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Manual transmissions continue to vanish as automatic, hybrid, and electric drivetrains dominate today’s car market. Brands worldwide shift to convenience and electrification, leaving fewer choices for drivers who still crave full control.
BMW remains one of the last premium automakers offering options. With a long-standing connection to enthusiast drivers, the brand defends the value of a clutch pedal in an era heading toward digitized mobility.
Purpose here is to highlight BMW sedans that still come with manual gearboxes in 2025. Focus remains on models available primarily in the U.S. and Europe, with a nod to those who still care about driving for the sake of it.
Why Manual Still Matters at BMW
Driver engagement helped define BMW’s reputation. Identity was built around direct feedback and mechanical connection, best captured in the phrase “The Ultimate Driving Machine.”
Few sensations rival the precision of shifting manually while hearing an inline-six build toward redline.
Manual transmissions continue to offer key benefits often lost in automatic alternatives. Their value isn’t just nostalgic, it’s rooted in the physical experience they deliver. Highlights include:
- Full control over shift timing, giving drivers authority over acceleration and engine response
- Rewarding mechanical feedback, especially through rev-matching and clutch modulation
- Simplicity in design, reducing reliance on electronics, and increasing long-term durability
- Stronger emotional connection, as gear selection becomes part of the driving rhythm
Karsten, a lead engineer at BMW M, referred to the manual gearbox as a “heritage decision.” Costlier to manufacture and ordered in smaller volumes, it survives not due to numbers, but because some still believe driving should remain an active, tactile process.
BMW doesn’t maintain manuals out of convenience. The decision comes from engineers who still care, and drivers who refuse to let go.
Overview of BMW Sedans with Manual Transmission
Manual transmission offerings in BMW’s 2025 sedan lineup are increasingly rare, but not extinct.
Drivers seeking engagement, control, and a tactile connection to their vehicle still have options, though the list is short.
Focus here centers on the M3 Sedan (G80), the only true manual-equipped sedan offered in the U.S., and the M4 Coupe (G82), which shares architecture and mechanical traits with the M3, making it a logical inclusion for enthusiasts considering both.
BMW M3 Sedan (G80)
M3 G80 serves as the final holdout in the U.S. sedan category for those unwilling to give up the gearshift. It combines daily utility with fierce performance in one focused package.
Engine and Performance:
- Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine
- 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque
- 0–60 mph in approximately 4.1 seconds
Transmission Details:
- Standard six-speed manual gearbox
- Exclusively available with rear-wheel drive
- xDrive variant only comes with an automatic
Target Market Highlights:
- Enthusiasts who want four doors without losing driver connection
- Drivers seeking balance between track capability and daily usability
BMW M4 Coupe (G82)
M4 G82 often enters the conversation due to its technical similarity to the M3. Though it features a two-door coupe format, its shared drivetrain makes it a frequent alternative for performance-focused buyers.
Engine and Performance:
- Same S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six as the M3
- Identical horsepower, torque, and acceleration metrics when paired with the manual
Manual Availability Notes:
- Offered only in the base model trim
- No manual option for Competition or xDrive versions
Why Enthusiasts Consider It:
- Built on the same mechanical foundation as the M3
- Serves as a logical substitute for drivers who don’t mind a two-door format
International Models (Non-U.S. Market)
Outside of North America, BMW continues to offer manual options on entry-level sedans aimed at urban and commuter buyers. These models keep the flame alive for those not interested in outright speed.
Market Restriction:
Only offered in specific European countries, with Germany being the primary market.
Manual Option:
Both the 218i and 218d variants offer a six-speed manual gearbox. While not as performance-oriented, they cater to affordability and driver involvement.
Engine Options:
- 218i: 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine.
- 218d: 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine.
Relevance:
These compact Gran Coupes represent the only BMW sedan-style models under the 3 Series still available with a manual transmission in Europe. A practical choice for those who don’t need M-level aggression but still want gear-shifting freedom.
Special Mentions and Related Models
Not all manual-equipped BMWs fall neatly into the sedan category, yet some deserve recognition for keeping mechanical engagement alive. These models, though not traditional four-door options, play a vital role in sustaining BMW’s connection to enthusiasts.
Their presence reinforces a brand philosophy that still values feel, feedback, and control.
For those open to a slightly different silhouette, these offerings stand as meaningful alternatives that deliver the same tactile driving pleasure—sometimes in even purer form.
Not all manual-equipped BMWs fall neatly into the sedan category, yet some deserve recognition for keeping mechanical engagement alive. These models, though not traditional four-door options, play a vital role in sustaining BMW’s connection to enthusiasts.
As new manual options fade, interest rises in used models and even junk cars for sale, with some buyers hunting for older BMWs to restore and keep the manual experience alive. For those open to a slightly different silhouette, these offerings serve up the same tactile driving pleasure—sometimes in even purer form.
BMW M2 Coupe (G87)
While not a sedan, M2 G87 plays a crucial role in BMW’s manual transmission lineup. Its presence keeps the manual flame burning among a shrinking pool of driver-focused cars.
Why It’s Mentioned:
As one of the last compact performance cars to offer a standard manual, M2 appeals directly to purists. It bridges the gap between performance heritage and modern refinement.
Transmission and Power:
A six-speed manual comes standard, paired with a 453-horsepower version of the S58 engine. Rear-wheel drive only. Acceleration is brisk, engagement is intense, and control is absolute.
Production Timeline:
Manual transmission expected to be discontinued by 2026 to 2029, depending on demand and emissions regulations. Until then, it serves as a last-call for tactile driving.
Cult Following:
Strong demand globally, with many viewing the M2 as a spiritual successor to the E46 M3. Smaller footprint, lighter chassis, and fewer driver aids all contribute to its status as a fan favorite.
BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter
Z4 M40i Handschalter—literally “hand shifter” in German—adds fresh excitement to BMW’s manual lineup, despite being a convertible rather than a sedan.
Why It Matters:
Manual option was reintroduced for the M40i trim in limited markets. While not a sedan, it signals renewed commitment to manual fans.
Transmission Details:
Features an entirely new six-speed manual design distinct from the M2/M3/M4 setup. It’s not just a carryover—it’s been reengineered for better shift feel and compatibility with the B58 engine.
Engineering Insight:
Developed with input from BMW engineers and driving purists. Reports suggest the new gearbox adds refinement while maintaining the mechanical feel.
Position in Lineup:
Represents a halo offering for manual fans. Limited availability, making it a collector’s item and symbol of BMW’s willingness to bend the rules for enthusiast drivers.
Future Outlook
Phase-Out Timeline (Predicted):
- M3 G80: Manual option likely ends around 2027.
- M4 G82: Expected to follow with discontinuation by 2028.
- M2 G87: Manual may survive until 2029 before regulatory pressure forces retirement.
BMW’s Public Signals:
Executives have made it clear that future electric M models won’t offer manual transmissions. Focus is shifting toward next-gen technology and performance via software and battery systems.
Market Realities:
Manual take rate remains low. Globally, only around 15–20% of M3 buyers opt for the manual. Numbers are even lower for other markets, making development costs harder to justify.
Conclusion for the Manual Diehards:
Time is running out. Manual-equipped BMWs are approaching extinction. Drivers interested in tactile engagement must act soon or risk losing the option forever.
Summary
BMW remains one of the few luxury automakers offering manual sedans in 2025. In the U.S., only the M3 G80 offers this option. European buyers have a couple more choices, such as the 2 Series Gran Coupe models.
For purists, manual options represent the last remnants of BMW’s analog driving roots. M3, M2, and a few niche offerings like the Z4 Handschalter serve as reminders of what performance used to feel like before electronics took over.
