View Poll Results: Which one do you prefer - SMG or 6-speed? Why?
Voters: 42. You may not vote on this poll
SMG or 6-speed
08-27-2004, 05:22 AM
#21
Contributors
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX USA
Posts: 4,144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by realtyman' date='Aug 27 2004, 12:12 AM
It's hard to drink while it's IN the cup holder. 
I'll be interested in your cost for installation, too. Looks like it should not need a dealer installation although that would likely be the safest to insure no rattles.
08-27-2004, 06:29 AM
#22
Members
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Chicago (arlington Heights) IL
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by my530i' date='Aug 26 2004, 04:48 PM
Any opinion will be welcome.
Thanks
Thanks
08-27-2004, 06:57 AM
#23
Members
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Chicago (arlington Heights) IL
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SueBMW' date='Aug 26 2004, 04:50 PM
SMG is hard to use when you are going around a corner and need to shift. You have to keep switching between shifting in the traditional place and shifting on the steering wheel.
IWhen you turn the wheel you have plenty of space and paddle to use to complete your gear change --- no issues at all.
08-27-2004, 07:45 AM
#24
Senior Members
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok, as I stated, I only had experience with SMG on an M3. It sounds like the new 5 set up is much better. If you can use either paddle to go up or down that changes things.
...and when we got our 530, SMG was just a rumor. We were way too early in the game for it.
...and when we got our 530, SMG was just a rumor. We were way too early in the game for it.
08-27-2004, 03:06 PM
#25
Contributors
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
I have had, throughout my life, four manual cars, four automatic cars, five motorcycles including a current Ninga 1000R, and one current SMG car. I used to race both a 300ZX Turbo and a Honda CB900F at Bridehampton Race Track, which was a 3 mile road course near where I live. So I can drive anything.
The SMG is clearly the most fun out of the cars.
The SMG is clearly the most fun out of the cars.
08-27-2004, 09:27 PM
#26
Senior Members
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Not here
Posts: 1,809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SueBMW' date='Aug 26 2004, 07:32 PM
... now that I'm suing bmw for lemon law, I've changed my name & become a little more anonymous...
08-27-2004, 09:30 PM
#27
Senior Members
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Not here
Posts: 1,809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I voted for the 6 speed but would probably try the SMG for a longer time because you can keep both hands on the wheel when blowing through the corners. I've been practicing with my steptronic and it's pretty okay except I used to dry so much manual that it doesn't feel comfortable yet.
With the SMG you can also drive in automatic mode and that gives a lot more flexibility.
Why is the 6-speed more expensive than the SMG?
With the SMG you can also drive in automatic mode and that gives a lot more flexibility.
Why is the 6-speed more expensive than the SMG?
08-27-2004, 09:31 PM
#28
Senior Members
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Not here
Posts: 1,809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SueBMW' date='Aug 26 2004, 03:50 PM
You have to keep switching between shifting in the traditional place and shifting on the steering wheel.
08-28-2004, 04:24 AM
#29
Contributors
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX USA
Posts: 4,144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can either shift with the stick (traditional) or with the paddles. That was the way I interpreted the statement. However, nothing forces you to go back and forth other than when changing directions from forward to reverse -- small deal, indeed.
08-28-2004, 05:27 AM
#30
Senior Members
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
4 trips to the dealer totalling 53 days in service. Electrical fire. Major transmission problems. No A/C. Continually dead I-drive. ABS failure. Pass seat airbag failure. Seat movement failures. DSC failure. BMW assist failure. Consistent electrical problems. and the list goes on, and the problems continue...
I'd rather not disclose the state, but we do have a prominent lemon law attorney who has filed suit and we do have a court date. We're not vehicle hypochondriacs... we really do have a lemon. It is unfortunate, because BMW has been absolutely terrible to deal with, and I really do love the car, but have been scared away by rotten dealer service, attitude, and treatment, and the complete unwillingness of BMW Customer Service to help at all (or even be nice!).
I'd rather not disclose the state, but we do have a prominent lemon law attorney who has filed suit and we do have a court date. We're not vehicle hypochondriacs... we really do have a lemon. It is unfortunate, because BMW has been absolutely terrible to deal with, and I really do love the car, but have been scared away by rotten dealer service, attitude, and treatment, and the complete unwillingness of BMW Customer Service to help at all (or even be nice!).