'08 550i 6MT vs '04 545i SMG
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From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by pa550' post='430804' date='Jun 1 2007, 01:52 PM
Congrats!
Yank the clutch delay valve and you'll be set.
Yank the clutch delay valve and you'll be set.
And while you are doing the CDV, replace the shifter as well (unless BMW finally put a decent OEM shifter in a manual), which I doubt.
Enjoy your new car
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From: New York, NY
My Ride: '05 545i - scheduled for ED pickup in Munich on 7/22!
Originally Posted by SoCalM5Mang' post='430801' date='Jun 1 2007, 01:35 PM
I have the 08 550i Step with Sport Package. It does have M-Sport suspension. Last week, (Not broken in--whatever that means)I was taking her thru Laguna Canyon on the twisties at a "higher" speed than what was posted on the signs---and she handles better than the M-3 I use to drive.
So you're confirming this? Or are you only comparing it to an M3?
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Exhaust: Similar to my 545i, but seems slightly louder and throatier. I will try to capture a video clip of the exhaust (can I post it here? if not, I can email to someone to host if they're willing). I was expecting more of a difference, but it's still good.
Suspension / Ride: 545i had run-flats on 18's...550i has non-runflat on 19's with M suspension. Both had active roll stabilization. The car definitely rides smoother than the 545i over bumps and potholes. I was wondering if the lack of runflats would make up for the extra inch of rubber lost...pulling off the runflats has made this car on 19's a smoother ride! I was surprised with this. Very subjective...but I'd call it about 10% smoother than the 545i. As for cornering ability, etc...haven't had a chance to truly test out yet.
Shifter: Short throw. It's literally the SMG shifter, except it has a gear pattern printed on it instead of the SMG logo. If you have ever seen or felt the SMG shifter, the new 6MT shifter is exactly that. I don't have enough experience with other shifters to deem it "good" or not, though it feels comfortable and solid.
Suspension / Ride: 545i had run-flats on 18's...550i has non-runflat on 19's with M suspension. Both had active roll stabilization. The car definitely rides smoother than the 545i over bumps and potholes. I was wondering if the lack of runflats would make up for the extra inch of rubber lost...pulling off the runflats has made this car on 19's a smoother ride! I was surprised with this. Very subjective...but I'd call it about 10% smoother than the 545i. As for cornering ability, etc...haven't had a chance to truly test out yet.
Shifter: Short throw. It's literally the SMG shifter, except it has a gear pattern printed on it instead of the SMG logo. If you have ever seen or felt the SMG shifter, the new 6MT shifter is exactly that. I don't have enough experience with other shifters to deem it "good" or not, though it feels comfortable and solid.
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Congrats tottifan. Welcome to the MT club.
I had a chance to drive mine for about 1500 miles at autobahn speeds and through unbelievable twisties in the Swiss alps. I think that compared to the 04 545 Sport, the new model's suspension is far superior. Both smoother and tighter.
But the biggest difference is the new short-throw shifter. The 04's longish shifter was a real disappointment, especially coming from a E39 540 Sport. The new shifter is as good or better than that one.
I had a chance to drive mine for about 1500 miles at autobahn speeds and through unbelievable twisties in the Swiss alps. I think that compared to the 04 545 Sport, the new model's suspension is far superior. Both smoother and tighter.
But the biggest difference is the new short-throw shifter. The 04's longish shifter was a real disappointment, especially coming from a E39 540 Sport. The new shifter is as good or better than that one.
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Congrats! Good choice. I dont like the spongy feel of of automatics either so if there was no SMG I too would get a manual.
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From: Los Angeles. CA
My Ride: 2004 545i 6 spd Sports Package | NAV | PDC | Logic 7 | BT retrofit | SW V13.3
Originally Posted by AlB' post='430827' date='Jun 1 2007, 11:45 AM
And while you are doing the CDV, replace the shifter as well (unless BMW finally put a decent OEM shifter in a manual), which I doubt.
Enjoy your new car
Enjoy your new car
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