[Flying05]

So I ordered my G80 6MT without seeing in person or driving it and just got it Saturday evening. All this crap about how the manual in this car sucks, too rubbery, hard to hit second, and so on. It's all complete crap! Or maybe the others were built late on a Friday.

This manual is buttery smooth, rather short in throws in my view, and helluva fun to drive. Now I know why I got bored with my 991s PDK, 971 Panamera 4s, and my DCT E92 M3. All autos!!! Sure, they are faster 0-60 vs a manual, but you get used to and always wanting more. Then what? I guess you can chip it, but then what after that. You're faster great, but still get used to it. I missed having the manual as I had in most all of my sports cars back in the days that gave me that drivers engagement that I missed in my E46 M3, C5 Z06, S2000, and Z28 to name a few.

It's been 10 too long years since my last manual (E46 M3) and now know what I missed. Not to mention the beauty of this car. So long story short, do your research and/or try to find one to drive before you buy to make the right decision. I know everyone's situation is different and this car is more of a weekend warrior for me and not my primary car, but could easily see myself driving this car daily if I had too and in traffic. Glad I made the right choice.

Oh and those with the paddles. Not knocking your choice of transmission and think those are wonderful as well, but just not for me this time around.

[bhmax16]

Originally Posted by Flying05

So I ordered my G80 6MT without seeing in person or driving it and just got it Saturday evening. All this crap about how the manual in this car sucks, too rubbery, hard to hit second, and so on. It's all complete crap! Or maybe the others were built late on a Friday.

This manual is buttery smooth, rather short in throws in my view, and helluva fun to drive. Now I know why I got bored with my 991s PDK, 971 Panamera 4s, and my DCT E92 M3. All autos!!! Sure, they are faster 0-60 vs a manual, but you get used to and always wanting more. Then what? I guess you can chip it, but then what after that. You're faster great, but still get used to it. I missed having the manual as I had in most all of my sports cars back in the days that gave me that drivers engagement that I missed in my E46 M3, C5 Z06, S2000, and Z28 to name a few.

It's been 10 too long years since my last manual (E46 M3) and now know what I missed. Not to mention the beauty of this car. So long story short, do your research and/or try to find one to drive before you buy to make the right decision. I know everyone's situation is different and this car is more of a weekend warrior for me and not my primary car, but could easily see myself driving this car daily if I had too and in traffic. Glad I made the right choice.

Oh and those with the paddles. Not knocking your choice of transmission and think those are wonderful as well, but just not for me this time around.

Great to hear this! I have been worried about several knocking the manual as the reviews were leading me to believe it would be even worse than what I currently have in my E92 328xi. If it's at least as smooth as the E9X generation I'll be a happy camper.

Truth be told one of the primary reasons I am looking at a G8X is because I do not want to forego a manual. If I wanted an auto I would probably just get an X3M for the greater utility. The G8X will be a daily driver for me.

Great looking spec by the way. I too have been thinking of Brooklyn Grey on Fiona, but my 328xi is silver which is making me consider trying something different such as the Isle of Man Green on Silverstone.

Keep enjoying it!

[Flying05]

Originally Posted by bhmax16

Great to hear this! I have been worried about several knocking the manual as the reviews were leading me to believe it would be even worse than what I currently have in my E92 328xi. If it's at least as smooth as the E9X generation I'll be a happy camper.

Truth be told one of the primary reasons I am looking at a G8X is because I do not want to forego a manual. If I wanted an auto I would probably just get an X3M for the greater utility. The G8X will be a daily driver for me.

Great looking spec by the way. I too have been thinking of Brooklyn Grey on Fiona, but my 328xi is silver which is making me consider trying something different such as the Isle of Man Green on Silverstone.

Keep enjoying it!

If this car did not come in a manual, I would have not gotten anything else for now. I wanted 4 doors and the selection is small. Nothing else does it for me. I'd say my pinnacle was the 911 in terms of cars for me so been there done that and I don't even miss it. Don't want another coupe for awhile either so happy with my choice.

Isle of Man is a great looking color in pictures and saw one in person awhile back on the road. Definitely a head turner.

[Alvinmark12]

Thanks for help saving the manual. It makes a car so much more fun to drive.

[NightWriter]

Great feedback, thanks. I'm still keeping my eyes open for a used 6MT nearby that I can test-drive, but reviews like this are definitely helpful/appreciated.

[G80SWFL]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Great feedback, thanks. I'm still keeping my eyes open for a used 6MT nearby that I can test-drive, but reviews like this are definitely helpful/appreciated.

He is right on the nail. I ordered my MT G80 without test driving. The transmission is smooth 1st to 2nd no issues even at WOT absolutely love it. I wouldn't of bought this car if they didn't offer manual

[BBM9515]

Add the m performance shift knob also, you’ll thank me later. I’m very happy with the manual on this Gen. I also have e36 manual and e46 ZHP manual and this G80 is butter smooth.

[nathanm4]

I think 6MT is the right choice unless you buy the CS/CSL model. I had a great fun with 6MT G82.

[M2see]

One of the things that struck me when I test drove a G80 was how good the shift feeling was. That was in comparison to my M2C manual, which I have no complaints about either (other than reverse being initially a bit stiff when I first bought the car). It always puzzles me when I see the comments about rubbery feeling, I have driven manuals all my life from many manufacturers (never haven driven a 911 which is supposed to be one of the best), and the M2C and G80, whilst not the best, are certainly closer to the top end of the experience than the middle.

[MTM3]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Great feedback, thanks. I'm still keeping my eyes open for a used 6MT nearby that I can test-drive, but reviews like this are definitely helpful/appreciated.

Just picked mine up tonight
Best 6MT I’ve ever driven outside 911

Great post OP

6MT is the only reason why I bought this car

[Flying05]

Originally Posted by BBM9515

Add the m performance shift knob also, you’ll thank me later. I’m very happy with the manual on this Gen. I also have e36 manual and e46 ZHP manual and this G80 is butter smooth.

Tell me about the performance knob. What do you like about it? I feel like pictures might not do it justice vs in person, but kinda like the look of the stock knob. But most likely looks over function for the stock one?

[Flying05]

Originally Posted by MTM3

Just picked mine up tonight
Best 6MT I’ve ever driven outside 911

Great post OP

6MT is the only reason why I bought this car

Great color combo! Definitely a head turner.

[M2see]

Originally Posted by Flying05

Tell me about the performance knob. What do you like about it? I feel like pictures might not do it justice vs in person, but kinda like the look of the stock knob. But most likely looks over function for the stock one?

My reasons for installing the performance was function over form, I preferred and was used to the sleeker profile compared to the classic BMW style. I just took the standard generic mperf shifter and swapped the boot around.

Not sure if the link below works, not sure how to post pictures.

http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net...ift_knob_2.jpg

[Sunnystone]

Originally Posted by Flying05

So I ordered my G80 6MT without seeing in person or driving it and just got it Saturday evening. All this crap about how the manual in this car sucks, too rubbery, hard to hit second, and so on. It's all complete crap! Or maybe the others were built late on a Friday.

This manual is buttery smooth, rather short in throws in my view, and helluva fun to drive. Now I know why I got bored with my 991s PDK, 971 Panamera 4s, and my DCT E92 M3. All autos!!! Sure, they are faster 0-60 vs a manual, but you get used to and always wanting more. Then what? I guess you can chip it, but then what after that. You're faster great, but still get used to it. I missed having the manual as I had in most all of my sports cars back in the days that gave me that drivers engagement that I missed in my E46 M3, C5 Z06, S2000, and Z28 to name a few.

It's been 10 too long years since my last manual (E46 M3) and now know what I missed. Not to mention the beauty of this car. So long story short, do your research and/or try to find one to drive before you buy to make the right decision. I know everyone's situation is different and this car is more of a weekend warrior for me and not my primary car, but could easily see myself driving this car daily if I had too and in traffic. Glad I made the right choice.

Oh and those with the paddles. Not knocking your choice of transmission and think those are wonderful as well, but just not for me this time around.

Beautiful combo! Congrats!. Pleased to hear the joy in your choice

[Trojan4evr]

Wouldn't have ordered mine any other way. I love mine. It has so much character. Funny thing is everyone is talking about tuning the car to get to the comp level, but I mean how much faster can you really go on the streets?

Glad you are enjoying the car.

[eclipsenf]

Had mine for 2 weeks and loving it. Having driven manuals for nearly 25 years, it feels excellent to me. Better than my E92 that I drove for 7 years. Break in service tomorrow, can't wait. Manual is the only way to go, auto suckers are missing out!

[razman]

Originally Posted by MTM3

Just picked mine up tonight
Best 6MT I’ve ever driven outside 911

Great post OP

6MT is the only reason why I bought this car

Gorgeous. I can't wait to pick up my 6mt IoMG.

[razman]

Originally Posted by Flying05

So I ordered my G80 6MT without seeing in person or driving it and just got it Saturday evening. All this crap about how the manual in this car sucks, too rubbery, hard to hit second, and so on. It's all complete crap! Or maybe the others were built late on a Friday.

This manual is buttery smooth, rather short in throws in my view, and helluva fun to drive. Now I know why I got bored with my 991s PDK, 971 Panamera 4s, and my DCT E92 M3. All autos!!! Sure, they are faster 0-60 vs a manual, but you get used to and always wanting more. Then what? I guess you can chip it, but then what after that. You're faster great, but still get used to it. I missed having the manual as I had in most all of my sports cars back in the days that gave me that drivers engagement that I missed in my E46 M3, C5 Z06, S2000, and Z28 to name a few.

It's been 10 too long years since my last manual (E46 M3) and now know what I missed. Not to mention the beauty of this car. So long story short, do your research and/or try to find one to drive before you buy to make the right decision. I know everyone's situation is different and this car is more of a weekend warrior for me and not my primary car, but could easily see myself driving this car daily if I had too and in traffic. Glad I made the right choice.

Oh and those with the paddles. Not knocking your choice of transmission and think those are wonderful as well, but just not for me this time around.

It looks amazing. Brooklyn Grey is definitely the color I'd go with if I didn't choose iomg.

[vtol_4]

Originally Posted by Flying05

So I ordered my G80 6MT without seeing in person or driving it and just got it Saturday evening. All this crap about how the manual in this car sucks, too rubbery, hard to hit second, and so on. It's all complete crap! Or maybe the others were built late on a Friday.

This manual is buttery smooth, rather short in throws in my view, and helluva fun to drive. Now I know why I got bored with my 991s PDK, 971 Panamera 4s, and my DCT E92 M3. All autos!!! Sure, they are faster 0-60 vs a manual, but you get used to and always wanting more. Then what? I guess you can chip it, but then what after that. You're faster great, but still get used to it. I missed having the manual as I had in most all of my sports cars back in the days that gave me that drivers engagement that I missed in my E46 M3, C5 Z06, S2000, and Z28 to name a few.

It's been 10 too long years since my last manual (E46 M3) and now know what I missed. Not to mention the beauty of this car. So long story short, do your research and/or try to find one to drive before you buy to make the right decision. I know everyone's situation is different and this car is more of a weekend warrior for me and not my primary car, but could easily see myself driving this car daily if I had too and in traffic. Glad I made the right choice.

Oh and those with the paddles. Not knocking your choice of transmission and think those are wonderful as well, but just not for me this time around.

Congrats, welcome to the club! Beautiful spec -- you're gonna love it

[jas165]

I got my manual G80 less than two weeks ago, in Brooklyn Grey just like OP, but unlike OP I have to say the shifter is quite rubbery, the throws do feel long and somewhat stiff, and shifting into second gear is a bit of a struggle (and this is coming from someone who has been driving manuals his whole life). The biggest issue however is putting the car in reverse: it feels like you're moving a heavy dumbbell.

With that said, the feeling has improved and the stiffness should go away over time.

Overall, definitely not a deal breaker.

[nearwater4me]

It's amazing how different people's opinions could be.
I personally couldn't agree more with OP and just LOVE the way the 6MT shifts on the G8x.
Call me crazy, but I'm not a fan of the crunchy Honda shifters.

Those of you who say it's rubbery should try the manuals offered in FWD Hyundais and the Buick Regal/Opel Insignia.
Those kind of shifters are what I'd define vague and rubbery.

[nearwater4me]

Originally Posted by M2see

One of the things that struck me when I test drove a G80 was how good the shift feeling was. That was in comparison to my M2C manual, which I have no complaints about either (other than reverse being initially a bit stiff when I first bought the car). It always puzzles me when I see the comments about rubbery feeling, I have driven manuals all my life from many manufacturers (never haven driven a 911 which is supposed to be one of the best), and the M2C and G80, whilst not the best, are certainly closer to the top end of the experience than the middle.

Same here. I was pleasantly surprised with the G8x shifter.
While the difference is subtle, it clearly feels better to me.
Very happy camper here.