Only BMW I have ever owned

I admit I am not a "BMW Guy", and the front end did not bother me at all. In fact, I was extremely attracted to the styling of this two-door coupe. But most BMW enthusiasts always disparaged the styling of the front end. I loved that M4, inside and out. But where it fell short for me was the driving experience. Very bland and vague on the handling. It was as fast as a rocket in a straight line. In fact my best zero 0-60 was 2.9 seconds in that car. That's outrageous. But I'm afraid the only time I smiled from the driving experience is when I did that exercise. In all other circumstances, the driving character is extremely sterile. I wanted a gas powered machine for driving enjoyment, and that is why I settled on the Blackwing. If I really wanted a nice car for just going to church or dinner, I probably would have kept the M4. But I wanted something that makes me smile when I drive it!

The BMW M3 CS Handschalter

By: India Whiskey Charlie : May 18th, 2026-22:06

From the article: "Oh, and bad news for most of the world, if not for us: it'll only be sold in the U.S. and Canada." 😂 https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a71309651/bmw-m3-cs-handschalter-manual-transmission/ ...

Great stance!

By: Larrykelley11 : May 18th, 2026-22:21

Modern BMWs are not really known for quality manual transmissions

By: MichaelC : May 18th, 2026-22:25

I am guessing this box is the same one I test drove in a 2022 before buying an automatic. A bit rubbery and non-precise, especially compared to the Tremec used in the Blackwings. The front ends and headlights are going backwards too. I wish I could have k...

I haven't driven an m3 manual since my e92 but the current z4 shifter is not bad. I see reviewers call it rubbery but feel like that's an automatic description when it's a bmw manual

By: Dchang81 : May 19th, 2026-00:05

I guess to say it another way, maybe "mushy"

By: MichaelC : May 19th, 2026-01:00

It's just not "positive precise" if that makes sense. Almost like there are different places in the gate where the shifts can occur. Not sure if the Z4 is different than the 2022 manual M4 I drove.

Sloppy is the word but it has improved over the years. Although, not sure how much better they are nowadays.

By: India Whiskey Charlie : May 19th, 2026-01:04

get with the stying on these…the grill, etc…last great looking M3 was the E46 in my opinion.

I had an E46 M3 in Imola Red. 2001, convertible, MT. Perfect car until I spun out in an inch of snow on the Edens Expressway!

By: RDSChicago : May 19th, 2026-05:30

Automotive