So then why have an SMG tranny? It seems all the advantages of such a system get negated by the better Step.

 

It seems that a skilled driver cannot accelerate faster with a manual/SMG as proven by all the auto magazines (they usually have a designated tester) getting slower times vs. the autobox. I seem to have read somewhere that the mag drivers stop short of thoroughly abusing the car so I guess if you could get faster times with the manual to the detriment of the car.

In real life, auto would therefore be faster as how many of us drop the clutch at 5,000 rpm at stoplights?

 

Good question - I was thinking the same thing. Based on my experience with the auto, I don't like how it upshifts for you and the auto is also very slow to downshift in manual mode for some reason. I believe SMG gives you a much more immediate response the the driver's actions. I will definitely opt for the new ZSG?transmission when I get my next car.

 

I assume you saw my reply on the other thread--about answering your question--not referring to you.

 

I am sorry, but I don't have 535d times. You might be able to find some in the test section of BMW Germany. This section contains quite a few 5er tests done my German, as far as I know, auto mags.

 

Well, the Step has the lower gearing, and some of us with Steps have trouble controlling off-the-line wheelspin. When my Step was running the best, I lamented having 19" wheels because no one seems to make DOT approved drag radials for 19 inchers.

 

So it looks like the average time is 0-60 in 5.3 secs. Anyone think the 550 will do it in 4.8 secs?

 

Also another personal question: i see you have the style 101 rims. If i'm not mistaken you purchased those rims recently (in the last few months), you even started a thread about this (weight saving). The question is related with weight savings: do you know by any chance if style 101 rims are the lightest or one of the lightest oem rims? The reason i'm asking this is because i want to buy some 19s but don't know exactly what to choose from: 166 style, bbs rxII or 101 style. I like the design on all, almost the same, but how about the weight difference? Thanx.

PS: a hint for me is the fact that 101s are 2 pice rims.

 

Not many of us are always up to the task getting a stickshift faster
even if the stick cars are faster in theory.

Here are some fresh BMW data on 0-100 km (0-62 mph) acceleration.

550i 5,5 sec
550iA 5,6 sec

540i 6,2 sec
540iA 6,3 sec

535dA 6,5 sec

530dA 6,8 sec

530i 6,5 sec
530iA 6,7 sec

All cars are limited to 250 km/h (156 mph) top speed.

 

You could be right that a skilled driver could get better times on a dragstrip with a manual, but, of course, I am not sure. For one thing, the Step might be easier to get off the line without excessive wheelspin--given equally competent drivers. In this regard, driving a Step on a dragstrip does require skill--i.e., the Step is not just point and shoot.

And, right the SMG should shift faster and, thus, perhaps, yield better times, but that has not yet been shown to be true. I think the SMG probably is a great track tranny, but I am not so sure that it is a great drag-race tranny. But, be aware that I have never driven an SMG.

Perhaps you can clarify some things for me/us. If one uses LC, then would he or she leave DSC and DTS on or turn these nannies off when drag racing? If they are on, then I would be afraid that off-the-line HP would be lost. If off, then I am not sure that excessive wheel spin would not be encountered using LC. On the other hand, if LC is not used, then one would not be able to brake torque as on a Step--the way I understand things. Whether DSC and DTC are off, the inability to brake torque might be the difference in winning or losing. Regardless, I'd appreciate it if you would describe what you would do if drag racing an SMG.