rayray06

Is it necessary to utilize sixth gear while driving under 75mph other than to lower the rpm thereby saving fuel. I guess im asking how many members with SMG actually get up to 6th gear?

Rudy

What engine? On my old 545, I used 6th gear fairly often (under 75mph). The V8 had plenty of torque to allow use of 6th in areas where the speeds were much lower...

rayray06

2006 530i/sport

Heloha

I short shift a lot I guess out of habbit trying to save fuel and always end up in 6th. I do notice that in "D" mode, the computer stays in 5th longer.

Rudy

Like any other manual transmission, you should be able to simply feel whether or not a specific gear is right for the conditions/situation. If you shift into 6th and the car labors when you try to accelerate, then you need to downshift. Obviously, the rate of acceleration is related to the gear as well.

You just have to treat each situation individually and decide what works and what doesn't...

AlexFW

Why don't use the 6th if the conditions don't need fast accelerations ?
Less noise, less gas to use .

BTW you can set the SMG in Drive mode (without sport, otherwise it will remain in D5) and travel at 75 mph peacefully, assisted by the kickdown in case of emergency .