midwest bmw

Really? The SAT is different in the V8 vs Sixer???

pennetta

Yes it is, don't make me look it up...Anyone have the info handy? The 550 and 535 both use ZF trannys, but different models. The 528 uses a GM tranny. I remember the 550 ZF to have a higher torque rating than the 535.

Kzang

Hi Rudy,

Wow I can't believe I just read all 10 pages on this thread It was very imformative and I feel more excited than I did an hour ago

Anyway, as I just ordered MY2010 535i with a sport auto transmission I'm curious to know how you feel about your experience now. Is it the same?
If you placed an order today for another 550i would you get the SAT again?
Thanks.

sleeper50

Rudy, thanks very much for taking the time to post your review. Good information, and good descriptions of both SAT and SMG. I have not driven either, so this was good info.

cheers,

Rudy

Well I'm a few months short of two years with the SAT and I do like it more than I did when I wrote my initial review. That said, I'd order one again but only if the SMG (or a DCT) still wasn't available. The SAT is really an amazing transmission for an auto box and, in my opinion, is worth the extra $500 over the steptronic...

I'm curious...since now there are so many other members with the SAT, let's hear what you all have to say about it. Would you get it again? Do you agree with me? Disagree? Anything else you can add?

sixcard

Being a newbie [compared to Rudy and others] I am not knowledgable of the previous trannys.

I do like the SAT. Probably 85% I use the D mode but it is fun to play in the manual and run the revs up with the windows open.

If ever I ride in another Bimmer I would prefer it to have the SAT if available.

My build was within a few weeks of Rudy's and my next one may also be the Alpine White.

sixcard

grogan545

I have a 2008 550I step without the SAT.My 69 year old bones are a little to old for the sport package,so I could't get the SAT.I previously had a 545 with the step.The new step is far superior to the one in my 545.It shifts much quicker,no evidence of the "slam"and allows me to shift at any rpm in manual mode.The old step would shift at redline under full throttle even if you tried to manually shift earlier.I have had the 550I for a year and in my opinion it is far superior to my 2004 545 step in every respect.I believe the only diff between the SAT and the new step is the paddles on the steering wheel.In sport mode the new step behaves like all the descriptions I have heard about the SAT.

sdg1871

I had never read the original post before as Rudy wrote it way before I joined E60.net. Mad props Rudy. What a well-written and informative post.

Rudy

Not true. There is clearly more to the SAT than just the paddles. The sport button doesn't even exist on the step and believe me, there's a difference between running with the sport mode on and with it off...

grogan545

The standard step does have a sport mode.If you push the shift lever to the left it goes into sport mode,and you are correct there is a big diff between standard mode and sport mode.If you push the lever either up or down in the sport mode you then go into manual mode.Push the lever to the right and you are back in standard drive mode.