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<E36> Transmission: Manual vs. Automatic

     I am curious as to any statistical/personal knowledge relating to the 
     reliability of a manual transmission vs. the automatic.
     
     I will be ordering a '97  328is  within the next 6 months, and I am 
     torn between getting the 5spd. or the Auto.
     
     My driving is mostly highway with occasional traffic slow downs and stops 
     (about 4 toll booth stops.)
     
     I believe that all '96 and newer 328's will use the ZF 5 spd. that was 
     previously used in the M3, but I do not know if the auto. tranny is the 
     same used in the older 325's.
     
     Does anyone have any comments, opinions regarding the reliability of the 
     auto and manual tranny?  Is the 5 spd in the 328 significantly better than 
     the older 5 spd.
     
     Thanks..