For as much as the auto industry likes to talk about the future, there is still something deeply satisfying about a proper manual gearbox, especially in a BMW M car. That is why the latest word out of Munich will land as welcome news for enthusiasts. Even after BMW M boss Frank van Meel recently admitted that a manual no longer makes much sense from a pure engineering standpoint, the company is still working on a way to keep three-pedal performance cars alive.
The challenge is not hard to understand. Modern M cars keep getting stronger, and manual gearboxes simply do not handle torque as easily as today’s automatics. BMW has already had to make compromises, including giving manual versions of certain models less torque than their automatic counterparts. That tells you everything about the balancing act here. BMW clearly knows there is still emotional value in a stick shift, but it also has to build something that can survive real-world use, warranty demands, and the ever-rising performance ceiling buyers now expect.
What makes this story interesting is that BMW is not shutting the door yet. Reports out of Germany say Sylvia Neubauer, BMW M’s Vice President for Customer, Brand, and Sales, has indicated that engineers are actively looking for a solution to preserve the manual even as output continues to climb from the company’s 3.0-liter inline-six. Whether that means a stronger gearbox, a strategic reduction in torque for manual applications, or some other workaround remains unclear, but the message is obvious. BMW still sees enough enthusiast appeal here to keep trying.
There is also a bigger backdrop working against manuals, and it has little to do with passion. Fuel economy, emissions regulations, supplier economics, and increasingly complex driver-assistance systems all make automatics easier to justify. Europe’s tougher CO2 rules, in particular, continue to squeeze low-volume enthusiast hardware that does not help an automaker’s fleet numbers. So even if BMW wants to keep the manual alive, it is fighting a battle that extends well beyond customer demand.
For now, the good news is that the manual is not dead at BMW M. The current M2, M3, and M4 still carry the torch, even as the Z4 M40i prepares to exit production, and the next-generation gas-powered M3 is still expected with a six-cylinder engine around 2028. Whether that future M3 keeps a clutch pedal is still an open question, but BMW appears to understand that for a certain kind of driver, shifting for yourself is still part of the whole point. In a market that keeps moving toward speed, software, and seamless automation, that may be reason enough to keep fighting for one of performance driving’s last true analog experiences.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
