550i 6-Speed Manual
10-19-2007, 11:16 AM
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Having had 6 BMW's over the years, all have been manual trans except for one. I recently decided to get a 2008 550i Sport and went to test drive the Steptronic, Sport Auto and 6 Speed Manual. I really wanted to get the Sport Auto since the Paddle thing is all the craze nowadays. Having a family and getting older, even though my wife drives stick, I thought it was more practical. After driving all three, I just could not get away from the feel of the 6 Speed Manual. It seemed like I couldn't "connect" with the car enough on the Sport Auto. Did any of you out there who were manual drivers have comments on staying with/going to the Step/Sport Auto trans?
2008 550i 6 Speed Manual (en route)
6-Speed Manual
Sport Package
Cold Weather Package
Rear Heated Seats
Fold Down Rear Seats
Rear Sunshades
Comfort Access
Anthracite Bamboo Trim
Anthracite Headliner
Navigation
Prm Sound
Sirius
iPod
2008 550i 6 Speed Manual (en route)
6-Speed Manual
Sport Package
Cold Weather Package
Rear Heated Seats
Fold Down Rear Seats
Rear Sunshades
Comfort Access
Anthracite Bamboo Trim
Anthracite Headliner
Navigation
Prm Sound
Sirius
iPod
10-19-2007, 11:55 AM
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Everyone here is probably sick of hearing me talk about driving manual transmission cars (and btw, the new 550's is especially sweet). But like you, it has nothing to do with the pure speed of shifting. I know that the new automatics can do that faster than I can. It's the literal connection with the car through the stick and third pedal that make manuals so much fun for me. No auto-manual or SMG can do that. It's the difference between driving a car and just steering one.
And can you imagine - a $70K, family-sized luxury car with a stick!!! God, I love BMW for doing that!
And can you imagine - a $70K, family-sized luxury car with a stick!!! God, I love BMW for doing that!
10-19-2007, 11:57 AM
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My Ride: 2007 550i..... ex
I too wanted to grab the 6spd when I was in the market, but went with the step for a couple of reasons: 1. Driving step in SF/Bay Area traffic is more practical for me, 2. Anyone can drive my car if something happens to me at a party =D, 3. I didn't want to pay the gas guzzler tax on the 6spd. Otherwise I would've taken the manual anyday. However the new sports step on the 08 550s are freakin awesome, I absolutely love it. It shifts so much quicker and the paddles are a blast to play with. I'm sure you'll have fun with your 6spd 550i tho!
D
D
10-19-2007, 12:06 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535xi / Platinum Grey / Black leather / Step Auto / Sport / Premium / Cold weather / 18" wheels / Logic 7 / Comfort / ipod / Navigation / Fold Down Rear Seats / Rear Airbags / Sirius SAT / Spoiler / Extended Clear bra / Bluetooth. (Previously owned a 2002 sport 525I Loaded).
On order: 535xi Platnium Grey with Black interior, Step Auto, Sports package, Premium package, Cold weather package, 18" wheels, Logic 7, Comfort access, ipod adapt, Navigation, Sat radio, Rear spoiler, Extended Clear coat bra.
Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new car when it arrives.
10-19-2007, 12:22 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i, Carbon Black, Black Dakota, Black Diamond Trim, 6sp Sport Automatic with Paddles, M-Sport Package, Premium Package
I am one of those manual enthusiasts who has moved over to automatic transmissions. I can totally appreciate the driver involvement that comes with a manual transmission. No matter how 'sport' an automatic transmission is, it can not replicate the feeling of involving your leg and arm into making the car move. However, I have to come to terms with the fact that I might spend 3-4 hours a day in a car in metro traffic, I just can't be shifting and clutching for all that time. Unfortunately, manuals are now just for weekend cars.
10-19-2007, 12:28 PM
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My Ride: 2007 550i..... ex
Originally Posted by FRANK970' post='483624' date='Oct 19 2007, 03:22 PM
However, I have to come to terms with the fact that I might spend 3-4 hours a day in a car in metro traffic, I just can't be shifting and clutching for all that time. Unfortunately, manuals are now just for weekend cars.
10-19-2007, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Torquey5' post='483615' date='Oct 19 2007, 03:57 PM
3. I didn't want to pay the gas guzzler tax on the 6spd.
10-19-2007, 03:11 PM
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My Ride: 2005 545i | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Dakota Leather | Anthracite Maple | 6 Speed Manual | Sport Package | Logic 7 | Sirius Satellite Radio
Model Year: 2005
This is one of the great things about almost all BMWs, you get the choice of a manual or an automatic transmission. Not all car manufacturers give you that choice. With either choice you get a great car!
10-19-2007, 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by hinckley' post='483671' date='Oct 19 2007, 03:46 PM
There's no longer a GGT on the manual. Has there been one on any E60 (there wasn't on my 04 545 or 08 550)?
It's kind of a reverse snob appeal to get a manual transmission on a $70k car.