how many can drive manual tranny?

Raja Ventureshield · 01-20-2013, 10:41 AM

just asking as my previous loaner was e38 7 series, but that ended up costing more to keep running than it was worth. I sold it late last year and looking to get a newer loaner car. I always wanted a mini cooper but never got around to it as being primary car. Thinking of getting one but in manual. Do most people know how to drive a manual around here? or is this a lost art?

Please advise. Thanks!

1MOREMOD · 01-20-2013, 11:15 AM

yes most know how if you are over 35 or so it was pretty much mandatory as automatics were not as prevelant in the 80s and further back.

MDyDinanM · 01-20-2013, 11:20 AM

I can...

learned when I was 21 or so back in the Fall of 2003. I think it boils down to driver preference. I enjoy manual, however, in my opinion, it isn't practical for the congested areas in DC with the traffic and all the starting and stopping. But there are those that don't mind. I certainly wouldn't call it a "lost art". My first BMW, an '04 e46 325xi was a manual. Enjoyed it very much, but then I got an M and my world changed

alms211 · 01-20-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriszeh

yes most know how if you are over 35 or so it was pretty much mandatory as automatics were not as prevelant in the 80s and further back.

I agree. The majority of us over 35 years old can.

phrozen06 · 01-20-2013, 12:23 PM

learned when I was 16. My dad had an 81 Celica GT with NO power steering

ottoblotto · 01-20-2013, 01:20 PM

Learned in a 1980s 4x4 AMC Eagle and perfected in a 1973 Type II VW Bus with no power steering in either. Or a/c for that matter... power window what?!?

6spdg37s · 01-20-2013, 01:39 PM

i can ! i learned when i was like 12-14 been drivin it since then so 11-12 years

Raja Ventureshield · 01-20-2013, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottoblotto

Learned in a 1980s 4x4 AMC Eagle and perfected in a 1973 Type II VW Bus with no power steering in either. Or a/c for that matter... power window what?!?

isn't the amc 4x4 grandfather of the x6?

WingZeroX5 · 01-20-2013, 02:30 PM

I'm 24 and learned 3 years ago on a 600RR. I had a quick 15 min experience on a 67? beetle that belonged to my old boss.

mdosu · 01-20-2013, 06:32 PM

I'm 30 y/o and drive MT. I learned on my friend's 92 Civic back when i was 20 y/o, but did all my major hours in my previous car, an Evo 8 for 6 years, a really rough car to learn on, first month was rough.

But I'm a pro now.

OP, if you're thinking of getting your first manual car, do it. My advice is, if you haven't already learned, learn the stop/go and standard street driving on a beater. Then do all your hours in your new car for comfort. The Mini Cooper MT is really forgiving, unlike other performance transmissions. I estimate if you drive your car every day, you'll feel comfortable after 6 months, but will take about 1.5 years to drive 100% smoothly, depending on the car used.

Raja Ventureshield · 01-20-2013, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

I'm 30 y/o and drive MT. I learned on my friend's 92 Civic back when i was 20 y/o, but did all my major hours in my previous car, an Evo 8 for 6 years, a really rough car to learn on, first month was rough.

But I'm a pro now.

OP, if you're thinking of getting your first manual car, do it. My advice is, if you haven't already learn, learn it on a beater. Then do all your hours in your new car. The M3 6MT is really forgiving, unlike other high performance transmissions.

lol, i refused to drive automatic. My first car my dad had to bring home as it was manual and couldn't drive it home. got 30 minutes lesson from dad and i was on my own. Yes the first month was rough, but now i am decent.

pseto · 01-20-2013, 06:51 PM

My wife and I both can drive stick. Not sure I'd use it as a loaner though, since most people can't drive them. Even if they did, not all manuals shift alike and people will spend time getting used to it. That could be a disaster for the clutch.

I love the idea though!

Raja Ventureshield · 01-20-2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pseto

My wife and I both can drive stick. Not sure I'd use it as a loaner though, since most people can't drive them. Even if they did, not all manuals shift alike and people will spend time getting used to it. That could be a disaster for the clutch.

I love the idea though!

lol. no more e38 740il, you were one of the last ones to drive it. That car was just getting too expensive to up keep for a loaner.

mdosu · 01-20-2013, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raja Ventureshield

lol, i refused to drive automatic. My first car my dad had to bring home as it was manual and couldn't drive it home. got 30 minutes lesson from dad and i was on my own. Yes the first month was rough, but now i am decent.

oops sorry, I misinterpreted that you were not a daily MT driver....

flanast · 01-20-2013, 07:35 PM

I'm 52 and first learned to drive manual 2 years ago when I bought my e36 M3 on eBay from someone from Maine and flew up there and drove it home : )

Pat@sonictuning · 01-20-2013, 08:43 PM

28 years old and manual will only be the type of tranny I will have when it comes to a performance car.

Merlosso · 01-20-2013, 09:47 PM

What percentage of your clients drop off a car with a manual?

I would love it if I got to drive a manual Mini for the day but I agree with Paul, it will likely be expensive due to people's unfamiliarity with the car.

mamadub · 01-20-2013, 10:53 PM

I learned how to drive manual at 16!

kmarei · 01-20-2013, 11:06 PM

If you can't drive manual
You can't drive

skins333 · 01-20-2013, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmarei

If you can't drive manual
You can't drive

kmarei · 01-20-2013, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skins333

damn skippy

Well if you can truly drive, I can put you in any car
And you should be able to dive it no?

skins333 · 01-20-2013, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmarei

Well if you can truly drive, I can put you in any car
And you should be able to dive it no?

Did you ever get your wheels?

01-20-2013, 10:41 AM	#1
Raja Ventureshield Brigadier General Drives: BMW M3 coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,548 iTrader: (6)	how many can drive manual tranny? just asking as my previous loaner was e38 7 series, but that ended up costing more to keep running than it was worth. I sold it late last year and looking to get a newer loaner car. I always wanted a mini cooper but never got around to it as being primary car. Thinking of getting one but in manual. Do most people know how to drive a manual around here? or is this a lost art? Please advise. Thanks!
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01-20-2013, 11:15 AM	#2
1MOREMOD Major General Drives: at a moderate pace Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: garage Posts: 6,518 iTrader: (3)	yes most know how if you are over 35 or so it was pretty much mandatory as automatics were not as prevelant in the 80s and further back. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings & bearings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster knob\|Euro header\|Eisenmann sport\|K&N c.a.i.\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|CSL brakes\|RS19s\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|race pulleys\|BMWpedals\|Apex studs\|1995 Ford Probe gt chump car\|

01-20-2013, 11:20 AM	#3
MDyDinanM OIF Veteran Drives: ///M Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Coast Posts: 1,928 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M5 [3.44]	I can... learned when I was 21 or so back in the Fall of 2003. I think it boils down to driver preference. I enjoy manual, however, in my opinion, it isn't practical for the congested areas in DC with the traffic and all the starting and stopping. But there are those that don't mind. I certainly wouldn't call it a "lost art". My first BMW, an '04 e46 325xi was a manual. Enjoyed it very much, but then I got an M and my world changed __________________ Retired: '06 BMW E46 ///M3 Current: '08 BMW E60 DINAN ///M5, Interlagos Blue, SMG DINAN Stage 2 Suspension, Exhaust, Stage III Software, Front strut braces, Intakes, 13% Underdrive pulley, 3.91 Differential, RPI Scoops.

01-20-2013, 12:23 PM	#5
phrozen06 NA V8 Drives: 01 330ci, 08 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: 39°27'33"N 77°58'04"W W. Virgina, Kansas Posts: 1,088 iTrader: (1)	learned when I was 16. My dad had an 81 Celica GT with NO power steering __________________ M3 DCT/Swift Spec R Springs/Macht Schnell Spacers/Megan Exhaust/Coming Soon: Test Pipes and BPM Stg 2 Tune People Who Say It Can't Be Done Should Not Interrupt Those Who Are Doing It

01-20-2013, 01:20 PM	#6
ottoblotto Suddenly, Drives: A Wild M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Appears! Posts: 981 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 BMW X5 [0.00] 2011.75 BMW M3 E90 [5.00]	Learned in a 1980s 4x4 AMC Eagle and perfected in a 1973 Type II VW Bus with no power steering in either. Or a/c for that matter... power window what?!? __________________ "With great power comes great responsibility." -El-Superbeasto

01-20-2013, 01:39 PM	#7
6spdg37s Captain Drives: none Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: dirty jerz Posts: 738 iTrader: (2)	i can ! i learned when i was like 12-14 been drivin it since then so 11-12 years

01-20-2013, 02:30 PM	#9
WingZeroX5 Captain Drives: 2011.5 E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 951 iTrader: (8)	I'm 24 and learned 3 years ago on a 600RR. I had a quick 15 min experience on a 67? beetle that belonged to my old boss. __________________

01-20-2013, 06:32 PM	#10
mdosu Help! Can't decide btw MW & AW, 1st world problems Drives: 2008.99989 SSII E90 "Civic" Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 5,922 iTrader: (4)	I'm 30 y/o and drive MT. I learned on my friend's 92 Civic back when i was 20 y/o, but did all my major hours in my previous car, an Evo 8 for 6 years, a really rough car to learn on, first month was rough. But I'm a pro now. OP, if you're thinking of getting your first manual car, do it. My advice is, if you haven't already learned, learn the stop/go and standard street driving on a beater. Then do all your hours in your new car for comfort. The Mini Cooper MT is really forgiving, unlike other performance transmissions. I estimate if you drive your car every day, you'll feel comfortable after 6 months, but will take about 1.5 years to drive 100% smoothly, depending on the car used. __________________ Yes, that's a xmas tree in my trunk Last edited by mdosu; 01-20-2013 at 06:38 PM.

01-20-2013, 06:51 PM	#12
pseto Major General Drives: M3 E92 ZCP, M Roadster, X5 4.4 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Columbia, MD Posts: 6,088 iTrader: (4)	My wife and I both can drive stick. Not sure I'd use it as a loaner though, since most people can't drive them. Even if they did, not all manuals shift alike and people will spend time getting used to it. That could be a disaster for the clutch. I love the idea though! __________________ Paul Seto - BMW Car Club of America National Capital Chapter (MD/DC/NoVA), President & Social Chairman Become a BMW CCA member & reference my member# 339225 Join our NCC Facebook Page

01-20-2013, 07:35 PM	#15
flanast Private Drives: e92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Virginia Posts: 99 iTrader: (0)	I'm 52 and first learned to drive manual 2 years ago when I bought my e36 M3 on eBay from someone from Maine and flew up there and drove it home : )

01-20-2013, 08:43 PM	#16
Pat@sonictuning BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: E46 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NOVA Posts: 1,631 iTrader: (55)	28 years old and manual will only be the type of tranny I will have when it comes to a performance car. __________________ Sonic Tuning \| T: 202.425.5255 \| www.sonictuning.com BC Forged \| Avant Garde \| Cobb \| ST8 Wheels \| S1 Coilover \| MTEC AE \| LCI Conversion \| KW Suspension \| Alufelgen Wheels \| CSL Trunk USMC Iraqi Freedom VET

01-20-2013, 09:47 PM	#17
Merlosso Banned Drives: Results Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Germantown, MD Posts: 495 iTrader: (2)	What percentage of your clients drop off a car with a manual? I would love it if I got to drive a manual Mini for the day but I agree with Paul, it will likely be expensive due to people's unfamiliarity with the car.

01-20-2013, 10:53 PM	#18
mamadub Captain Drives: Melbourne Red 2011 E93 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 690 iTrader: (0)	I learned how to drive manual at 16! __________________ Black Novillo Extended Leather, Convenience Package, Premium Package 2, DCT, 19" Double Spoke Wheels, DDC, Through Loading System, Heated Front Seats, BMW Apps, Enhanced Premium Sound, Eisenmann Sport Black Series Exhaust.

01-20-2013, 11:06 PM	#19
kmarei Major General Drives: 1988 M3 Evo II Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Reston, VA Posts: 6,035 iTrader: (32)	If you can't drive manual You can't drive __________________ "There are two opinions in this world. Mine and the wrong one." -- Jeremy Clarkson

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