should i get the manual or automatic m3?

Question

Accepted Answer

The choice between manual and automatic on the **2023 BMW M3 (G80)** isn't just about preference—**it's about which car you want**, because BMW made the decision for you in a pretty clever way:

## Here's the Real Choice

| | **Base M3** | **M3 Competition** |
|---|---|---|
| **Transmission** | 6-speed manual ONLY | ZF 8-speed auto ONLY |
| **Power** | 473 hp | 503 hp |
| **0-60 mph** | ~4.1 seconds | ~3.5–3.8 seconds |
| **Current Market** | $69k–$94k (avg $77k) | $78k–$108k (avg $88k) |

So you're not really choosing "manual vs automatic." You're choosing between **two different M3s** with ~$10k–$20k separating them.

## The Yellow Manual at $69,880

Good news: That São Paulo Yellow M3 you're looking at is **priced at the low end** of the manual market. Most base M3s have lower miles (~21k average) and higher asking prices. With 35k miles, this one's been driven properly—and it's $7k+ under the average.

## My Recommendation

**Go manual if:** You want the most engaging, analog experience in a modern sports sedan. The 6-speed in the M3 is one of BMW's best—notchy, mechanical, and deeply satisfying. It's also the "enthusiast spec" that'll hold value long-term, especially as manuals become scarcer.

**Go automatic (Competition) if:** You want the fastest M3, plan to track it, or daily-drive in heavy traffic. The ZF 8-speed shifts quicker than any human, the extra 30 hp is noticeable, and the AWD xDrive option (where applicable) makes it year-round capable. But you'll pay $10k+ more.

## The Bottom Line

For this specific car at $69,880? **It's a solid buy for a manual M3**—especially with that wild yellow/blue color combo that'll make you smile every time you walk up to it. [Check out the listing here](https://classic.com/veh/2023-bmw-m3-wbs53ay09pfn66052-pgJJ81W/) or browse all [2023 M3 base models](https://classic.com/m/bmw/3-series/g20/m3/base-model/).

What matters more to you—engagement or raw speed? And will this be a daily driver or a weekend toy? That'll seal the decision.

Lot 12683: 2023 BMW M3

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Lot 12683: 2023 BMW M3

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