SMG and Steptronic.
#11
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Originally Posted by gwf545' date='Sep 10 2005, 12:08 PM
Don't be so quick to wish you had SMG.? It definitely is a great transmission if you want to shift it yourself, but the automatic mode leaves a lot to be desired since it is difficult to get a smooth shift in the lower gears.? I think someone on this board said that if you prefer a manual over automatic then consider SMG, otherwise, get the Steptronic.? The SMG is not a substitute for automatic.
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#12
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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.
Automatics are hydro-mechanical transmissions, generally there is not a solid mechanical connection between input (engine) and output (drive wheels). Autos use a torque converter instead of a clutch. So there is a power loss. SMG has a mechanical link (as does a traditional manual) so when you upshift or downshift, you are solidly in gear, just like when you shift in a traditional manual. The thing about the SMG is that the clutch is automatically actuated, other than that its a manual.
If that does not impress you as a benefit then get the automatic.
Its origination, I think, was in Formula one race cars. They were looking for an edge in both shifting times between gear changes (during a shift the engine is no longer pushing the car forward/faster) and driver fatigue (not having to leg a clutch six times everytime you accelerate up through the gears).
Its an extravagance, with some drawbacks. Most of us that got it had no doubt in our minds and would have been greatly disappointed if we could not have gotten it, even with most of us never having driven a E60 SMG before we ordered our cars.
I love mine and my next E60 will have it, but if you are not extremely possessed to get it, I would pass.
If that does not impress you as a benefit then get the automatic.
Its origination, I think, was in Formula one race cars. They were looking for an edge in both shifting times between gear changes (during a shift the engine is no longer pushing the car forward/faster) and driver fatigue (not having to leg a clutch six times everytime you accelerate up through the gears).
Its an extravagance, with some drawbacks. Most of us that got it had no doubt in our minds and would have been greatly disappointed if we could not have gotten it, even with most of us never having driven a E60 SMG before we ordered our cars.
I love mine and my next E60 will have it, but if you are not extremely possessed to get it, I would pass.
#13
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Is the SMG even available on the 525i the billysunshine has? Not so sure an SMG would be put to its greatest capabilities on the 525 but then again if the manual is preferred then I'm sure the SMG has be just as good.
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Not sure if SMG is an option. I did not see it listed as an option. Just the manual and steptronic automatic.
I have driven with the manual mode more today and it is more responsive and gives the car more sporty feel. I have to be careful because I am not sure how much I should use it in the breakin period. It doesn't take much to go over the 4500 rpm limit in the manual mode.
I have driven with the manual mode more today and it is more responsive and gives the car more sporty feel. I have to be careful because I am not sure how much I should use it in the breakin period. It doesn't take much to go over the 4500 rpm limit in the manual mode.
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Originally Posted by billysunshine' date='Sep 10 2005, 09:22 PM
Not sure if SMG is an option.? I did not see it listed as an option.? Just the manual and steptronic automatic.
I have driven with the manual mode more today and it is more responsive and gives the car more sporty feel.? I have to be careful because I am not sure how much I should use it in the breakin period.? It doesn't take much to go over the 4500 rpm limit in the manual mode.
I have driven with the manual mode more today and it is more responsive and gives the car more sporty feel.? I have to be careful because I am not sure how much I should use it in the breakin period.? It doesn't take much to go over the 4500 rpm limit in the manual mode.
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Originally Posted by cobradav' date='Sep 10 2005, 09:24 PM
[quote name='billysunshine' date='Sep 10 2005, 09:22 PM']Not sure if SMG is an option.? I did not see it listed as an option.? Just the manual and steptronic automatic.
I have driven with the manual mode more today and it is more responsive and gives the car more sporty feel.? I have to be careful because I am not sure how much I should use it in the breakin period.? It doesn't take much to go over the 4500 rpm limit in the manual mode.
I have driven with the manual mode more today and it is more responsive and gives the car more sporty feel.? I have to be careful because I am not sure how much I should use it in the breakin period.? It doesn't take much to go over the 4500 rpm limit in the manual mode.
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[/quote]I'm so mixed up because of what you said? Isn't MS, DS, Sport mode essentially the same thing? IT'S THE SAME MODE! The difference is that you either want to play with the stick or not (+/-). Or m i missin smth?
#17
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Originally Posted by BetterMakeWay' date='Sep 11 2005, 03:23 AM
[quote name='cobradav' date='Sep 10 2005, 09:24 PM'][quote name='billysunshine' date='Sep 10 2005, 09:22 PM']Not sure if SMG is an option.? I did not see it listed as an option.? Just the manual and steptronic automatic.
I have driven with the manual mode more today and it is more responsive and gives the car more sporty feel.? I have to be careful because I am not sure how much I should use it in the breakin period.? It doesn't take much to go over the 4500 rpm limit in the manual mode.
I have driven with the manual mode more today and it is more responsive and gives the car more sporty feel.? I have to be careful because I am not sure how much I should use it in the breakin period.? It doesn't take much to go over the 4500 rpm limit in the manual mode.
[snapback]169294[/snapback]
[snapback]169301[/snapback]
[/quote]I'm so mixed up because of what you said? Isn't MS, DS, Sport mode essentially the same thing? IT'S THE SAME MODE! The difference is that you either want to play with the stick or not (+/-). Or m i missin smth?
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[/quote]Yes, essentially the same. Differences: MS - u decide shift points lets u hold a gear longer say if u expect a change in up/down speed by traffic pattern, DS sporty auto mode but shift points higher than plain D mode as explained by u so nicely. In Sport u also get quicker throttle tip-in to go with the higher shift points.
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