Actually, I think this is a very good time to debate the issues of the use of automated manual boxes, and the whole gear changing thing.
Like Donald, I had an M3, some years ago with one of these boxes, and I just couldn't make up my mind whether I liked it or not. It was certainly very clever, automatically reving the motor on the down changes, and very quick to change up or down the box, but it always left me stangely distant fromt he driving experience. After two years, I'd decided that for a keen driver, they were not needed, and if someone who is not a keen driver has one, then a standard auto would do nicely.
I have spent 50 years perfecting gearchanging and the use of the correct gear in all driving situations, and frankly, it is not a skill I wish to give up. I have an auto X5 for cruising, which I love, but all my 'driving' cars have good old manual boxes and a clutch. This is unlikely to change, even if a semi auto manual is ever available for the M3W, [which I don't think it ever will be.]
