[mfifield01]

I'm on the fence about the manual or ZF8. Any idea if the base M3 will be offered with the ZF8.

I currently drive a 6MT, but am looking at something that is better for the family. My wife can't drive manual, so she could never use a current base M3. If I needed to borrow her SUV, she would be out a vehicle.

[Ervin87]

No.

Next level up from base is just a competition, non X-drive.

[Juanero]

Never to late to learn how to drive a manual

[meechy6ix0]

why would you want a base with a ZF?

[geko29]

Originally Posted by meechy6ix0

why would you want a base with a ZF?

Agreed. I would happily take a comp with a 6MT, but the only reason the base even exists is to de-tune the engine for the torque rating of the manual transmission.

The RWD comp is $3k more than the base, and includes wheels that cost $1300 on the base, that nearly everyone orders anyway. So basically you're paying $1700 for the 8AT and a tune. Absolute no-brainer if you want the auto.

[vj123]

Curious about the reason on why you want the base with ZF 8 speed.

[FC4]

A Base with an auto is called the Comp.

[skyline408]

This world is crazy.

BMW gave us 3 solid iterations of the M3 (RWD 6MT, RWD ZF8, AWD ZF8)

and people still find an option to want

If anything, they need to make an AWD 6MT...

If you're looking for base ZF8, the RWD ZF8 is it.

[MichaelB1969]

Originally Posted by geko29

Agreed. I would happily take a comp with a 6MT, but the only reason the base even exists is to de-tune the engine for the torque rating of the manual transmission.

The RWD comp is $3k more than the base, and includes wheels that cost $1300 on the base, that nearly everyone orders anyway. So basically you're paying $1700 for the 8AT and a tune. Absolute no-brainer if you want the auto.

What he said. 👆

No "good" reason I can think of not to get the comp rwd. If it's the extra $3K then you should probably be looking for a more affordable car, period.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by skyline408

This world is crazy.

BMW gave us 3 solid iterations of the M3 (RWD 6MT, RWD ZF8, AWD ZF8)

and people still find an option to want

If anything, they need to make an AWD 6MT...

If you're looking for base ZF8, the RWD ZF8 is it.

Bingo!

[FC4]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

Bingo!

What would be the benefit? The Base has absolutely no traction issues and puts power down better than any ~500 HP car I can think of. 1st gear is so short it's useless anyway, but 2nd gear dead hooks on any dry surface. Even in the rain, I have to consciously try to spin tire.

[BGM-M3COMP]

We have a better chance of seeing a manual base and comp x-drive ONLY as opposed to a base with a ZF.

Like some people said. The base with the ZF is the RWD comp.

[skyline408]

Originally Posted by FC4

What would be the benefit? The Base has absolutely no traction issues and puts power down better than any ~500 HP car I can think of. 1st gear is so short it's useless anyway, but 2nd gear dead hooks on any dry surface. Even in the rain, I have to consciously try to spin tire.

For most situations, I don't have any traction issues on my 6MT G80 as well, but I do like the safety net of when you pin the throttle mid corner, and having the extra bite from the front wheels.

A lot of folks don't stoplight race, and see some benefits to AWD in twistie/track driving.

My requirement for a fun car, was 6MT first, and if AWD was offered, you'd bet i'd get it.

[mfifield01]

The G87 has both options: 6MT and ZF8. No current competition model, so that might be the reason. I wasn't picking at the lineup, just curious if they had a future option.

I feel like I would need to go to AWD if I went with the competition. Just exploring all options.

[kgelfen360]

Originally Posted by mfifield01

The G87 has both options: 6MT and ZF8. No current competition model, so that might be the reason. I wasn't picking at the lineup, just curious if they had a future option.

I feel like I would need to go to AWD if I went with the competition. Just exploring all options.

Yea I think M2 manual is better option then base M4. But if u want 4 door then comp.

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by skyline408

This world is crazy.

BMW gave us 3 solid iterations of the M3 (RWD 6MT, RWD ZF8, AWD ZF8)

and people still find an option to want

If anything, they need to make an AWD 6MT...

If you're looking for base ZF8, the RWD ZF8 is it.

I vote for a fwd zf8... whose with me?!?

[MichaelB1969]

It's too bad BMW didn't find an upgraded manual to cope with the added power/torque of the comp.

Wonder how many they would have sold if they had done so. Given the fact that the manual will soon go away, I'd imagine they aren't too incentivized to do this regardless of the answer.

[geko29]

Originally Posted by FC4

What would be the benefit? The Base has absolutely no traction issues and puts power down better than any ~500 HP car I can think of. 1st gear is so short it's useless anyway, but 2nd gear dead hooks on any dry surface. Even in the rain, I have to consciously try to spin tire.

Because if the 6MT/Xdrive pairing was a thing, there's a chance I could have gotten a G83 with a manual, which is what I really wanted. After almost six months of deliberation, I gave up the retractable roof in favor of the clutch pedal.