550i - Manual or Automatic ?
Members
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 79
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From: Medford, NJ
My Ride: 2006 550i - Sport package, Cold Weather package, Nav, Xenon lights, 6 speed manual
Mods coming soon...Still need to figure it out.
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.
Members
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 196
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From: Atlanta, GA
My Ride: 545i/6
CDV (clutch delay valve) comes on all manual non-M cars. Causes a hesitation between shifts no matter how fast or hard you bang the gears. Extrememly frustrating for experienced manual drivers. Ive been told this was put in place to save drivetrain shock, in other words from some 16 year old jumping in your car and dumping the clutch at 6k rpms. All this does though is slip your clutch and casues pre-mature wear on your clutch wearing it out faster IMO. The mod refers to replacing the valve with a hollow valve allowing direct linkage from your clutch to tranny. Its a $40 dollar part that is worth every penny. With it installed you can drive your manual BMW like it was meant to be driven, like a true manual sprts car! Bang gears and lay down rubber like a muscle car if you want too 
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Paris, France
My Ride: BMW 550i Carbonschwarz metallic Full Options... except night vision !
When I bought my former 550i in January 2007, I knew that I would have to sell it a year after.
But for this one, I'm going to keep it so I don't want to think about which one would be the easiest for selling.
About gear ratios, which one between the manual and the Steptronic allows the best performance for example on a 0-120 MPH ?
I couldn't find the times for the 0-60, to compare the manual vs the automatic, on the facelifted 550i, does anyone have them ?
But for this one, I'm going to keep it so I don't want to think about which one would be the easiest for selling.
About gear ratios, which one between the manual and the Steptronic allows the best performance for example on a 0-120 MPH ?
I couldn't find the times for the 0-60, to compare the manual vs the automatic, on the facelifted 550i, does anyone have them ?
Senior Members
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 340
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, California
My Ride: 2007 BMW 550i Sport Pkg, 6MT
Do you really care about this subtle difference?
I get manual transmission for much more responsive feedback from the car. I can't tolerate torque converter.
I get manual transmission for much more responsive feedback from the car. I can't tolerate torque converter.
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Paris, France
My Ride: BMW 550i Carbonschwarz metallic Full Options... except night vision !
No, I don't really care, just out of curiosity.
The thing I love with the automatic is the Kick Down. So much pleasure you get to "push the envelop" and see the rev counter jumping to 5000 rpm...
But I guess with manual, the pleasure must be tenfold...
Apparently on the forum, everybody suggests me a manual.
The thing I love with the automatic is the Kick Down. So much pleasure you get to "push the envelop" and see the rev counter jumping to 5000 rpm...
But I guess with manual, the pleasure must be tenfold...
Apparently on the forum, everybody suggests me a manual.
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Paris, France
My Ride: BMW 550i Carbonschwarz metallic Full Options... except night vision !
As far as I understood, there is only one person who suggested me the automatic considering that it's got a better reselling value in France. 
Members
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Netherlands
My Ride: 545i Individual 2005
Model Year: 2005
With a manual gearbox you might change the clutch together with the engine oil and filters, considering the amount of torque that engine has. Not to mention what happens if you shift into the wrong gear once in a while. 
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But theoretically if you shift like a BMW test driver the car should be faster than one with auto gearbox.
Get a SMG if you don't like torque converters, with a manual gearbox you will change the clutch at least once in 50.000 km. ( ask some e36 M3, e39 M5 owners about details )
.But theoretically if you shift like a BMW test driver the car should be faster than one with auto gearbox.
Get a SMG if you don't like torque converters, with a manual gearbox you will change the clutch at least once in 50.000 km. ( ask some e36 M3, e39 M5 owners about details )
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Paris, France
My Ride: BMW 550i Carbonschwarz metallic Full Options... except night vision !
Not a problem if I'll have to change the clutch.
I'm not a professional race driver, but I guess I can shift at least a bit nicely...
NO SMG :thumbsdown:
I'm not a professional race driver, but I guess I can shift at least a bit nicely...
NO SMG :thumbsdown:
