BMW M2 Buyers Have Preferred Manual Transmissions

Half of all U.S.-market G87 BMW M2 Coupes are purchased with a manual transmission despite ongoing industry challenges.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Performance Vehicles

BMW M2 Buyers Have Preferred Manual Transmissions

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Would you choose a manual transmission over an automatic when buying a new performance vehicle?

Approximately 50 percent of G87 BMW M2 buyers in the United States are opting for manual transmissions. This trend persists even as BMW officials express uncertainty about the long-term feasibility of including manual gearboxes in future vehicles powered by the S58 engine.

Why it matters

The business case for manual transmissions is declining as engineering challenges mount regarding integration with 48-volt electrical systems. Additionally, the number of suppliers capable of producing manual units for high-torque S58 engines continues to shrink.

The ZF S6-53 manual transmission currently struggles to handle the full torque output of the S58 twin-turbo I6 engine. Meanwhile, automakers like Hyundai and Kia are exploring clutch-by-wire designs to maintain manual capability alongside 48-volt systems.

The players

BMW

This German multinational manufacturer produces luxury vehicles and performance cars known for their focus on driving dynamics.

Hyundai

This South Korean automotive company is currently experimenting with clutch-by-wire technology to integrate manuals with electrical systems.

Kia

This automaker is part of the same corporate group as Hyundai and is also developing manual transmission solutions for electrified vehicles.

The details

BMW has addressed some demand with the 2027 M3 CS Handschalter, an exclusive North American model retailing for nearly $110,000 that sold out in roughly one week. The company limits production of such models to specific quantities to justify the high development costs associated with manual-only configurations.

The 2027 model year marks the production and sale of the M3 CS Handschalter.

Roadmap

As the automotive industry pivots toward electrification and complex 48-volt systems, traditional manual gearboxes face an uncertain future. This trend forces performance-focused manufacturers like BMW to balance engineering costs against a shrinking pool of specialized transmission suppliers.

Buyers looking for high-performance vehicles with manual transmissions should anticipate limited availability and premium pricing for niche, limited-run models. Because production volumes are dropping, enthusiasts may find it increasingly difficult to secure manual options as standard features in future model years.

The takeaway

Enthusiast demand for manual transmissions remains strong in the U.S. market, keeping these gearboxes in production for now. However, rising technical requirements for new engines suggest that manual options will become increasingly rare and expensive to produce.