550 SMG or Manual ??
04-25-2006, 06:00 PM
#21
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Originally Posted by joseyu' post='274151' date='Apr 25 2006, 09:31 PM
Another point to note about the SMG transmission is that it seems to be the least reliable of the 3. I always see posts about people having problems with their transmission and how they lock up, and almost all the time they have the SMG box.
04-25-2006, 06:02 PM
#22
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Originally Posted by hollywoodtrash' post='274122' date='Apr 25 2006, 07:23 PM
I'm planning to order an 07' 550 this week but I'm having trouble deciding between an SMG or 6-Speed. The guy who is selling me the car said that the SMG on the 5-series was completely different than the one from the new M5, and that it shifts horribly. I don't mind rough rides to a certain extent, but if it's that bad I would rather just have a 6-speed.
Does anybody with a current e60 SMG have any complaints with theirs? How does it shift?
Does anybody with a current e60 SMG have any complaints with theirs? How does it shift?
The only reason to get a manual: if you truly love the manual shifting. If you can get over and past the full movement of the H pattern, then you are good to get SMG.
Note* I am willing to let anyone I know drive my car. I think everyone should have the chance to drive such a nice, well made, fast and torque-ie car..and paired with SMG!
04-25-2006, 06:56 PM
#23
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My Ride: 2010 750Li M sport
I labored over the same SMG/manual decision. I went with the manual and love it. It is a blast to drive, I love shifting the gears...love performing matched rev downshifts...nothing feels better than getting it perfect.
It freaks people out when they get in my car..."You have a manual transmission?" Most people can't believe it. If you have a car full of people, it is easy to shift smoothly, albiet at a slower/normal pace. But, to take people to lunch or something it is really easy to drive without them even know you are shifting. It is so smooth.
Obviously though, when you want to roll, turn off DSC and hammer it to redline and hold on because it will through you back in the seat. Don't let anyone drink coffee during this process.
And yes, it comes with start off assist, which is pretty cool when starting on an incline. However, if you are starting off pointing downhill it does not hold you in place for the 2.5 seconds. No need for it really unless you are backing up. I have not tried backing uphill to see if the system is smart enough to not let you roll forward...may have to give that a try to see what happens.
Good luck with your choice. For me the transmission was the most difficult option choice on my car as I went back and forth with what to get and I don't regret my decision. It is probably a case where you can't really go wrong.
It freaks people out when they get in my car..."You have a manual transmission?" Most people can't believe it. If you have a car full of people, it is easy to shift smoothly, albiet at a slower/normal pace. But, to take people to lunch or something it is really easy to drive without them even know you are shifting. It is so smooth.
Obviously though, when you want to roll, turn off DSC and hammer it to redline and hold on because it will through you back in the seat. Don't let anyone drink coffee during this process.
And yes, it comes with start off assist, which is pretty cool when starting on an incline. However, if you are starting off pointing downhill it does not hold you in place for the 2.5 seconds. No need for it really unless you are backing up. I have not tried backing uphill to see if the system is smart enough to not let you roll forward...may have to give that a try to see what happens.
Good luck with your choice. For me the transmission was the most difficult option choice on my car as I went back and forth with what to get and I don't regret my decision. It is probably a case where you can't really go wrong.
04-25-2006, 06:58 PM
#24
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My Ride: 2007 550i, Black Sapphire, SMG, M-Aerokit, Sports Package, Comfort Access, Logic 7,
Thanks a bunch guys. I am honestly leaning a little more towards an SMG now. But damn.. I love the shifting of a pure manual. It's just fun...
The only concern I have left now with getting a 6-speed is that it will be my first manual (however I have driven many before) and I live in SoCal where the traffic is brutal. I wonder if I would ever get sick of it.....
The only concern I have left now with getting a 6-speed is that it will be my first manual (however I have driven many before) and I live in SoCal where the traffic is brutal. I wonder if I would ever get sick of it.....
04-25-2006, 08:17 PM
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My Ride: 2006 550 SMG
If you live were there is traffic, you must get SMG over manual. For years I was die-hard stick man, now I will never own another manual as long as SMG is offered. Its shifts a smooth or as rough as a manual depending on how you drive it. In traffic you throw it into auto mode and let it take over. In the 550 its a no cost option which is one more reason to have the transmission of the future, just look at all the people converting there steptronics to paddle shifters. I also havent had any problems with my SMG. Get it, you wont regret it 
04-25-2006, 09:05 PM
#26
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The reason I added M5 SMG paddles is that I love shifting with paddle through the winding road. If I change my car, it'd be either a 7 with auto or a 5 with SMG for sure, but it'll be a lease instead of buying.
I'm still afraid of big repair bill for SMG failure after warranty expires.
I'm still afraid of big repair bill for SMG failure after warranty expires.
04-26-2006, 03:58 AM
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My Ride: 2005 545i (SMG)
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my mom has a 645i manual
That's hot.
04-26-2006, 04:10 AM
#28
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My Ride: 2006 550i, olivine green, beige interior, SMG, cold weather package, Sport package, Comfort access, Comfort seating, adaptive steering, Navigation
I actually drove a M5 c SMG. I bought a 550i SMG based on the M5. It is quite different. The biggest difference is the number of mode settings. I have up until this time always had a 5 or 6 speed. I was dubious at best on the SMG. This being said, I have to tell you, the SMG is the way to go. If you drive in the city and think the step is better might I suggest keeping the SMG in the autoshift mode. There is nothing like firing through a shift under full throttle in .1 seconds. I can speed shift without a clutch no problem. I can probably shift faster, but why? I'm telling you, while your hands and feet are workking the curves...it sure is nice to keep your hands on the wheel and shift with your fingers.
04-26-2006, 04:18 AM
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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following:
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The best is as Znod, said our Speedy DON, a Steptronic and if you like SMG paddles a kit to retrofit than you save some money too.
