Regret Manual vs. Steptronic?
06-24-2008, 02:59 PM
#11
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My Ride: 2004 545i carbon black / dakota black / sport package / 19' beyern wheels - 285 rear with 15mm offset
My very first car was manual, the rest of them auto (boring). Now I'am back to manual and I love it. I get stuck in New York traffic everyday and it doesn't bother me.
In the end, everyone will have thier own opinion. Try both cars and you will have opinion of your own
In the end, everyone will have thier own opinion. Try both cars and you will have opinion of your own
06-24-2008, 03:28 PM
#12
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When stuck in traffic, i wish I had an auto. But other than that, my manual is super cool. Especially if you have a performance exhaust, manual totally shines.
Your friend said it right, a German car without manual is somehow not complete. I have an E90 which is also manual. I dont think I regret it at all. When my car is parked in the parking lot next to someother BMW and I see that car had auto, I always consider myself a superior driver true to his driving spirits!!
Also I just totally hate it when Step selects M2 for you automatically instead of M1.
Your friend said it right, a German car without manual is somehow not complete. I have an E90 which is also manual. I dont think I regret it at all. When my car is parked in the parking lot next to someother BMW and I see that car had auto, I always consider myself a superior driver true to his driving spirits!!
Also I just totally hate it when Step selects M2 for you automatically instead of M1.
06-24-2008, 04:06 PM
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My $.02 worth, 5 series isn't a race car (unless you go M)... I have a 325 vert w/manual, and would NO WAY want a 5 anything with manual. To me, the 5 is a fat old dude car. I want to chill, drink a latte', and talk on the phone.
I run 40 miles on backroads to work every day. I warm the oil, then click the shifter to the left for sport mode, and leave it there. Love that. Wife's X3 has same trans, love it there too...
Steptronic is more than adequate for street driving. If it's not a track car, that's your answer.
YMMV,
Barry
I run 40 miles on backroads to work every day. I warm the oil, then click the shifter to the left for sport mode, and leave it there. Love that. Wife's X3 has same trans, love it there too...
Steptronic is more than adequate for street driving. If it's not a track car, that's your answer.
YMMV,
Barry
06-24-2008, 04:23 PM
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Manual, with no regrets. I grew up driving a manual and always like the feel of control over my vehicle. It's one of the main reasons for buying the 5 series because it's the only sports sedan with a manual. Yeah, stop-and-go traffic is a bummer, but overall, no regrets at all.
06-24-2008, 04:49 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530i Olivine Green w/ Beige leather interior, 6 spd manual, premium package, comfort access, cold weather package, heated rear seats.
2005 Acura MDX Touring Sage Brush Pearl w/ NAV, running boards, roof rack
1993 325is Calypso Red w/ Parchment leather interior, 5 spd manual. (Sold Nov 06)
I drove a manual 325is for 14 years and when I test drove the 5 series, I tried the Steptronic. While it was a great ride, I decided to order the manual and I have not regretted it. The manual gives me much more control over all aspects...acceleration, braking, and cornering ... makes driving fun. Also, I disagree with Barry 325 that the 5er is a "fat old dude car." BMW simply doesn't make fat old dude cars period.
06-24-2008, 05:15 PM
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My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
Originally Posted by dmahon' post='609416' date='Jun 24 2008, 05:49 PM
Also, I disagree with Barry 325 that the 5er is a "fat old dude car." BMW simply doesn't make fat old dude cars period.
06-24-2008, 05:16 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i 6MT
Get the manual. You are never in the wrong gear. Totally different experience vs the auto. If I had to have an auto it would be the 2008 LCI Sport version.
06-24-2008, 05:19 PM
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Originally Posted by barry325' post='609393' date='Jun 24 2008, 07:06 PM
To me, the 5 is a fat old dude car.
Please dont ever buy a 5 series.
06-24-2008, 05:55 PM
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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.
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Originally Posted by barry325' post='609393' date='Jun 24 2008, 05:06 PM
.........To me, the 5 is a fat old dude car.....
What should we expect from a 3 series driver anyway??? 
I'm happy you like the forum, but are you saying that ANY E60 aside from an M is for a fat old dude??? Would one then logically discern from your supposition that all 3 series drivers are skinny young punks???
06-24-2008, 06:08 PM
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Thank you to everyone for taking the time to provide your feedback/ideas on my dilemma. Your comments have been helpful!
This includes those I must vehemently disagree with on behalf of [nearly] all 5-series owners ... Cough, cough ... clears throat ... ahem, "Excuse me, please," Barry.
This includes those I must vehemently disagree with on behalf of [nearly] all 5-series owners ... Cough, cough ... clears throat ... ahem, "Excuse me, please," Barry.