aosman

I forgot to mention that it is automatic. It is not like I have a choice!

Actually, many times I felt that it would be much smoother drive in stop and go traffic if the auto starts in 2nd gear! I don't think I can force that. If I switch to MS mode, the car becomes more aggressive.

pinguhk

yes the car becomes alive and much better, I alway have my car in MS +- mode.

aosman

but it burns more gas in MS mode! (keeps the engine reved up)

pinguhk

yes it dose but that ok you only live 1s and my car is only a weekend car so why not

aybeesea

I thought I read somewhere on here that some gearboxes (is it on the diesels though(??)) DO start you off in 2nd.

ABC

FairfieldCT

To be fair, you really shouldn't be making judgements about your active steering by making comparisons to a maxima. I HOPE the steering on any bimmer, AS or not would win that battle.

Drive an M3, any current 3 series, an e39 6 cylinder 5er or any porsche. Those cars steer beautifully. You can feel the road, and the steering wheel weights up progressively as you go through the turns. Drive down a highway. You can "feel" the road surface as you change lanes in these cars. That is part of what makes each of them magical.

Switch into an active steering car. Yes, it has a very quick ratio in the parking lot, but you pay dearly for that parking lot trickery when you start driving on the road. The steering feels bland, offers NO feedback, and is absolutely lifeless. You might as well be driving an Audi quattro, because you can not feel the road. Now test drive a non active steering 5. Not as quick in the lot, but superb above 20 mph. Any real "driver" should think long and hard before checking that option box. Why do you think it is NOT available on the M3, M5, M6? Because BMW knows it is botched.

As for the transmission on the 550, the additional engine torque and remapping of the tranny has made all shifts much smoother. The entire drive train now works in perfect harmony... whether you are accelerating slowly up the road at 10% throttle or on the gas pushing it a bit, you are treated to perfect upshifts every time. It really is a "world class" transmission. Put it in sport mode and it only gets better.

After putting 19,000 miles on my 545, I am shocked at how much better the 550 is. All the rough edges have been smoothed out. The car looks, drives and feels though it were twice as expensive. The leather smell that fills the interior when you turn on the ventilated seats is intoxicating, and there is finally a direct line in for your Ipod.

Can't wait to get the 172 rims and non run flats mounted.