BMW’s performance division (M) is signaling that manual gearboxes may soon become unavailable in their vehicles. The decision stems from both engineering complexity and shrinking consumer demand, despite a notable 40% of M buyers still choosing manuals as of 2025.
Engineering Challenges & Declining Demand
Frank van Meel, head of BMW M, bluntly stated that from an engineering perspective, maintaining manual transmissions “doesn’t really make sense” in the long term. The core issue is that developing entirely new manual gearboxes becomes increasingly difficult as the market segment shrinks. Suppliers are less willing to invest in a diminishing niche, making future iterations uncertain.
“It’s going to be quite difficult in the future to develop completely new gearboxes because the segment in the market is quite small, and the suppliers are not so keen on doing something like that.” – Frank van Meel, BMW M Head
This isn’t a new stance from van Meel, who previously urged customers to buy manual M models now if they wanted one. The reality is that rapidly advancing automatic and dual-clutch technologies continue to outperform manuals in many metrics, while fewer buyers prioritize the traditional experience.
Current Models & Future Outlook
Currently, BMW M offers manual options on the M2, M3, M4, and Z4 (with the Handschalter Package). However, the Z4 is slated for discontinuation by late 2026, and the future of manuals in upcoming generations of the 3 Series and M3 is unclear.
Why this matters: The shift reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where automakers are streamlining production to focus on higher-volume, more profitable options. While BMW M intends to keep manuals available for a few more years to appease enthusiasts, long-term viability is questionable.
The decision is likely to disappoint many driving purists, but the economics and engineering realities are shifting decisively against the manual transmission.
Ultimately, while the manual holds sentimental value for some, its practical future within BMW M looks increasingly uncertain.
