BMW M gives up on dual-clutch transmissions
And BMW M2 could be last car with manual gearbox as M focuses on torque-converter autos and EVsBMW M has revealed that it will no longer offer its motorsport-inspired dual-clutch transmission on future models, and if you’re a fan of manual transmissions the current recently latest 2023 BMW M2 might be your last opportunity to buy one.
Speaking to Britain’s Top Gear, BMW M development boss Dirk Hacker said: “The double-clutch, from BMW M’s point of view these days, it’s gone.
“It’s now manual or automatic, and automatic electrified for the future.”
In the future, Hacker confirmed that all models, BMW M2 aside, will come with a traditional torque-converter transmission – a decision that was made when developing the latest BMW M5.
“Around the M5 there was a big discussion, not only for the automatic transmission, but also for other things. And the decision was not only because of cost, but also because of comfort [to go with automatic], because we got a lot of reactions about manoeuvring, parking, no rolling if you leave the pedal and so on,” Hacker said.
As well as being smoother at low speed, the senior M engineer also admitted the latest-gen autos are now so quick they’re used in the latest BMW M4 GTR racer.
Unlike Toyota’s Gazoo Racing that recently admitted it was developing manual transmissions for its future performance EVs, Hacker said the new breed of ‘simulated manuals’ will be off the menu for BMW M models.
“I think it could be done, but we will not do that,” he said.
That means the fate of the standard six-speed manual rests solely on the BMW M2, which is tipped to be phased out in 2030.
Before then, the next BMW M2 Competition is set to land in 2024/2025 and a faster-still M2 CSL in 2026.
Hacker warned that other factors could also come into play that could prematurely kill-off the BMW M manual.
“It’s not only a decision of BMW, it’s also a decision of the suppliers. If you take a look around, you will see the future for manual gearbox suppliers will decrease,” he said.
“So I’m not sure we will have the possibility in the future – but in the future means six, seven years in forecast.”
Related: Next BMW M5 rendered following new 5 Series reveal
Related: BMW M reveals its electrification plan
Related: BMW M2 2023 Review – International
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