Whereas most of its rivals have lengthy deserted handbook gearboxes, BMW insists they’re nonetheless related in 2024. The M division provides a stick shift for the M2 in addition to the bottom variations of the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe. Later this yr, an M Efficiency automotive will get a clutch pedal because the Z4 M40i is lastly getting three pedals.

In an interview with Prime Gear journal, a BMW spokesperson introduced the German luxurious model has no intentions to discontinue the handbook transmission within the foreseeable future. Clients are shopping for enough efficiency automobiles with the do-it-yourself gearbox to make it financially viable for the M division to maintain the 6MT on sale:

“Positively sufficient to proceed to supply the handbook gearbox. We owe it to ourselves and naturally to our followers all around the globe.”

As beforehand reported, greater than half of M2 G87s bought in america final yr had a clutch pedal. Globally, over 20% of all automobiles have the handbook, in accordance with the BMW consultant. They went on to say roughly 15-20% of M3s and M4s include the clutch pedal.

Wanting into the distant future, the six-speed is sadly set for extinction. BMW M has pledged to impress all of its future fashions, which implies these plug-in hybrid automobiles are going to be fitted with an automated. For sure, electrical Ms received’t allow you to row your personal gears. How a lot time do you have got left to purchase a handbook M automotive? We reckon 5-6 years at greatest.

There are some thrilling M automobiles on the way in which since we’ll witness the introduction of the M4 CS, M5, and M5 Touring in 2024. Come 2025, the M2 CS and M3 CS Touring will break cowl, whereas an M2 xDrive is reportedly set for a 2026 launch. All these automobiles will put off the handbook however we’re hoping for the usual M2, M3, and M4 to maintain the six-speed ‘field till the top of their life cycles.

In line with sources near BMW, manufacturing of the M3 G80 goes to finish in February 2027 whereas the M4 G82 might proceed till June 2028. As for the M2 G87, BMW may make it till July 2029.

Supply: Prime Gear