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are the auto boxes any good

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Old 07-04-2008, 07:25 AM
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I'm looking for a e60 and would prefer a automatic, and have been told on here that they are more desirable when selling. Today at work someone told me the e60 5 series has loads of problems with the auto box.

Just wondering how true this is before i make my purchase. The car I'm looking for will probably be 3 years old so will not have any warranty left. I have had a quick search but can not find much info.

phil
Old 07-04-2008, 07:30 AM
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Although my personal experiences with them are limited, I think the BMW automatics are quite good, possibly some of the best out there.

If there are any major issues to worry about, I don't remember them but I'm sure others will chime in with more details and experiences...
Old 07-04-2008, 07:31 AM
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I've had my 5 for a month now, and its been great. I generally keep it in DS mode, just so I can shift down if I need to slow down with traffic. I'm in way too much traffic for a stick to be practical for me, auto was the best choice for me.
Old 07-04-2008, 07:34 AM
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Manual transmission e60's are great for do-it-yourself shifters and their reliability seems to be far better than automatic versions (especially so for the V-8 automatics).

I'm sure an adult driven version would have received proper care and feeding during 3 years but you are probably likely to find pre-owned automatics, especially in the United States, in greater numbers.

Depending on your location / country (your profile doesn't say) I suspect that manual transmissions are more prevalent outside of the United States [sooo many of us are 'shiftless' ]. There are probably production numbers available to better guide you on what your real choices might be.
Old 07-04-2008, 07:34 AM
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There were a few niggles with the early produced new electronic shifters but I believe they have that sorted, I certainly have never had any issues with my car our my wifes which has the same tranny ...........
Old 07-04-2008, 07:42 AM
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Originally Posted by westcoast550' post='616329' date='Jul 4 2008, 11:34 AM
There were a few niggles with the early produced new electronic shifters but I believe they have that sorted, I certainly have never had any issues with my car our my wifes which has the same tranny ...........
Since the OP said his car would be around 3 years old, I don't think he has to worry about any electronic shifters...
Old 07-04-2008, 07:44 AM
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mmmmm so good so far, the guy i spoke to today had a 530d and went through two boxes in two year, he was so sick of the car he gave it back early.

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Old 07-04-2008, 07:48 AM
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My car has developed a slight jerkiness on a partial throttle. Took it to a dealer and took a techie out in it. I said I thought it felt like the gearbox and he said he doubted it as they "almost never go wrong". Thought it was more likely to be fuel or software related.
Old 07-05-2008, 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by smarty156' post='616338' date='Jul 4 2008, 08:48 AM
My car has developed a slight jerkiness on a partial throttle. Took it to a dealer and took a techie out in it. I said I thought it felt like the gearbox and he said he doubted it as they "almost never go wrong". Thought it was more likely to be fuel or software related.
You might try the 25 second transmission fix!!
Old 07-05-2008, 11:29 AM
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In the U.S., automatics are most easier to sell than the manual. I learned to drive stick when I was around 18 but I never actually owned a car with a manual tranny because the rest of my family only knows how to drive automatic. So I had no choice but to drive a BMW in auto. I think BMWs automatics are pretty good though. I never really had a problem with neither for my X5 and 325. The only thing that I don't like about it is that it stalls a bit when changing gear when power is needed. DS mode does fix that a bit with higher revs but you use up a bit more gas. I am just talking from experience with the non-sport Steptronic. But after hearing about SprintBooster on this forum, I might try it out as one of my mods for my upcoming 528i.


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