The new BMW M3 and M4 may have rubbed some enthusiasts the wrong way with their controversial kidney grilles but something we can all agree on is how good it is to see the duo still being offered with a six-speed manual transmission.
Both Mercedes-Benz and Audi stopped offering stick shifts a number of years ago and while demand for manuals across the industry continues to decline, BMW has stuck to its guns in offering the entry-level versions of the M3 and M4 with six-speeds. In this video, we discover that this isn’t any old manual either.
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The manual is similar to the one offered in the previous-generation M3 and M4 but comes with a new gear sensor that operates the automatic rev-matching function (which can be disengaged). BMW says that the modified transmission also delivers improved shifting precision as the shifting rod is twice-attached to the transmission tunnel and the bodywork.
As for the clutch, it is a twin-disc system with four friction-layers to efficiently transmit torque to the pavement and allowing for longer clutch slippage. The dual-mass flywheel features the fourth friction-layer of the clutch and also sports a strengthened crankshaft flange.
Entry-level variants of the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 feature a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six delivering 473 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. While it would have been nice for the M3 and M4 Competition, complete with 503 hp, to also be available with the six-speed manual, they are instead sold exclusively with the ZF eight-speed automatic.