BMW M’s iconic manual gearbox is fading as tech limits and market demand shrink. Discover the future of high‑performance driving—read more now!
The high‑performance division of BMW, known as BMW M, is confronting a turning point: its beloved six‑speed manual gearbox is losing ground to newer, more efficient drivetrains. In an interview with Australian media, BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel confirmed that while the company will keep offering a manual for a few more years, the long‑term outlook is far from optimistic.
Technical hurdles limit the manual’s future
As power outputs climb, the stress on a vehicle’s transmission rises dramatically. The current six‑speed manual used in the M2, M3, M4 and Z4 can comfortably handle around 600 Nm of torque. Newer M‑models, especially the performance‑focused CS line, exceed that threshold, meaning the existing gearbox would either need a complete redesign or would be unable to cope with the extra load.
Developing a brand‑new manual gearbox entails considerable R&D and production costs – expenses that are hard to recuperate when the customer base is shrinking. Suppliers, too, are showing less enthusiasm for a product that is becoming a niche offering.
Market demand is dwindling, but not gone
Outside of the four models that still feature a manual, demand is modest but still present, particularly in the United States where a solid segment of enthusiasts insists on a clutch‑pedal experience. However, the numbers are insufficient to justify a long‑term investment, especially as automatic transmissions keep improving in speed, efficiency and fuel consumption.
Industry experts predict a 2030 deadline
Analysts argue that by the end of the decade, manual gearboxes in BMW M cars could disappear completely. The brand is accelerating its shift toward electrified powertrains—hybrids and pure electric models—mirroring a global trend in the automotive sector.
Emotional attachment keeps the manual alive for now
Van Meel emphasized that the driving feel and emotional connection of a manual gearbox remain strong selling points for many loyal customers. “We will keep the manual as long as it makes sense,” he said, underscoring the company’s willingness to support the niche market while it still exists.
What’s next for BMW M?
BMW M’s upcoming lineup includes several hybrid and electric variants, which will likely replace the traditional internal‑combustion models that currently rely on the manual transmission. The shift reflects both regulatory pressures and consumer appetite for greener performance.
While the manual gearbox is unlikely to be terminated tomorrow, its days are numbered. For now, enthusiasts can still enjoy a classic M manual in the M2, M3, M4 and Z4—before the final shift to fully automated and electrified drivetrains takes place.