Rudy's full review of the 2008 550i Sport Automatic
05-27-2009, 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Kzang' post='890966' date='May 27 2009, 12:51 AM
So is it true that the SAT will recognize your rev speeds and store it in its memory?
For example if you drive agressively the transmission will adjust to this style of driving and if you drive slow the transmission adjusts and saves your driving style until you reset the transmission?
For example if you drive agressively the transmission will adjust to this style of driving and if you drive slow the transmission adjusts and saves your driving style until you reset the transmission?
05-27-2009, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by studavis' post='891207' date='May 26 2009, 11:57 PM
Rudy,
You are coming up on two years since the OP. What would you do different now? What would you have not gone with, and what options would you keep under any circumstances?
Curious what your thoughts are.
Thanks,
Stu
You are coming up on two years since the OP. What would you do different now? What would you have not gone with, and what options would you keep under any circumstances?
Curious what your thoughts are.
Thanks,
Stu
11-07-2009, 10:12 AM
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I was already planning to buy a 550i but this review just confirmed the amaziness of the car. I was also in between a 2007 550i and a 2008 550i and it seems like the subtle changes to the 2008 make it a worthwhile investment (a good depreciating one at that 
Now I live in the Metro DC area and I sit in traffic on 495 for about 40 to 120 minutes (depending on traffic). I really want the 6-speed manual but this Sport Auto sounds like a nice compromise.
Regardless I should be picking up something on Thursday
Any insight on what I should do would be helpful.
Now I live in the Metro DC area and I sit in traffic on 495 for about 40 to 120 minutes (depending on traffic). I really want the 6-speed manual but this Sport Auto sounds like a nice compromise.
Regardless I should be picking up something on Thursday
Any insight on what I should do would be helpful.
11-07-2009, 11:33 AM
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i
2006 BMW X3
Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1049591' date='Nov 7 2009, 02:12 PM
I was already planning to buy a 550i but this review just confirmed the amaziness of the car. I was also in between a 2007 550i and a 2008 550i and it seems like the subtle changes to the 2008 make it a worthwhile investment (a good depreciating one at that
Now I live in the Metro DC area and I sit in traffic on 495 for about 40 to 120 minutes (depending on traffic). I really want the 6-speed manual but this Sport Auto sounds like a nice compromise.
Regardless I should be picking up something on Thursday
Any insight on what I should do would be helpful.
Now I live in the Metro DC area and I sit in traffic on 495 for about 40 to 120 minutes (depending on traffic). I really want the 6-speed manual but this Sport Auto sounds like a nice compromise.
Regardless I should be picking up something on Thursday
Any insight on what I should do would be helpful.
I am biased, but I think the '08 differences would be well worth the price difference.
11-07-2009, 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Richard in NC' post='1049634' date='Nov 7 2009, 03:33 PM
I would have thought the novelty of the paddles would wear off but I use them daily. I am faster shifting with the paddles in sport mode than I ever was with a 6 speed manual.
I am biased, but I think the '08 differences would be well worth the price difference.
I am biased, but I think the '08 differences would be well worth the price difference.
This is such a hard decision.
11-07-2009, 12:23 PM
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i
2006 BMW X3
Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1049641' date='Nov 7 2009, 03:44 PM
Do you miss the 6-speed manual? I currently own a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Auto, and from day one I regret not buying the manual. I just do not want the same buyers remorse. I hear that the 6 speed manual in the 550i is not as bad as other manual cars in traffic. I mean my commute does suck, but if I fell asleep because with ACC on that could cause some problems haha.
This is such a hard decision.
This is such a hard decision.
11-07-2009, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard in NC' post='1049651' date='Nov 7 2009, 04:23 PM
Many of my prior cars were manuals. Most were not a big problem in Charlotte traffic. I don't regret the decision to go with the SAT. Although part of that reason was a touchy off-idle response in a 650i 6 speed. That car was hard to be smooth in traffic. I never drove a 550i 5 speed.
I have heard that the 550i with 6-speed manual is a joy to drive and the clutch is light enough for heavy traffic.
11-07-2009, 02:11 PM
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i
2006 BMW X3
Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1049671' date='Nov 7 2009, 05:08 PM
Can you shed more light on the touchy off-idle experience?
I have heard that the 550i with 6-speed manual is a joy to drive and the clutch is light enough for heavy traffic.
I have heard that the 550i with 6-speed manual is a joy to drive and the clutch is light enough for heavy traffic.
Unfortunately you may have to drive one to know for sure. I'm sure others with 550i 6 speeds could chime in as well.
Although too much talk of 6 speeds will get this SAT thread off topic....
11-07-2009, 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1049671' date='Nov 7 2009, 04:08 PM
Can you shed more light on the touchy off-idle experience?
I have heard that the 550i with 6-speed manual is a joy to drive and the clutch is light enough for heavy traffic.
I have heard that the 550i with 6-speed manual is a joy to drive and the clutch is light enough for heavy traffic.
11-09-2009, 06:56 AM
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Originally Posted by DRANGED' post='1049823' date='Nov 7 2009, 10:30 PM
PM Drlev99 and ask him how he feels about the 6-speed manual in his 550. I've heard the gearing is pretty steep in 1st gear.
I take it he had a lot of issues. I searched some of his posts, and it looks like he had a lot of issues. The SAT sounds liek the way to go. Metro DC traffic sucks anyways, better decisions.
The SAT sounds pretty amazing!