New safety system for manual transmissions from BMW
Despite the debates about the design of modern BMW cars, the company deserves praise for continuing to offer manual transmissions, while competitors like Audi and Mercedes-Benz have abandoned them. Moreover, BMW seems to be working on improving their functionality and safety.
The German automaker has patented a system that can eliminate the risk of so-called “money shifting.” This is a situation where the driver mistakenly shifts to a lower gear at high engine RPMs instead of shifting to a higher one.
The term “money shift” refers to accidentally engaging a lower gear instead of a higher one, for example, second instead of fourth during intense acceleration. The result is usually instantaneous and very expensive, as a sudden over-revving can destroy the engine or damage the transmission.
How the patented technology works
The patent, filed with the German Patent Office, describes a manual transmission with a locking mechanism that acts in all shifting directions. It will work similarly to systems that prevent accidental engagement of reverse gear.
Furthermore, the system can use a sensor to determine the current gear and the crankshaft rotational speed. The car will be able to analyze whether downshifting is possible depending on the speed, preventing dangerous driver actions.
Essentially, the BMW system will monitor engine RPM and gear selection, and then physically block the shift lever to prevent engagement of a gear that could damage the powertrain. This is an enhanced version of a reverse gear lockout that works for all gears based on current driving conditions.
The future of manual transmissions in the BMW lineup
Currently, the BMW M2, M3, and M4 will be the only models with a manual transmission after the Z4 production ends. The manual is expected to remain available for the M2 for a few more years, and hopefully for the current M3 and M4.
It is known that BMW is developing a new generation of the M3 and M4. There is hope that they will also be available with a manual transmission, possibly with the system described in this patent.
Even despite the gradual introduction of electric vehicles and the decreasing relevance of traditional transmissions, BMW’s efforts indicate that there is still time to refine and protect the manual transmission driving experience.
This technical development demonstrates an interesting direction in the industry, where electronic systems intervene to complement, not replace, traditional manual skills. Similar innovations could prolong the life of manual transmissions in high-performance cars, offering drivers a sense of control along with an added layer of protection against costly mistakes. It is a kind of bridge between the analog driving feel of the past and the digital precision of the future.