Up till a number of weeks in the past, guide transmission lovers had been restricted to critical M fashions in the event that they needed a row-your-own journey. That modified with the introduction of the guide Z4 M40i “Handschalter” (German for “hand shift”). Whereas the B58 inline-six underneath the hood is not any stranger to a guide transmission, now could be the proper time to deliver the revised six-speed to different reasonably priced fanatic choices. The proper candidate? The brand new G42 BMW 2 Collection and its M240i prime mannequin.

BMW May Promote a Guide M240i

Within the US, the M240i begins at $49,700. The G87 M2 instructions a $13,500 premium – not precisely chump change. Loads of prospects desire a guide coupe however can’t afford that type of value leap. As of this writing, there are zero choices for a sub-$50K guide coupe from a premium automaker (BMW, Benz, Audi, and many others.). Whilst you may go for vehicles just like the Miata, GR86, or Mustang, they don’t supply the refinement and complex tech that the brand new 2 Collection does. Whereas the Supra comes shut, it drives totally completely different and gives last-generation iDrive and facilities.

Moreover, a guide M240i would be certain that the present drivers of a guide 2 Collection have one thing to curiosity them within the present lineup. With energy and dynamics much like the N55-powered M2, you might even seize some enterprise from drivers parting with their pre-2019 M2s. A a lot nicer inside and extra trendy facilities – and sure decrease operating prices – may bolster gross sales.

One final word: clearly, the bean counters at BMW did the mathematics and determined a manual-equipped Z4 would nonetheless make at the very least some enterprise sense. If an ultra-low-volume car just like the Roadster can flip a revenue even after the extra R&D that goes into tweaking and drawing up a guide transmission, so can the two Collection.

There’s Already a Nice Transmission

To reiterate, up to now, BMW has mated a six-speed to the B58 six-cylinder. However with some enhancements that tailor the unit to the B58B30O1’s output, the transmission from the Z4 M40i is now an ideal match. Whereas BMW claims that the transmission is engineered particularly for the Z4, it’s unlikely it will require important – or any – modifications to suit the two Collection coupe.

Moreover, the brand new six-speed guide is definitely good. After we drove the six-speed Z4 M40i, we lauded the unit’s shorter throws, easy engagement between first and second gear, and lengthy third gear. Whereas I’m personally a giant fan of the ZF unit within the M2 and M3, there are many legitimate criticisms levied at how the shifter feels. The latest guide, apparently, does away with these complaints. There’s by no means been a greater time to deliver a six-speed to the M240i.

There Received’t Be Many Extra Alternatives

Let’s face it – the tip is close to concerning guide transmissions. The underside line is that BMW solely has perhaps a decade to cram a hand shaker into enthusiast-oriented fashions. Paired with the truth that bigwigs like Frank Weber have already informed us to purchase a guide M automotive whereas we nonetheless can, BMW ought to take their very own recommendation and produce essentially the most – and greatest – guide automobiles whereas they will.

We Deserve It, Damnit

The brand new car market is getting much less and fewer attention-grabbing for drivers who crave the engagement a stick shift gives. As not too long ago as ten years in the past, we may at the very least order a base 3 Collection with a guide. That’s now not the case – a guide from BMW instructions over $60,000, almost double what a 320i would’ve set you again in 2014. Plus, you would need to be okay with the aggressive experience {that a} full M Collection car gives – which actually isn’t for everyone. Lovers have been asking for a manual-equipped 2 Collection Coupe underneath the M2 because the mannequin’s arrival. The automotive – and potential consumers – deserve a guide transmission.

What do you assume? Ought to BMW deliver a guide transmission to the G42 2 Collection? Would you purchase one? Tell us within the feedback under.