Buying a 550i on Friday
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Members
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 23
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From: Dallas, Texas
Hey guys, just wanted to announce I'm buying a 550i with the SMG tranny on Friday, have to go pick it up in Chicago. I was hoping to get some feedback from SMG owners as to getting used to the SMG and exactly how to use the automatic. I imagine fellow SMG owners you use the auto in traffic jams, etc. and know I will need to living in Dallas. Thanks and any feedback would be helpful and know the SMG has a learning curve, but expect I will LOVE it.
Also the engine bay is quite dirty is the easiest way to clean with a towel and water or is there a product available that cleans better. I will post pics right this weekend and truly am so happy to be a BMW owner.
Also the engine bay is quite dirty is the easiest way to clean with a towel and water or is there a product available that cleans better. I will post pics right this weekend and truly am so happy to be a BMW owner.
Members
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
My Ride: 2005 545/SMG Sport Package HUD Logic 7 Bluetooth NAV Cold Weather Package
Originally Posted by LV2GLF' post='796292' date='Feb 18 2009, 09:37 PM
Hey guys, just wanted to announce I'm buying a 550i with the SMG tranny on Friday, have to go pick it up in Chicago. I was hoping to get some feedback from SMG owners as to getting used to the SMG and exactly how to use the automatic. I imagine fellow SMG owners you use the auto in traffic jams, etc. and know I will need to living in Dallas. Thanks and any feedback would be helpful and know the SMG has a learning curve, but expect I will LOVE it.
Also the engine bay is quite dirty is the easiest way to clean with a towel and water or is there a product available that cleans better. I will post picks right this weekend and truly am so happy to be a BMW owner.
Also the engine bay is quite dirty is the easiest way to clean with a towel and water or is there a product available that cleans better. I will post picks right this weekend and truly am so happy to be a BMW owner.
As a fellow owner of a SMG equipped 545i, there is no need to use the SMG in auto mode...it sucks. Learn hot to use it in manual mode, its not that difficult. Don't forget you can't stall it and like an auto it will downshift even in manual mode.
Members
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 55
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From: Toronto
I have a 550 with SMG and the only time i drove it in auto was the day i purchased it... Even in stop and go its much smoother and less jerky if you drive it in manual mode...stop and go traffic is not that bad, your simpy pressing a button to change gears...Congrats and enjoy.
Contributors
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,776
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Ya dont worry about auto mode... but all you do is tap the shifter to the right until the center console shows D1 D2 D3 or wahtever... if it shows 1 2 3 4 then you're in manual mode...
Give it some time... Learn how to drive it properly in Manual mode and you'll love the car.
Give it some time... Learn how to drive it properly in Manual mode and you'll love the car.
Senior Members
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 664
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From: Portland, Oregon, USA
My Ride: 2006 550i, 1984 Mercedes Gelandewagen
Originally Posted by kxmills' post='796300' date='Feb 18 2009, 06:53 PM
As a fellow owner of a SMG equipped 545i, there is no need to use the SMG in auto mode...it sucks. Learn hot to use it in manual mode, its not that difficult. Don't forget you can't stall it and like an auto it will downshift even in manual mode.
But either way, it'll be a sweet ride!
Contributors
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,084
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From: Thousand Oaks, California
My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
Congrats on your pending purchase and enjoy the forums!! 
Members
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
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From: San Mateo, CA
Originally Posted by LV2GLF' post='796292' date='Feb 18 2009, 06:37 PM
Hey guys, just wanted to announce I'm buying a 550i with the SMG tranny on Friday, have to go pick it up in Chicago. I was hoping to get some feedback from SMG owners as to getting used to the SMG and exactly how to use the automatic. I imagine fellow SMG owners you use the auto in traffic jams, etc. and know I will need to living in Dallas. Thanks and any feedback would be helpful and know the SMG has a learning curve, but expect I will LOVE it.
Also the engine bay is quite dirty is the easiest way to clean with a towel and water or is there a product available that cleans better. I will post pics right this weekend and truly am so happy to be a BMW owner.
Also the engine bay is quite dirty is the easiest way to clean with a towel and water or is there a product available that cleans better. I will post pics right this weekend and truly am so happy to be a BMW owner.
I abosuletly love it.
Senior Members
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,241
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From: San Antonio, Tx
My Ride: 2004 545i SMG
I know that I'll be the minority here, but the SMG regardless of what it's in SUCKS. It starts like a go cart and the automatic mode will give you whiplash. I don't understand why SMG is so popular - a traditional manual would be 100% better.
But either way, it'll be a sweet ride!
But either way, it'll be a sweet ride!
SMG is so much faster than a human can shift in manual!