2009/10 320D - Manual Or Step Auto???

[shinsplint]

Hi chaps,

I'm new here, just signed up primarily to seek advice on which 320d to go for...

I've seen two examples over the weeked, both similar M Sports.

I preferred the Step Auto box one having driven them both, but the manual model is a grand less. Question is, how reliable are the manual boxes on these? It has has the clutch and flywheel replaced about 5k ago, but I read somewhere the manuals can be troublesome.

Please help me with my decision !

Thanks :)

[shinsplint]

Forgot to say, the manual gear changes were quite stiff copmared to other cars, but it generally seemed ok, it was particularly stiff getting into reverse though.

Is this normal? Or could I expect troubles?

Also, would there be much difference efficiency wise between the manual and step auto??

[btmaldon]

I love the step auto and although most of the cars I have owned have been manual, I would now be very reluctant to go back to a manual. If I want a bit more driver involvement I push it over to semi auto and change gear manually.