I've decided to move up to the 545.......(Many thanks to Beewang for convincing me)... but now...alas..... what tranny?
I've heard that the M5 will only come with SMG, so they must be pretty confident with it.

I've driven an M3 with SMG and thought it shifted very rough... although I didn't have time to "fine tune it".

Care to share your experiences or comments?

Thanks,
Spartacus_33

 

Start with the SMG FAQ thread. From there, you need to read all the linked threads.

SMG's pros and cons have been discussed in great detail around here.

 

For me, you are preaching to the choir. I love my SMG and if put in the position to choose between Auto/6-speed/SMG. SMG will alway be my choice.

 

as posted the m3 smg unit is not the unit fitted to the e60. imo the e60 smg is too slow although it does have that gizmo factor.

however, the steptronic mode in the auto is damn nearly as good and gives the added benefit of a fully smooth fully paid up auto.

if gear changing is really your thing, ie you get pleasure from executing a great shift, go for the manual

in the end it's all down to personal preference though - many folks on this board happy with smg

jonboy

 

There's no way the steptronic downshifts like an SMG. That alone is the difference and is what makes the SMG so much better if you want to shift yourself.

I'd qualify your statement "many folks on this board..." to "pretty much everybody..."

 

SMG makes things so much more interesting IMO. Compared to the steptronic in the old 330i, the SMG makes my 530 feel more sporty than the 3er. No experience with the manual in the 5 however...I think manuals are more suited to cars with 2 doors

 

SMG for sure~
Its really fun to drive SMG, and it looks way cooler than Manual...
I ordered SMG too! XD*
It's a 5 series...a sport family car! So, SMG will be the best choice!
Because you need to drive smothly when your family is with u!
SO, smg will not only give u fun but also smothly dirving! v