I forgot to mention that the new M3 has a new optional automatic trans.

Dual clutch SEVEN speed auto.

Not bad.

Though technically, it's not an automatic. It's a manual that shifts automatically. Tiptronic is an automatic.

What is the practical difference???

:)

The practical difference is that it can shift faster than a traditional manual but does not have the parasitic losses and slow response of a traditional automatic.

I'd still take the regular stick shift. But I'm sure it will be worlds better than BMW's previous auto-clutch manual, the SMG, which was just horrendous anywhere except on a track.

I have heard that nobody likes the SMG.

It will be interesting to see how this new trans performs.

Candidly, I think it is time for a new Tip in the Boxster.

:)

for what its worth, all the reviewers in the roundel are raving about the new autotranny in the 335i twin turbo, almost all of them are saying it is so good and well mated to the engine they would choose it over the 6 speed stick

but I aint that old yet........

Porsche supposedly will intro a new twin clutch setup like the VW/Audi version in the next 2 yrs or so which should be head and shoulders above the "tip."

I drove the M-3 before I bought the Boxster and I did not like it. The styling line of BMW with the high belt line in the trunk and I don't find pleasing at all to look. I also drove the new body S-4 when it came out in 2004 and it really felt heavy. I thought I was driving a truck. Lots of power but the car felt and looked heavy. In the last few years I don't know if Audi addressed the weight problem. As far as BMW Hans Stuck has been driving the V-8 in competition for a few years so it must be a fine engine at this point. Still I rather have a Boxster which has plenty of power which we can't use and ride that is heavenly.

Audi has addressed the weight problem by making the S4 even heavier than previous iterations.

That thing is a bloody beast I tell ya