Originally Posted by TrevorP-UK
Tried both at the dealer but felt the manual was more fun for twisty British roads. It allows you to hear the revs and control engine decleration better.
So far I have found it difficult to get into reverse in the cold weather we having. This is similar to my Z3 2.8 and the trick seems to be 1] foot down on clutch 2] dip into first 3] then go to reverse. Works a treat everytime which suggests to me it may have something to do with ring gear alignment as this is the same way on race car straight cut boxes to get into reverse.
I agree and also I haven't had any issues with the 1st gear either, but I do have an old habit: I always go into 2nd before I go into 1st from a stop. It works!