I placed an order for a 530i with steptronic But thinking of changing to SMG What do you think

 

That's really a question for you to answer yourself. You'll find those who have the SMG have been very happy with it, while I believe the same aplies to owners like me with the steptronic. You need to decide what type of driving you will be doing most and what will you be using the car for. For me, I drive my car daily to and from work, plus it tends more to the family sedan usage than any real sport or track driving, so the decision for me was steptronic. But that's just my personal decision. I know that Rudy and others with the SMG REALLY enjoy it, but I'm sure you'll get responses from them as well. Again, more of what you're looking for in the car as opposed to which one is "better".

 

Rudy made a very good post on this topic earlier.

Just think there would only be Auto or Manual. What would you choose? Auto? Than take Auto and forget SMG. If you are thinking about getting a Manual, then you can start thinking about SMG or Manual.
You've allready chosen Auto, not Manual. So take the Auto!
SMG is a manual tranny without a clutch, what allows you shifting at the right (perfect) time and very quick.
SMG is NO auto tranny!
Stay with the Auto!

 

I don't know what pisses me off more. Is it that Iceman is always right or that he posts before me!

 

 

I love my steptronic.. It is the only one i had in all my bimmers.

I use my car to communute to work so (mostly).

 

Here we go again. I don't know what is asked more than this.

If you like automatic then stick woth it. If you like manuel and want a differetn taste, go with SMG. I got it becuase it looked pretty neat only to find out I love it and glad I got it.

 

I went with steptronic.
Best of both worlds.
Automatic works like a charm,very smooth. Great in traffic.
Bring it over to sports mode, and get quicker gear changes and faster response.A big plus for the 525i and 530i to boost response.
Go to manual, and get even better cruising and gas mileage, and the ability to downshift to 3rd or 4th gear when you need the extra passing power.
Find myself using manual more and more to add more involvement to the ride in open traffic, and down-shifting really makes the 545ia feel like a rocket.
Never drove with SMG , so can't comment on it.
As far as standard with clutch, well I sure don't miss clutching when I drive in NY City traffic. Happy to trade off the fraction of a second quicker time to get away from the clutch.

 

60 mph on the turnpike in 6th gear. 911 on my tail. Both hands on the wheel. Right foot to the floor and click, click, click to 3rd. Pressed back into seat, 100 mph. Where did that 911 go?........SMG

Backroad twisty in 2nd, Vette on my tail. 90 degree turn up ahead...click (double clutching downshift into 1st with perfect rev matching) , floor it. Bye, Bye. Guess the Vette had to take it in 2nd.....SMG


2 lane straightaway at stoplight next to early Pontiac GTO. Traction off, Sport button on, greenlight, gas past "kickdown", 4500 RPM, dump clutch. Tires, smoke, rear end goes sideways (me not him).....SMG


If you are smiling right now....get the SMG!

 

I don't regret the SMG choice. Like already said, it's a manual alternative not an automatic alternative. Never drove a 530i with SMG but the 545 is a whole load of fun (prior cars have been 6 speed manuals).