Rudy

Welcome to the SMG "club!" From the sound of your initial post, I think you made the correct decision.

I have no sympathy for your "two week" wait! Sheesh, many of us waited way, way, way longer than that! (My order was placed in November 2003 and my delivery was in April 2004!!)

You'll find plenty to read here over the next few weeks so enjoy the wait and be sure to post your pics and experiences as soon as you can.

Glad to have another SMG'er around (hopefully we won't lose speedracerf1 any time soon...)

Catul

joebel, it is tough to buy an SMG without having driven this exact one, a leap of faith to be sure. You can't say you "settled" for yours though, having that car in a 6-speed has got to be a blast!

tachyon, the E38's are certainly nice, but I have to agree with you on how far the current E60's have come. I did drive a 540i back when I bought my 740iL, and for some reason, was in the frame of mind to buy more of a luxury car. When I recently drove the 545i on a whim while my 740 was in for service, I was hooked! I really have no need for the back seat room (three young kids), so the 545i is absolutely perfect; like I said earlier, an impeccable blend between the M3 and 740, all in one nice package

Rudy, your (dare-I-say-it) evangelistic posts on SMG were helpful in my decision I think one mistake (at least, what most dealers make) is comparing SMG to the Steptronic. I realized that there have been many times when I've manually shifted not-so-smoothly, and you can't expect SMG to upshift perfectly every time - too many variables with engine speed, throttle position, etc. I did love the beautiful rev-matched downshifts I really can't wait to start putting this car through its paces.

I can't imagine how some of you waited several months for your car; it's only been a couple of days for me, and I'm bugging out already.

Rudy

Don't forget that SMG wasn't available until March '04 production. Talk about a leap of faith, not only did the "SMG pioneers" here order without a test-drive, we didn't even have the benefit of other owners' experiences since none existed!

I don't think many of us could have tolerated the wait had it not been for forums like this one, that's for sure. Funny thing is that I thought that after I took delivery and posted a picture or two, I'd be outta here! One problem with that plan -- I have this disease called "automotivosis" with a side case of "BMWitis."

Maybe Doctor Diesel can help me out?

12vguy

You will love the SMG. It is the perfect compromise and the speed shift mode ROCKS (put it in sport, let off the gas just slightly when you shift) you will toast an any average driver in a manual.

I have an 04, and am having M-tech body kit put on right now. Will post pics when I get her back.

Mark

'04 545i, Titanium Silver, SMG, M-tech body kit, upgraded firmeware to Bluetooth (connected to Treo 600) and Escort SRX radar.

realtyman

Like Rudy I never drove an SMG. I ordered mine on a leap of faith! No SMG issues to date and almost 30K miles! Driven many traditional manuals prior to this. No regrets. You'll love it!!!!

Once you get it you'll want to get an exhaust. It'll make those SMG downshifts "sing"!!!!!!

Oh, BTW... WELCOME :winkcool:

Catul

Just got home with my new 545i SMG - I'm loving it!! Too early to assess SMG definitely, of course, but so far I like it. Can't wait to cross 1200 miles so I can really play with it!

Will post more later, with pics ...

EBMCS03

Woo Hoo !!! DO post pics! inside and outside! SOON!

Rudy

Congrats man! If you love it now, just wait until you get really adjusted to the SMG. It really does take some time to "become one with the car" when it comes to shifting the SMG flawlessly. The good news is it's a blast to learn to drive it!!

realtyman

Nicely said Rudy, as usual.

CoolTones

Congrats!

A little late for me to mention the joy I had test driving a 530i with SMG since you now have in your possession something even better!!

Enjoy the ride!
-Tony