It Arrived

[templarklimek]

Originally Posted by RichardP

Very nice combo. I wish that they did the manual in the UK but they don't. I'm not 100% sure I'd have bought one mind, but I would have liked to try it at the very least. I believe it rev matches on gear changes for you unless you're in Sport+, that sounds like the perfect combination to me.

However, from a business perspective you can see why they don't really want to offer it. Of the 800 odd M6 Gran Coupes in the US/Canada there are only about 30 manual cars (I don't have the full stats, just extrapolating from what I do have) and 8 of those were press cars. Obviously the parts are shared with the F10/F11/F12 and I don't know how many manuals of those have been sold, but that's not an economical production quantity.

True, however it should be continued to be offered as a cost added option, like a convertible is. manuals are much cheaper to produce than DCT's but economies of scale change that. But car makers be forewarned. Many of us will drop out of buying performance cars without the manual option. We will then consider cars just another appliance and nothing more.

[carchrism5]

This gives me motivation to keep going to work. I give you credit for ordering that color combo and MANUAL!!

[EdM5]

Stunning M6gc, congrats!

[RichardP]

Originally Posted by templarklimek

True, however it should be continued to be offered as a cost added option, like a convertible is. manuals are much cheaper to produce than DCT's but economies of scale change that. But car makers be forewarned. Many of us will drop out of buying performance cars without the manual option. We will then consider cars just another appliance and nothing more.

So, for the M6 GC lets say that 30 out of 800 or so cars sold so far in the USA have manual transmission, or 30 out of about 2000 cars sold world wide to date as the manual transmission is not available elsewhere. Also make the assumption that it's a similar proportion of M5's and other M6's, I don't know if this is true, but it's probably not far off.

That's 1.5% of all cars. Sure, the manual transmission is cheaper to produce (like for like quantities) than the DCT. But talking of these numbers the cost will be massive per unit. It's not just the gear box itself, there's the different shifter surround, the die for making that part alone will be measurable in $100,000's. Then there's the software changes and FC approval, documentation, different foot well for the clutch pedal which might even require crash testing. The list goes on. I would be very surprised if each manual car made did not cost several times it's retail price to produce and support.

To satisfy 1.5% of customers of a niche product to start with (arguably already niche (M6) within a niche (Gran Coupe)), some of which would probably go for the DCT if the manual was not available, a company which is in business to make money can not justify that.

It's inevitable, manual transmission in mass produced performance vehicles is just not viable, enjoy it while you can!

[templarklimek]

While your number are close, I thinks it's closer to 5 percent. Still very low. However I'm willing to pay a premium for the stick. It used to be the other way around. I do see less manufactures making less sticks BUT that will leave one or two makers still making sticks and getting those sales.

[MJones3]

Originally Posted by RichardP

So, for the M6 GC lets say that 30 out of 800 or so cars sold so far in the USA have manual transmission, or 30 out of about 2000 cars sold world wide to date as the manual transmission is not available elsewhere. Also make the assumption that it's a similar proportion of M5's and other M6's, I don't know if this is true, but it's probably not far off.

That's 1.5% of all cars. Sure, the manual transmission is cheaper to produce (like for like quantities) than the DCT. But talking of these numbers the cost will be massive per unit. It's not just the gear box itself, there's the different shifter surround, the die for making that part alone will be measurable in $100,000's. Then there's the software changes and FC approval, documentation, different foot well for the clutch pedal which might even require crash testing. The list goes on. I would be very surprised if each manual car made did not cost several times it's retail price to produce and support.

To satisfy 1.5% of customers of a niche product to start with (arguably already niche (M6) within a niche (Gran Coupe)), some of which would probably go for the DCT if the manual was not available, a company which is in business to make money can not justify that.

It's inevitable, manual transmission in mass produced performance vehicles is just not viable, enjoy it while you can!

You are forgetting about the regular 5-series where the manual numbers are much higher than 1.5%. The manual gearbox is standard in many (most?) countries on the 5er. If they were loosing money on the manual M6 GC's, the guys handing out $$$ to the engineers would've stopped the cash flow a long time ago I believe. Loosing money to cater to a lucky few customers aren't in the cards these days I think..
Regarding the different shifter surround, I think with todays technology BMW doesn't pay a whole lot to make two different versions.

I do agree with your last statement though, the manual cars are a dying breed..

[positiveions]

Looks amazing. Congrats.

[WhyGeeGee]

Congrats on an amazing car I just don't understand why BMW decided to not have contrast stitching on none individual interior

[Rob@StrasseWheels]

Gorgeous, congrats!

[EuroKar]

Amazing looking car !! I was even more excited to notice that you chose the manual gear box ! Love it !

[bjayfan]

Originally Posted by templarklimek

Many of us will drop out of buying performance cars without the manual option.

I do understand what you're saying, but the DCT is a manual. Yes, no clutch pedal and sequential, but nonetheless a manual.

I had to spend some time with a DCT before actually 'getting it', and while I have a weekend car or two with traditional manuals, it's getting to the point where they don't satisfy, other than some historical emotional attachment.

I have zero issues with people that want that third pedal, but that assumption that the DCT is an automatic is wrong.

[ReggieD81]

Originally Posted by cetro

After over 4 months of waiting, she has arrived . I was totally nervous when I placed the order, I had not seen these colors in person. Once I got to the dealer, I new I made the right decision.

Here are some Phone Pics...

Very nice car, what color red is that?

[WhyGeeGee]

Originally Posted by ReggieD81

Very nice car, what color red is that?

It's Sakhire Orange.

[acedaking]

where did you get those floor mats?

[RichardP]

Originally Posted by acedaking

where did you get those floor mats?

See post 21.

[best-perf]

I LOVE your car sir.. Could you please post some more pictures of it in its natural environment? Call me crazy but I really prefer those amateur pics straight off the phone than semi-pro organized photoshoots. And tell us more about your impression! Isn't the car too heavy to struggle with the 6spd?

[dan99]

What frozen color is this ?

[uhn2000]

Originally Posted by templarklimek

I think your car is a classic "keeper". the last manual M6 and frozen GC.

Totally agree, a definitely rare choice. Enjoy in good health. I love my MT!

[cetro]

Originally Posted by best-perf

I LOVE your car sir.. Could you please post some more pictures of it in its natural environment? Call me crazy but I really prefer those amateur pics straight off the phone than semi-pro organized photoshoots. And tell us more about your impression! Isn't the car too heavy to struggle with the 6spd?

Thank you. The car is a heavy and I do notice it a little, but I would not change it for automatic. I love rowing through the gears
BMW offering manual on their 4 door sedans made it really easy for me to pick which car I will be purchasing.

Originally Posted by dan99

What frozen color is this ?

Forzen Silver

[///M3Owner]

hows the manual gear box in the m6?

[davuusM6GC]

Hi, nice car!!! Just wondering, did you have the option to get the 433M GC exclusive wheels? And if so, why did you choose the 343s?

Also, you were crazy to order a color you hadn't seen in person before on a 100K car! Good thing it turned out great!

[///M3Owner]

its a 6 speed!