550 Owners with Sport Auto with Shift Paddles How do you guys like it?
04-21-2008, 02:53 PM
#11
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I like the SAT <alot> for the reasons stated 
So far, though, I'm non-plussed about the paddle shifters, maybe they'll grow on me. They're not in a natural position for my hands at least. I've used them, but only by making myself do it, simpler to just nudge the shifter. Again, haven't had the car very long, and not a lot of chances to push it yet anyway, so maybe I'll change my mind. The Active Steering is great, that I can see for sure at this point -- and as Rudy et al know, I was a skeptic hold-out on that option until the end.
Cal
So far, though, I'm non-plussed about the paddle shifters, maybe they'll grow on me. They're not in a natural position for my hands at least. I've used them, but only by making myself do it, simpler to just nudge the shifter. Again, haven't had the car very long, and not a lot of chances to push it yet anyway, so maybe I'll change my mind. The Active Steering is great, that I can see for sure at this point -- and as Rudy et al know, I was a skeptic hold-out on that option until the end.Cal
04-21-2008, 04:00 PM
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I really like the SAT. It is a very fine smooth automatic. In sport mode the shifts are immediate but still smooth. I often use the paddles for downshifts whether in D, DS, or full manual. For standing starts, I use the shift lever. It is just like having a manual tranny and shifting 1-2 over and over again, without needing a clutch.
My only complaint is that in sport mode, it shifts 2-1 just as you are slowing to a stop. It can cause a jerk if you are in traffic and follow someone coasting to a stop.
My only complaint is that in sport mode, it shifts 2-1 just as you are slowing to a stop. It can cause a jerk if you are in traffic and follow someone coasting to a stop.
04-21-2008, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Ziering545I' post='565339' date='Apr 21 2008, 04:04 PM
My local dealers dont have 550Sports in stock nobody is buying these cars witht he fuel and economy these days.
I truly love the M5 its just amazing but the fuel cost and very high lease I am having second thoughts. I have a Mercedes E63 now and Porsche 911 Cabrio, I hate the AMG and I am working on getting out of the lease the car just stinks in all areas.
I know my friends brother has a BMW 335 Coupe and it has the Sport Auto and its a nice drive, I have driven it several times and I was impressed. I wonder how the 550 Sport Auto compares.
I truly love the M5 its just amazing but the fuel cost and very high lease I am having second thoughts. I have a Mercedes E63 now and Porsche 911 Cabrio, I hate the AMG and I am working on getting out of the lease the car just stinks in all areas.
I know my friends brother has a BMW 335 Coupe and it has the Sport Auto and its a nice drive, I have driven it several times and I was impressed. I wonder how the 550 Sport Auto compares.
04-21-2008, 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Ziering545I' post='565369' date='Apr 21 2008, 05:10 PM
poleposition please contact me lets meet up
...............it's not that kind of Forum , easy boy !!!
04-21-2008, 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard in NC' post='565458' date='Apr 21 2008, 05:00 PM
I really like the SAT. It is a very fine smooth automatic. In sport mode the shifts are immediate but still smooth. I often use the paddles for downshifts whether in D, DS, or full manual. For standing starts, I use the shift lever. It is just like having a manual tranny and shifting 1-2 over and over again, without needing a clutch.
My only complaint is that in sport mode, it shifts 2-1 just as you are slowing to a stop. It can cause a jerk if you are in traffic and follow someone coasting to a stop.
My only complaint is that in sport mode, it shifts 2-1 just as you are slowing to a stop. It can cause a jerk if you are in traffic and follow someone coasting to a stop.
Cal
04-21-2008, 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by subterFUSE' post='565332' date='Apr 21 2008, 03:50 PM
It is just a steptronic with paddle shifters. It is not an SMG like the M3 or M5.
If you're torn between the step and the SAT and you're under 90 years old, go with the SAT...
04-21-2008, 06:16 PM
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My Ride: 2006 550i, Alpine White, Beige Ltr, Sport Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Steptronic, Nav, Satellite Radio, Split Fold Rear Seats, V1
I love my SAT. When the road gets fun it is a blast. I also agree with Richard that I can get good gas milage but I must keep my foot off the throttle and strictly use cruise control on the highway. The problem is the power is irresistable! 
04-21-2008, 06:57 PM
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Thank for the feedback I am amazed at the MPG you guys are getting it makes the M5 seem like a funny car drinking fuel
I have an E63 AMG now and it has What AMG calls speedshift, my opinion it stinks. In M mode the upshifts are nice but the paddles are boring, on the M5 its agressive and jerky and loud I kinda like that because it adds to the cars character On my AMG its a bore. I think I hate it so much now because the AMG handles like a boat it is embarassing and the worst handling car I ever owned.
However if the SAT can compare to my AMG I will be happy for an auto box i guess. I still prefer shifting with the lever something I actually liked with my older Jaguar R's with the gate tiptronic type gearboxes never appealed to me now ytou can get a cheezy Mazda SUV or Nissan with paddles so its nothing special anymore
I have an E63 AMG now and it has What AMG calls speedshift, my opinion it stinks. In M mode the upshifts are nice but the paddles are boring, on the M5 its agressive and jerky and loud I kinda like that because it adds to the cars character On my AMG its a bore. I think I hate it so much now because the AMG handles like a boat it is embarassing and the worst handling car I ever owned.
However if the SAT can compare to my AMG I will be happy for an auto box i guess. I still prefer shifting with the lever something I actually liked with my older Jaguar R's with the gate tiptronic type gearboxes never appealed to me now ytou can get a cheezy Mazda SUV or Nissan with paddles so its nothing special anymore
04-21-2008, 09:12 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550i Sport Carbon Black with Black Nasca Leather Sport Auto Transmission Active Steering Comfort Access Bamboo Anthracite wood trim Power Rear Sunshades Ventilated Seats Ipod adapter Nav Sat Premium Sound
Originally Posted by Ziering545I' post='565579' date='Apr 21 2008, 07:57 PM
Thank for the feedback I am amazed at the MPG you guys are getting it makes the M5 seem like a funny car drinking fuel
I have an E63 AMG now and it has What AMG calls speedshift, my opinion it stinks. In M mode the upshifts are nice but the paddles are boring, on the M5 its agressive and jerky and loud I kinda like that because it adds to the cars character On my AMG its a bore. I think I hate it so much now because the AMG handles like a boat it is embarassing and the worst handling car I ever owned.
However if the SAT can compare to my AMG I will be happy for an auto box i guess. I still prefer shifting with the lever something I actually liked with my older Jaguar R's with the gate tiptronic type gearboxes never appealed to me now ytou can get a cheezy Mazda SUV or Nissan with paddles so its nothing special anymore
I have an E63 AMG now and it has What AMG calls speedshift, my opinion it stinks. In M mode the upshifts are nice but the paddles are boring, on the M5 its agressive and jerky and loud I kinda like that because it adds to the cars character On my AMG its a bore. I think I hate it so much now because the AMG handles like a boat it is embarassing and the worst handling car I ever owned.
However if the SAT can compare to my AMG I will be happy for an auto box i guess. I still prefer shifting with the lever something I actually liked with my older Jaguar R's with the gate tiptronic type gearboxes never appealed to me now ytou can get a cheezy Mazda SUV or Nissan with paddles so its nothing special anymore
04-22-2008, 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by sam530' post='565644' date='Apr 21 2008, 10:12 PM
It took me some time to get used to the paddle shifters...At first I wasn't crazy about them, but now I love them! I rarely use the SAT shifter anymore. I felt the same as you, preferring the lever shifts. Trust me, you will quickly learn to love the paddles and the lightning quick shifts.
Cal