BMW’s iconic performance cars once put control in drivers’ hands via a classic three-pedal manual application. However, the popularity of smart, quick-shifting automatic gearboxes has displaced the once-popular row-your-own options of yesteryear. As a result, only a handful of new BMW cars have a manual transmission, like the BMW M2, M3, and M4. 

What 2023 BMW cars have manual transmissions?

The BMW cars that still offer manual transmissions are limited to just three models. Specifically, the M2, M3, and M4 are the only vehicles in the storied Bavarian marque’s lineup to keep the beloved three-pedal setup. 

Unfortunately, the dwindling ranks of manual transmissions aren’t a BMW-specific problem. Car and Driver says fewer than 30 new cars in the American market offer the traditional application. The issue directly results from the popularity of automatic transmissions and electric vehicle (EV) platforms. 

The lack of a clutch pedal, the freedom of not requiring a shifting hand, and advances in automatic gearbox technology have all but eradicated the old-school three-pedal setup. Moreover, modern automatic transmissions, especially dual-clutch applications, are faster than manual transmissions. For instance, the Volkswagen Golf R with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic will sprint to 60 mph around 1.0 seconds faster than the six-speed manual variant. 

Which is the cheapest BMW manual car?

As a result of the dwindling number of manual cars, the cheapest three-pedal 2023 BMW model is the M2. Specifically, the M2 starts at around $63,195, about $13,717 more than the range-topping M240i. 

Unfortunately, that means the only way to snag a new driver’s car with six speeds and a BMW badge is to part with over $60,000. However, the M2 earns its steep ask with a track-tuned suspension, a 453-horsepower 3.0L inline-six, and of course, a smile-inducing six-speed manual transmission. 

What is the last year of manual M3?

The M3 keeps its manual transmission for the 2023 model year and beyond. Better yet, BMW said it will keep the manual transmission in the M car lineup until 2030. As for now, the 2023 BMW M3 is one of the only cars in the marque’s lineup with a six-speed manual transmission. 

The 2023 BMW M3 starts at $75,295, per Car and Driver. However, the M3 Competition ditches the manual gearbox in favor of an eight-speed automatic unit. 

How much is a manual M4?

The 2023 BMW M4 Coupe starts at $77,995 and offers a six-speed manual transmission. Moreover, the standard M4 Coupe is the only trim in the model’s lineup that offers a six-speed manual transmission; the M4 Competition and Competition Convertible trade the manual gearbox for an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 

Which three-pedal Bimmer is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!