Question 1

What should I check on a used manual BMW diesel?

Accepted Answer

The clutch and the dual-mass flywheel, which wear faster under diesel torque and short trips. A rattle at idle that stops when the clutch pedal is pressed points to the flywheel, and replacing both is a sizeable bill.

Question 2

Which BMW models had a manual gearbox?

Accepted Answer

Most 1, 2 and 3 Series of the 2000s and 2010s, the early X1 and the older Z4 roadsters were offered with a six-speed manual. Among recent cars it survives mainly on the M2 and the base M3 and M4.

Question 3

Does a manual BMW M3 or M4 have less power than the automatic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on the current generation: the manual comes only with the 480 PS base engine, while the stronger Competition versions use the eight-speed automatic. The manual cars are rear-wheel drive only.

Question 4

Is a manual BMW cheaper to tax in Luxembourg?

Accepted Answer

No rule favours either gearbox: road tax follows each car's CO₂ figure and fuel. Compare the figure on the car's papers, remembering that a diesel pays half as much again as a petrol car at the same CO₂.

Used BMW cars with a manual gearbox in Luxembourg

BMW Z4 M Z4 M Coupe

BMW M5 M5

BMW 118 118i

BMW Série 2 GRAN COUPE 218i 1.5 136 M SPORT -GAR.1AN

BMW 330 330d Coupe

BMW M2 M2 Coupé

BMW 118 BMW 118i 2.0 143 HP

BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5 iLEDERSHZPDC

BMW X1 X20i xdrive

BMW 325 325i touring Edition Exclusive