Hello. I'm new to the board. I'm very interested in the new E60 550i Sport.

I see the SMG can be ordered as a no-cost option. This is very tempting.

I've been reading recent Roundel articles. The authors' views of SMG have been negative, and both articles suggest ordering the conventional 6-speed manual.

What are SMG's limitations?

How does SMG's reliability and durability compare with a conventional 6-speed manual?

Welcome to forum.
Please do a search. Rudy has a very good analysis on this topic.

I think the advantages of SMG offset the disadvantages.

Disadvantages are:

Little loss of control of shifting.
About 1 mpg less mileage.

That's about it, for me.

This is a very difficult decision for me too. I really like shifting and the slightly out of touch feeling of the SMG makes me hesitate from getting it. Several posts have centered on problems with the SMG electronics. This is my main concern. I don't want a car that locks up and can't be driven. Reliability of the manual has to be better than the SMG. Don't shot me JDN, Rudy and other SMG proponents. The matched reved downshifts of the SMG are very tempting and sounds really cool. It is a lot easier to drink coffee and drive the SMG I am sure. :lol:

There were some posts of the manuals lack of throttle response on matched rev downshifts. Are there any 550 manual owners that can respond to throttle response? Has it been improved over the 545?

I am pricing cars now with several dealers and so far am specing out a manual, but in my mind still considering the SMG.

You are right. Multitasking while shifting with the SMG is a great attribute.

Unlikely that there are any 6-speed 550 owners, just yet.... The first month or so of 550 production was automatic transmission only :( this was the reason that I had to put off my ED 550 -- which I'll now be picking up on May 8th.

FWIW, I too am still on the fence on the 6-speed vs. SMG decision. (All I knew was that I didn't want an automatic, thus my passing on the first run of 550s.) I'm leaning in the SMG direction...

SMG rules. :thumbsup:


That is all. :P

LOVE SMG!!! 7000 miles, no problems.

32K miles of "spirited" driving. No SMG issues to date. :wub:

It is likely the 3rd model year of SMGs will be more or less problem-free. I have 8600 miles on my 2005 545i and the SMG has been perfect and a lot of fun.

As others posted, search on this topic and read to your heart's content. THERE IS a learning curve with the SMG but once you get the hang of it, I bet you will want this tranny on all future cars.

Also, try a search on "SMG Launch". That is fun to do.

I like putting the SMG in sport mode, put it in D1, and from a dead stop just floor it and keep it floored. You will be :blink: by the neck-snapping and quick shifts of the car. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: