Can anyone confirm whether or not there's any performance difference between a 08 normal Automatic Trans and the 08 model which has the Sport Automatic Transmission?

Apparently I've purchased my 550i without the SAT option because my dealer wasn't very clear in distinguishing between the normal auto and SAT. So I decided not to bother getting the SAT option which was $500 extra (I thought it was only for adding the paddle shifters) :thumbsdown:

Now its been bugging me for awhile because now I want to get the SAT option installed but my dealer told me that it's only factory installed so I can't simply purchase the SAT option and replace the steering wheel (for the paddle shifter) and the shifter on the middle. Anyone have any idea how to get around this?

 

Unfortunately your salesman's stupidity has screwed you out of a great option. As good as your 550i is, the SAT would have been GREAT!!!.....you can't belive how the car comes alive. I'm sorry man, but I don't a retrofit is in the offing....Damn! that salesman is a nit-wit, he needs to give back his commision on the sale.

 

Here's a photo of normal auto and the sports auto incase some of you are wondering what's so different on their looks....

I prefer the SAT's looks now that I know what it's like. Damn bmw's website for not showing the SAT option photos...

 

The SAT option if way more than looks. It's all about the additional programming and modes associated with the faster shift times, etc.

As of now, I don't think there's any retrofit available but I wouldn't rule it out. I think the transmission itself is the same so if it's a matter of a control module, some software updates, the paddles and the shift lever, I don't see why it would be cost prohibitive, etc.

 

If you don't use the manual mode it doesn't matter at all for you. It's the same 'hardware' except from the paddles and the slightly different looking gear shifter. And the 'sport' button activates a sportier software for the tranny.

 

So is the 'Sport' button the same thing as setting the transmission in 'DS' mode? (lever on Drive to the left)

 

While true, before you go in screaming bloody murder, see if they can make a trade. If the SA is so important, if you are willing to be a bit flexible on color, perhaps they can trade the car they ordered for you for another on the lot or from another dealer. Worth a shot if you really want the SA, but again you may have to settle for a different color or take an option you didn't want to get it. Your set-up as ordered is fairly basic and does not include a lot of options that a dealer wouldn't order for a basic inventory car...

 

No, it's more advanced. It makes throttle blips on downshift and I also think it makes the steering harder. You still have the DS mode on both SAT and the regular AT.

 

You may be right Rudy, the price of the option ($500) implies that it's the periferals & not the tranny.

 

No, the Sport button makes the DS mode shift even faster.