I swear management must read Bimmerpost because we were just discussing this recently here, after yngdlyn (spelling) said the manual option may be in jeopardy. It seems that they needed to clarify that right away. Good.
The manual does in fact have advantages, it retains loyal enthusiast customers like myself. 10 BMWs so far. And it looks like I will be placing an order for my 11th soon.
Screw being faster. I’d buy a Tesla if all I wanted was 0-60 and lap times.
The manual is an experience. It’s visceral. It’s a characteristic of BMW M cars since inception.
Do not squander your heritage.