Anyone Change From 6 Speed To Paddles??

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Jan 10, 2008 | 04:54 AM

JeffNNJ

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From: Northern NJ, USA

My Ride: 2011 M3 Convertible, Alpine White/black, 6 speed 2011 535xi Tasmin Green, Venetian Beige

I have now had 3 manual BMWs in a row and am considering a change for my 09 550i. Has anyone went from a 6 speed to an auto with paddles and, if so, what are your impressions??
Thanks,
Jeff

Jan 10, 2008 | 06:55 AM

Rudy

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From: Pittsburgh, PA USA

My Ride: G30 M550i

Model Year: 2018

I drove manuals exclusively until my 2004 SMG car. I liked it so much that I now have the next closest thing to the SMG -- the sport automatic. It's the first automatic car I've ever owned.

I drive the sport auto in manual sport mode 99.9% of the time and I can truly say that it's fantastic and works amazingly well. Although I don't want an automatic (and will likely never use automatic mode) I'd order another sport auto (or it's equivalent) in a heartbeat.

Jan 10, 2008 | 07:03 AM

baadaaboo

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From: Bay Area

the question is will you feel bored if you switch to auto? I will...

the new SMG3 is actually DSG that is pretty impressive. will it available for 09 BMW?

why many people go for 5 liter engines? is gas price not a factor/concern? i really don't get it...

Jan 10, 2008 | 09:09 AM

merklebob

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From: seattle, wa usa

My Ride: 2005 545, nav, sport, PP, cold weather

i agree with rudy. the press release on the sp tranny leads one to believe it is the dsg. i had the dsg in a audi tt and its far better than any manual and smoother than a step bmw. its the way i would have gone with my 545 or 650 if i had the choice then.

Jan 10, 2008 | 09:36 AM

EBMCS03

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From: So Cal, USA

My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package

Quote:

Originally Posted by baadaaboo' post='515968' date='Jan 10 2008, 08:03 AM

why many people go for 5 liter engines? is gas price not a factor/concern? i really don't get it...

What dont you get? its preference... Most probably want the extra power... the extra torque... Gas price is an issue... but not big enough to make me not get what I want... yet... And some stuff come standard on the V8s thats not on the I6 versions and it brought the price close enough where its manageable...

Jan 10, 2008 | 05:06 PM

pennetta

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From: Long Island, NY

My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.

SMG and DSG are trademarked names, the new double clutch BMW tranny may still be called SMG.
Back in 2004 there were as many heated SMG vs. 6 Speed debates as there are 535 vs. 550 debates today. Needless to say you can find plenty of reading material in this forum.
The sport auto is the best automatic that I have ever driven, its also the fastest shifting transmission that I can recall. It's more refined feeling than the SMG, not necessarily a good thing depending on your preferences. It shifts effectively, up or down, matches revs on downshifts and is fast. But definitely much closer to the Steptronic on the family tree where the SMG was closer to the 6 speed manual.