BMW M3 Send Off Six Speed Manual? Final M3 Manual Explained

Yes, the BMW M3’s six-speed manual transmission is being retired. The final model to offer a manual gearbox is the 2025 BMW M3 (G80 generation), which BMW has confirmed will be the last M3 ever sold with a stick shift. This send-off applies to the standard M3 sedan and the M3 Competition xDrive, but not the M3 CS or the M4 CSL, which are automatic-only.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average running pace and speed. The formula for pace is:

Pace (min/km) = Total time (min) ÷ Distance (km)

The formula for speed is:

Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Total time (min) ÷ 60)

Where:

• Total time is the time it took you to run, in minutes.
• Distance is the distance you covered, in kilometers.
• Pace is the time it takes you to run one kilometer, in minutes per kilometer.
• Speed is the average speed over the whole run, in kilometers per hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: you run 10 km in 50 minutes.

Step 1: Calculate the pace.

Pace = 50 min ÷ 10 km = 5.00 min/km

Step 2: Calculate the speed.

Speed = 10 km ÷ (50 min ÷ 60) = 10 km ÷ 0.8333 h = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows the same results: an average pace of 5.00 min/km and an average speed of 12.00 km/h.

Why the Manual Is Being Discontinued

The manual transmission is disappearing from the M3 for a few clear reasons. First, sales of manual M3s have been a small fraction of total sales—likely under 20% in most markets, and even lower in the U.S. where the take rate is higher than in Europe. Second, stricter emissions and fuel economy regulations make it harder to certify a manual gearbox because the automatic’s extra gears keep the engine in a more efficient rpm range. Third, the M3’s core rivals—the Audi RS5, Mercedes-AMG C63, and even the new BMW M2—have all moved to automatics or are about to. The M3 is one of the last performance sedans with a manual, and BMW has decided that the G80 generation is the right place to end it.

Which M3 Models Have the Manual?

For the 2025 model year, the six-speed manual is available on two versions of the M3:

• 2025 BMW M3 (base) – 473 hp, rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual (or optional 8-speed automatic).
• 2025 BMW M3 Competition xDrive – 503 hp, all-wheel drive, six-speed manual (or optional 8-speed automatic).

The M3 Competition (rear-wheel drive, 503 hp) is automatic-only in the U.S. The M3 CS (543 hp) is also automatic-only. The M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible still offer a manual on the base model, but BMW has not confirmed a final year for those.

How the Manual M3 Drives

The six-speed manual in the M3 is a traditional H-pattern gearbox with a shift lever that sits high on the center console. It has a mechanical feel with a notchy, precise engagement. The clutch is heavy but not punishing, and the rev-matching feature (which automatically blips the throttle on downshifts) can be turned off for heel-toe driving. The gear ratios are well spaced for both city driving and track use, and the rear-wheel-drive base M3 with the manual is often described as the most engaging version because it forces you to manage the car’s power yourself. The xDrive version with the manual is less common but offers all-weather grip while still letting you row your own gears.

Manual vs. Automatic: Which Should You Choose?

If you are buying a 2025 M3, the choice between the six-speed manual and the 8-speed automatic is a genuine one. Here are the key differences:

• Performance: The automatic is faster. It shifts quicker and has more gears, so it gets to 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds (base) vs. 4.1 seconds for the manual. The automatic also returns slightly better fuel economy on the highway.
• Engagement: The manual gives you full control. You feel more connected to the car, and many enthusiasts find it more rewarding on a twisty road or track.
• Resale value: Manual M3s have historically held their value better than automatics, especially in the U.S. The final manual M3 could become a collector’s item.
• Practicality: The automatic is easier in traffic and offers driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control that work better with an automatic.

If you want the last manual M3, you need to order it soon. BMW has not announced a production end date, but 2025 is the final model year, so allocations are limited.

Common Questions About the Final Manual M3

Here are answers to the questions buyers are asking:

• Is the 2025 M3 manual the same as the previous one? Yes, it’s the same six-speed unit used since the G80 launched in 2021. It has not been changed for the final year.
• Can I get the manual with all-wheel drive? Yes, the M3 Competition xDrive is available with the manual, which is unusual because most xDrive BMWs are automatic-only. This combination is rare and may be the most sought-after.
• Will the manual M3 be slower than the automatic? Yes, it’s about 0.3 seconds slower to 60 mph, but the difference is small and many drivers prefer the manual’s feel.
• Is the manual M3 more fuel-efficient? No, the automatic is slightly more efficient, especially on the highway, because it has two extra gears and can keep the engine at lower rpm.
• Will the manual M3 be a good investment? It’s likely to hold its value well, but no one can predict the future. The final manual M3 is a limited-production model, which often helps resale.
• Can I still order a manual M3 in 2025? Yes, but you should act quickly. BMW is accepting orders for the 2025 model year, but production is limited and dealers may have already allocated their allocations.

Alternatives to the Manual M3

If you miss out on the manual M3, or if you want a manual sports sedan, there are a few alternatives:

• BMW M2 (G87) – The current M2 still offers a six-speed manual and is arguably more fun to drive than the M3 because it’s smaller and lighter. It shares the same engine family.
• Porsche 911 – The 911 Carrera and Carrera S still offer a seven-speed manual (the 911’s manual is a seven-speed). It’s more expensive, but it’s a true driver’s car.
• Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing – This is a rear-wheel-drive sedan with a supercharged V6 and a six-speed manual. It’s a direct rival to the M3 and is also in its final generation.
• Subaru WRX – For a cheaper option, the WRX still comes with a manual and is a fun, practical sport sedan.

These are the last few new cars with a manual transmission, so if you want one, now is the time to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 BMW M3 the last manual M3 ever? Yes, BMW has confirmed that the 2025 model year is the final year for the manual transmission in the M3. After that, the M3 will be automatic-only.

Does the manual M3 have a clutch pedal? Yes, it has a traditional clutch pedal and a six-speed H-pattern shifter. You operate it like any other manual car.

Is the manual available on the M3 Competition? Yes, but only on the Competition xDrive version (all-wheel drive). The rear-wheel-drive Competition is automatic-only.

How many manual M3s will be built? BMW has not released a production number. It will depend on how many orders are placed, but it’s expected to be a low percentage of total M3 production.

Is the manual M3 faster than the automatic? No, the automatic is faster. The manual is about 0.3 seconds slower to 60 mph, but it offers a more engaging driving experience.

Can I convert an automatic M3 to manual? It is technically possible but extremely expensive and complex. It’s not recommended, as it would void the warranty and likely cost more than buying a factory manual.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2