Hello everyone,

Long time ago I introduced myself. I live in Paris, France, and I owned a BMW 550i from January 2007 until December 2008. I had it with the Steptronic.

I would like to buy an other 550i, the face-lifted version (from April 2007 I guess).

I was wondering which transmission you would chose. Considering that I've already had the automatic gearbox.

Few questions :

- did they improve the automatic transmission ? I mean, except the gear lever esthetic, is it faster at changing gears ?
- based on a normal driver's ability, which one would be quicker at shifting ? automatic or manual ?
- the gear rations are obviously different between the manual and the automatic. Which transmission allows the best performance ?
- the sound of the engine was louder when I was putting the gear lever of the Steptronic into manual. With a manual transmission, the sound would be as loud as that ?

Thank you for your answers.

Greetings from Paris,
Armen

 

No answer ?

 

Manuals are more rare and will hold thier re-sale value better. I chose a manual because I love having a V8 rwd sedan with a manual trans. Not many manufacturers can say that. Ive driven several automatic e60's and I just do not get the thrill that I do with a manual. If you chose a manual, a CDV mod is a MUST (you'll thank me later). Without it, an auto tranny vehicle is quicker. I cannot comment on the automatice tranny improvements though, they have all felt roughly the same to me in the 545i/550i. You will also get better gas mileage with a manual. Just my .2 cents.

 

Thank you very much for your answer.

Yes, we do certainly get more thrill with a manual.

I wanted to know if they improved the automatic gearbox between a 550i and a 550i Facelifted.

 

No problem! Ive driven an 06 550i auto and an 08 550i auto. I couldnt tell the difference in the auto trannys at all. Although I did not drive them for extended periods of time. If there was any improvement, I didnt notice it. But Ill let someone who has more seat time with both to chime in for a more accurate answer.

 

Thanks cmoore.

 

Your Questions are in blue and follow my personal responses:

• 8 forward gears is the big difference... but the lifespan of BMW Automatics is like the life of a fly: ?did they improve the automatic transmission ? I mean, except the gear lever esthetic's, is it faster at changing gears ?
• Automotive experts testing this report that automatics can beat the reflexes of even the most skillful driver; what they seem to be troubled with is the automatics seem to "think" differently and may not select the right gear all the time: ? based on a normal driver's ability, which one would be quicker at shifting ? automatic or manual ?
• Automatic: ? the gear ratios are obviously different between the manual and the automatic: ?Which transmission allows the best performance ?
• This is pure subjectivity - the exhaust system is the same for both; Maybe hearing improves for those who shift for themselves: ? the sound of the engine was louder when I was putting the gear lever of the Steptronic into manual. With a manual transmission, the sound would be as loud as that ?

Based on my experience in the United States, for a high-end sedan, the manual transmission is not the norm and may not be the best for resale value. But for a "DRIVER" it certainly ups the involvement value!

I say GO FOR IT and ENJOY

 

Wahou, after such an answer, how do you want me not to take the manual gearbox ?

It's confirming more and more what I was thinking... and especially because I've had the Steptronic on my former 550i...

 

An 08 550i had an 8 speed auto? I dont think this is accurate, but ill have to double check. I think I wouldve noticed this when I drove it. I dunno. Also, a normal step auto isnt any faster at changing gears vs a manual with a CDV mod. Just my experience. Now a DCT or SMG auto is a different story, that has been proven. Also, anytime I look at v8 5 series with a manual, they always command a higher premium. Again, just my experianece. But at any rate, we agree that the manual is more fun hands down!

 

On the other hand, I am not sure Paris is a place suitable for manual transmission.