The iconic BMW M3, long revered for its manual transmission option, is bidding farewell to Japan as the German automaker edges closer to discontinuing this beloved feature in its sports cars. News of the BMW M3 MT Final Edition’s exit from the Japanese market marks a significant milestone, signaling the beginning of the end for manual transmissions in the M series.
Images of the BMW M3 MT Final Edition surfaced last month, commemorating 35 years since BMW’s inaugural German touring car (DTM) championship victory. Each of the 150 limited-edition models will boast a six-speed manual transmission, adorned with gold wheels and red accents on the seats, paying homage to Roberto Ravaglia’s iconic BMW E30 M3 DTM car. With only 50 units produced in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, and M Brooklyn Gray, the Final Edition represents the last opportunity for Japanese enthusiasts to acquire a manual-equipped BMW M3.
Anticipating high demand, BMW Japan has implemented a lottery system to allocate the limited build slots, with the selection process scheduled for May 2024. While Japan bids farewell to the manual M3, BMW Australia reassures enthusiasts that the option will persist for the M2, M3, and M4 models in the Australian market.
Brendan Michel, BMW Australia’s product and market planning chief, affirmed the brand’s commitment to manual gearboxes, stating, “Yep, we sure are,” emphasizing their availability “for the foreseeable future.” Despite global trends phasing out manual transmissions, BMW Australia remains steadfast in offering a choice to local performance-car buyers.
Insiders suggest that the current M2, M3, and M4 models, slated for cessation in the coming years, will likely be the last to offer manual transmissions. Frank Weber, a member of BMW’s Board of Management, acknowledged the dwindling demand for manual variants, urging enthusiasts to seize the opportunity while it lasts.
However, contrasting viewpoints emerge within BMW’s global strategy. While BMW UK expresses a commitment to offering manual gearboxes, evidenced by their decision to continue the option for certain models, the latest M3 and M4 iterations exclude this choice.
Despite declining demand, manual transmission enthusiasts find solace in BMW’s recent introduction of a manual variant for the flagship BMW Z4 M40i, albeit unavailable in Australia. The introduction harks back to earlier days when manual gearboxes were more prevalent, offering enthusiasts a nostalgic nod to the past.
In Australia, while manual transmissions remain popular for the M2, uptake for the M3 and M4 variants has been limited, with only a small fraction of total sales opting for manual. Notably, manual transmissions are confined to entry-level models, with flagship M3 and M4 Competition versions utilizing automatic transmissions.
Despite challenges and shifting market dynamics, BMW’s decision to maintain manual transmission options reflects a commitment to catering to diverse preferences within its enthusiast community. As the automotive landscape evolves, enthusiasts cherish the opportunity to embrace tradition while welcoming the innovations of the future.
