I’m currently in a 2021 M340i Sedan and I love it. I was thinking that the 2024 Manual M3 was potentially the last opportunity to get a new gas-powered manual M car. Maybe it will be my last gas car. Anyway, I have never driven a manual M3 and was told there is no way to test drive one. I’ve enjoyed owning manual cars in the past, however only up to perhaps 180 HP. Is this a crazy idea? Are there any M specific things (manual or otherwise) I should consider?
The manual in those cars really isn’t great. The shifter is rubbery and the clutch can be vague and resemble more of an on/off switch than a clutch. They’ve been out long enough where you can probably easily find a used one to test drive and judge for yourself. Given the criticism of the manual I’d absolutely try to try both transmissions and see what you prefer before ordering anything.