. Otherwise, you'd have to look in the second hand market for cars no longer available.

The Cadillac CT whatever they're called was never in consideration for me.

[Humdizzle]

cadillac blackwings

or older BMWs.

[vj123]

Originally Posted by fueledbymetal

What would you pick with a manual transmission and a big backseat that doesn’t suck to drive if BMW stops offering the manual G80?

I highly doubt if BMW is going to cancel manuals mid way through this generation. Based on the below poll, take rate might be around 20%.
https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1911452

Only option i would consider is CT5 Blackwing.

[2011ninja]

Before I got my F80 I wanted to see VW Golf R get passed 300 HP.

Car was not out yet so I got the F80.

My G80 is phenomenal and would not trade for a Golf R. That said I’d seriously consider one if I could not get an M3.

It’s about $40,000 less expensive so I would of pretty much thrown the kitchen sink at it with tier 1 grade A modifications.

Build a 400+ HP AWD VW Golf R in black.

[strohw]

CT4 backseat won't make you happy with 6' rear passengers. The 5 has a nice backseat but the allocation for a 5 is still worse than a M3.

[vbb]

I'm still confused by the premise that BMW would simply stop making the manual G80. What makes you think that other than the low take rate? I think it is highly possible the next model after 2027 will not be made with a manual, but I think you've got plenty of time to wait for an allocation on a manual G80... and if you're not too keen on waiting, you can find a slightly used one with all the options you want (unless you are spec'ing some super rare individual color combo).

Put simply, if you want a manual G80, you can still get one. No need to wonder what other cars to buy.

[skyline408]

Personally before looking at other options, i'd look into a broker at getting a 6MT allocation, and getting the car shipped to me or driving back home. You'd get the car a lot quicker for a few $ more.

[DO444]

You will get an allocation.
Mine took the better part of two years, but if you are patient you will.

[wavyyyy]

Just pay Day Laborer I had my allocation in 2 days lol

[2turboBMW]

I was thinking about this the other day as I wait for an allocation and came to the conclusion that I’d keep my 6MT 340i. There isn’t any other 4 door that does it for me. Maybe if I found a used 6MT G80 with the right spec and no obvious signs that it was tuned and abused. Had a tuned MK6 Golf R and it wasn’t as good as my 340.

Save the manuals!

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by fueledbymetal

My daily has been at 2020 330i since new, which is when my kids outgrew the backseat of my 911 (I still have a Porsche for weekend fun driving). Driving an automatic has been sucking the life out of me so I finally decided in February to order a G80 with a manual. I’ve been through a couple allocation cycles now with my regions biggest dealer that I have a well established history with & am at the top of their list, but they have not received an allocation yet. Since it looks like MY 24 will be the earliest now, I’m a little worried BMW may just stop offering the manual option due to the low take rate. My kids are now too tall for the backseat of an M2 and Integra type S (oldest 2 at 6’) so I don’t know what I would do as an alternative to the G80.

What would you pick with a manual transmission and a big backseat that doesn’t suck to drive if BMW stops offering the manual G80?

You’re not at the “top of their list”. Find another dealer as your established history is meaningless.

[weingarm]

You will get a G80 6MT allocation. Shouldn’t take 2 years anymore. Demand is slightly lower now, so if you look around you will find an allocation eventually.

And no, they won’t stop making the 6MT version until the G80 lifecycle is complete (final model year will be 2027).

YouTube channel BMW BLOG did an interview with the BMW M boss at the Shanghai auto show last week and he said demand for the M3 has shifted more towards the M3Xdrive model since 2021, but that just means your 6MT version will be even more unique by the time you get it.

I believe the final model year (2027) 6MT M3 - or really ANY model year G80 6MT will be a desirable version years later on the secondary market.

[iviegatron]

I'd also look out of state or dealerships with less foot traffic. I was able to get two allocations from two different dealerships in a week from a neighboring state and a small town within Texas.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by fueledbymetal

My daily has been at 2020 330i since new, which is when my kids outgrew the backseat of my 911 (I still have a Porsche for weekend fun driving). Driving an automatic has been sucking the life out of me so I finally decided in February to order a G80 with a manual. I’ve been through a couple allocation cycles now with my regions biggest dealer that I have a well established history with & am at the top of their list, but they have not received an allocation yet. Since it looks like MY 24 will be the earliest now, I’m a little worried BMW may just stop offering the manual option due to the low take rate. My kids are now too tall for the backseat of an M2 and Integra type S (oldest 2 at 6’) so I don’t know what I would do as an alternative to the G80.

What would you pick with a manual transmission and a big backseat that doesn’t suck to drive if BMW stops offering the manual G80?

Decided to place the Order February 5, Got my Production Number February 6 and now waiting for the ship to cross the Ocean...

I also posted about an available Black on Black G80 6MT at my dealer (sitting at the Bremerhaven now) that will do the out of state deal too at MSRP, no addons...

Allocations are available

[Turbodu07]

I'm no expert but I don't think allocation has anything to do with manuals vs autos.

I first had an allocation, then built what I wanted...which was a manual of course. It also flew through the steps and I had it in a few months.

My allocation took 2 hours by using Day Laborer. I found him after waiting two months with nothing happening.

Do yourself a favor and see what he can find. He saved me $5k and charged $500.

[fueledbymetal]

Originally Posted by wavyyyy

Just pay Day Laborer I had my allocation in 2 days lol

It looks like you have to pay him a commission on top of MSRP. My current deal is for under MSRP, so at this point, I’m not willing to pay over. I’m all ears though if someone has a lead on an allocation that I can still configure at or below MSRP.

[LuckyBrand]

Originally Posted by fueledbymetal

It looks like you have to pay him a commission on top of MSRP. My current deal is for under MSRP, so at this point, I’m not willing to pay over. I’m all ears though if someone has a lead on an allocation that I can still configure at or below MSRP.

I would look around buddy. I would bet that your dealer would be more than happy to give your allocation to someone else willing to pay over MSRP. It happens a lot and you'd never know it. If you don't mind waiting then by all means I'm sure eventually they'll get you one.

Like others have said. Start calling around. It might take 20 calls but someone could have one for you.

And no. I would not worry about BMW stopping the manual on this generation. Maybe the next one.