ledbettm

I am going to make a decision today to buy one of two 545i's One is steptronic and the other manual. Of the people that have manual.....how does it shift?? smoothly and easily? My only BMW experience with a manual transmition was a 2004 M3 and I hated it. I don't mind shifting and in fact sometimes enjoy it. Any input hleping me compare the two from someone that has driven the manual for a lond period of time would be great.
Thanks

E60Speed

Whats wrong with the manual in a M3 ?? Its great

kscarrol

I have the Steptronic and love it. Reading your comment... "I don't mind shifting and in fact sometimes enjoy it" leads me to think you would be happier in the long run in the steptronic car. If you only enjoy shifting sometimes, the step has a pretty decent manual mode that you can play with. Get the manual and you may come to dread the morning commute shifting up and down. Just my 0.02 based on your statement. Go drive the Step again and give the manual mode a try and see if will satisfy your desire to occasionally shift...

kscarrol

I don't think he has a real problem with the M3 manual transmission, it almost sounds like he just isn't sure he wants to drive a manual anymore. I know the feeling. For years I had a manual tranny (god I loved that old RX-7!), drove it for ten years, then had it in an Acura Integra. Now, my driving is less haulin's ass around campus and more the daily commute, drive to the grocery for more diapers type driving. I couldn't fathom having a manual car now, but I do like to drop the steptronic into manual on occasion and play a bit!

DXXXi

Sounds like these are two already built cars that you are choosing between - no? Why not test drive them both and buy the one you prefer. Most people here would prefer a manual - sometimes at least - but there are many other factors that are different for everyone (e.g. wife can't use manual, resale value, traffic congestion). Personally, I like the steptronic and wouldn't consider manual for all of the above reasons even though I miss a manual gearbox at times.

hinckley

I agree with the prior posts - if you're not sure, you may be happier with the step.

Personally, I'm a dinosaur and will only drive manual transmissions - at least as long as they're still offered. As for the E60's, I find it a bit less satisfying than my prior 5ers. But the attributes that I don't like may make it an easier choice for you - The throws are a bit longer, and the clutch is a bit lighter than I'm accustomed to (my other car is a 911). BTW, I installed a UUC short-throw shifter, and that has somewhat helped to eleviate some of my issues.

Guest

Stuptronic or Should've gotten a Manual Guy?

Get the stick!

DXXXi

What does this mean?

Spartacus_33

There have been many threads on this same issue. BMW is the only car manufacturer that I'm aware of that gives such great choices for all types of driving styles.

I struggled with the same question....

I'm currently driving an E39 with a 5 speed manual and to tell the truth.. I love it! I've had it for 6 years and it's great.
MANUAL:
-It never shifts until you tell it to.
-When driving in slick conditions, I think you have better control when starting from a dead stop.
-Maintenance should be less than the other 2.

STEPTRONIC:
-Easier to drive in traffic
-Never have to take my hand off my gf
-Better resale value, (at lease a larger audience).

SMG:
My only experience with SMG was with an M3 and I didn't care for it. It shifted too harshly...... I know..... I know... it takes some time to get the hang of it.
-Who knows what kind of maintenance issues will be down the road.
-Potential for resale could be scary, (narrower audience interested in a used one).

I wanted a little more luxury with my new 545.....so I went with the Steptronic. I'm doing an ED in a couple of days... so don't know what mode I'll be driving in most of the time..... but I think Step is the best choice.

Hope that helps... just my 2 cents worth.

Spartacus_33

TObmw

If you are leasing the car, take your time and get whichever transmission you want. If you are buying the car, I'm sure the steptronic will have a better residual value in 4 or 5 years and you will not have to worry about replacing the clutch. Personally, I have owned only manual transmissions. I love them and would not consider anything else. That said, I must agree with other posts that if you are the least bit uncertain go with the automatic. I find the manual more fun to drive in the summer and more safe in the winter.