Buying a 550i on Friday
02-21-2009, 04:59 AM
#21
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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.
Originally Posted by 3Series' post='798116' date='Feb 20 2009, 11:52 PM
Yep, SMG is an evolution and now it is dead. Say hello to DCT. And yes, I get your point about paddle shifting...
02-21-2009, 05:23 AM
#22
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Anybody else curious as to why his engine bay is so dirty?
Coming from a dealer or a private sale?
Would indicate to me that the previous owner didn't take very good care of the car.
How dirty? Like "underwater for a while" dirty?
Coming from a dealer or a private sale?
Would indicate to me that the previous owner didn't take very good care of the car.
How dirty? Like "underwater for a while" dirty?
02-21-2009, 06:05 AM
#23
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i
2006 BMW X3
Re SMG, I've only driven them briefly. I would own one but I don't know why BMW couldn't make it smoother in auto mode. Many folks can smoothly shift a manual so a computer should be able to. The DCT is the next step in that evolution and I'm anxious to test drive one of them.
Even the automatics are going that direction. I enjoy the new sport automatic with its paddles. In full sport mode, its shifts are plenty fast and there's none of that "slushy feel" of a normal auto. I love using it on a twisty road or even on track. Although anyone looking for the SMGIII neck snap as in the Ms would be disappointed. Interestingly the Sport Auto although smooth shifting most of the time, is quite abrupt in the 2-1 downshift when coming to a stop in full sport mode. BMW needs to refine that.
Even the automatics are going that direction. I enjoy the new sport automatic with its paddles. In full sport mode, its shifts are plenty fast and there's none of that "slushy feel" of a normal auto. I love using it on a twisty road or even on track. Although anyone looking for the SMGIII neck snap as in the Ms would be disappointed. Interestingly the Sport Auto although smooth shifting most of the time, is quite abrupt in the 2-1 downshift when coming to a stop in full sport mode. BMW needs to refine that.
02-21-2009, 07:45 AM
#24
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Originally Posted by pennetta' post='798264' date='Feb 21 2009, 08:59 AM
I said SMG "Style" transmissions, double clutch is the next refinement and a solution to a problem that few of us had. They (single or double clutch) are not automatics so I never judged its automatic mode as such, but many could not get passed that. Now we have something that is heavier, more complex but shifts faster (double clutch) than the original idea (SMG), but sometimes thats what evolution is.
02-21-2009, 09:08 AM
#25
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My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
Sounds like "Good Friday" is coming early for you. Congratulations.....
02-21-2009, 09:24 AM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by Richard in NC' post='798301' date='Feb 21 2009, 07:05 AM
but I don't know why BMW couldn't make it smoother in auto mode.
I guess there wasnt a push for it... Leads of the SMG department must not have put automode on their priority list no budget to refine it... just program in the basic concept and so be it... such a shame... it was an awesome transmission but the automode killed it for many people.
02-21-2009, 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by or_550i' post='797360' date='Feb 19 2009, 11:35 PM
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!
02-21-2009, 11:06 AM
#28
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My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
Originally Posted by 530ISPORT' post='798402' date='Feb 21 2009, 01:27 PM
YOU JUST DONT KNOW HOW TO DRIVE THE CAR. THATS WHY YOU DONT LIKE IT.. THERE IS A LEARNING CURVE DONT GET ME WRONG, BUT ONCE YOUR PASSED IT ITS THE BEST THING SINCE SLICE BREAD..
02-21-2009, 11:36 AM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='798455' date='Feb 21 2009, 02:06 PM
What was the best thing before sliced bread?
02-22-2009, 10:15 AM
#30
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Thanks for all the welcomes and the car drove and handled amazing on the drive to Texas from Chicago. My wife and I drove through the night and am finally able to post some pictures. I will be adding mods in the future but with our first child on the way, the mods will be added in intervals. Enjoy the pics of the car.
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