So, I have ordered my new 535d M-Sport Saloon in the UK. It comes as standard with the normal automatic transmission. On my current car (530d Auto Saloon SE), I never use the "manual shifting" mode. Infact I don't even know if it works I do knock the lever to the left in to sports mode occasionally.

Anyway - the new car is specced with the standard auto box. To change to the sports transmission is basically free (?70/$140), which adds the sports button and the steering wheel shifters. My concern is that I want a nice smooth transmission, not something that is "jumpy". I prefer a car to be smooth and powerful rather than jerky and a little bit faster.

So - based on the above information (this is really important, don't just vote for what YOU would buy!) do you think I should stick with standard auto, or switch to the sports box? If I get the sports transmission, will I be annoyed at the jerkiness that it introduces to what would have otherwise been nice smooth shifts? I guess what I mean is ... without the sport button pushed, does it act exactly the same as the standard transmission, so I could get the option and it would be there "if I needed it"?

I will need to phone the dealer tomorrow and let them know if I want to change, so prompt voting would be appreciated - plus any comments in here about which I should choose and why.

Thanks

 

Russ,

I am no expert but isn't the Sports transmission only different when in "Sport" mode, if this isn't selected will the gear changes not be as smooth as ever?

I could be completely wrong, but if that is the case then it is only ?70, but if you wouldn't use it there is no point getting it. Everyone on here seems to sing its praises though.

 

I'm quite sure this is the case.

I know that it does make gearshifts quicker, but I haven't heard of it making any of the shifts more jerky. There's always a way to drive an auto to ensure changes are smooth. I have heard the M5 is quite difficult to get the hang of, but even it is possible to drive smoothly in town.

 

In normal mode the box is very smooth.

In sports mode the box is very smooth, but changes gears a whole lot faster!

 

Is there anyway that you could do a testdrive and find out by yourself?

 

Yes, but that would involve effort, and I'm much happier sitting at home half naked with a bottle of wine letting you lot decide for me.

 

Ok - I have added the option to my order The fact that I've been thinking "should I add it, should I not add" leads me to believe that if I don't add it, I'll regret it. Now, about that active cruise control and sunroof...and ventilated seats... oooh and the 19" alloys....

 

Excellent choice. Also the new gearstick with the Park button on the top is really cool. You can move from drive to reverse really easy

 

active cruise is ok if you do most of your driving when the roads are relatively quiet but its just as useless as normal cruise when the roads get busy.

I couldnt live without my sunroof, if only for the reason that it lets so much more light in, especially if you have the anthrecite headliner.

Ventilated seats and the 19"s are cool

 

and isnt it really handy that it goes in to park mode automatically when you press 'stop'.