I really can't imagine why the 550 SMG wouldn't be the same or better than the 545 SMG so you can pretty much take what you've read here on the forums to the bank...

 

Until they discontinue it in favor of the DSG or whatever they call it.... I'm not hoping, but haven't people said SMG will not be around years from now?

 

Finding a new 550 SMG to test drive will be hard to find. Dealers usually only bring in steptronics for open lot inventory. I suggest you look through the used car section for a lease return, trade-in, or CPO. It may be a 545i SMG but I don't think you'll feel a difference and this will be your best chance to experience SMG with a V8. Don't drive a 3r SMG...not even close in comparison.

 

I wish my 550 had the SMG; I had it in my M3 and loved it....The learning curve was about one day; I was curious if the smg in the 550 was a true manual like the M3 or an electronically shifted automatic. An SMG in auto mode is not smooth but then again who cares.

 

The SMG in the 550 was indeed a true manual, it just wasn't the same as the one in the M-cars. The SMG on the E60 didn't have as many modes (it only had two, normal and sport) and yes, the automatic mode wasn't very useful...

 

Just to be clear ... the SMG is not offered on the 2008 550. So you will need to find a 2006 or 2007 550 to test drive and / or purchase.

 

A used 550i with SMG ?
Because the SMG has been discontinued on E60

 

I cant imagine why anyone would get SMG on a 550 when you can have SAT (Sport Automatic Transmission). The SAT provides the civility and silky smoooth transmission you want/need in certain situations BUT when you tap the gear shifter to the left and push the SPORT button..the car is a completely different animal. The paddle shifters work lighting quick and this car does not have a clutch. I prefer the SAT to SMG any day of the week. You need to drive a 550 with SAT. Its a Must!

 

I agree 99% or so. The SAT is fantastic but so was the SMG. There are some minor differences between them and I think you'll find that people that move from the SMG to the SAT will agree that it's nice but not the same. The downshifts are a bit different, the throttle response at low speeds and from a stop is different, etc.

I'm not knocking the SAT (I love it), I'm just saying that there is still nothing like a true manual transmission (no fluid coupling) from a standstill...

 

Rudy,
i am already drooling here...getting my SAT 550i soon(hopefully 1st week of Oct), i enjoyed my 3 yrs of SMG but there were not exactly smoothest years of my driving life...you know what i mean,i was getting tired of occasional mismatch of gearing,esp on 1-2 and 2-1(i drive a lot in the city). I think SAT will be my type of trans for life...that is until DSG comes out!