Sport Automatic vice Steptronic
09-01-2007, 10:58 AM
#1
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Looking for some feedback on which automatic transmission I should order. I don't think I'd use the shift paddles...just not my style and it looks like they might get in the way of steering? but want to know if there is any other compelling reason to pay the $500 for the Sport Automatic Transmission vice the "free" Steptronic. The sport auto is one tenth of a second faster 0-60 (535i) but if that's the only tangible difference other than the paddles, I think I'll stick with the Steptronic. Any advice?
09-01-2007, 11:43 AM
#2
Super Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Posts: 17,310
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
What type of driving style do you normally have? Do you enjoy a spirited drive once in a while or are you someone who usually justs puts a car in "D" and never floors it, etc.?
The sport automatic does more than just give you paddles. It gives you the sport button which alters a few of the car's functions (steering, throttle response, shift times, etc.)
If you drive like Grandma, then skip the sport auto. If you sometimes drive agressively and like to have fun behind the wheel, get the sport auto.
(By the way, the paddles don't interfere with steering...)
The sport automatic does more than just give you paddles. It gives you the sport button which alters a few of the car's functions (steering, throttle response, shift times, etc.)
If you drive like Grandma, then skip the sport auto. If you sometimes drive agressively and like to have fun behind the wheel, get the sport auto.
(By the way, the paddles don't interfere with steering...)
09-01-2007, 11:46 AM
#3
Contributors
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
For just $500 the sport auto seems like an awesome deal to me. You get best of both worlds - a great auto box for when you want to cruise along in D and the ability to have a little fun with the paddles and more aggressive shift pattern.
09-01-2007, 01:35 PM
#4
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Rudy. No grandma driver here. 
Just trying to keep the price within my budget and with so many options to choose from, it's not easy! Have ordered the sport package and leather but passed on most of the other options that are more of a want than a need...at least for me. Hasn't gone to production yet so I'm still "finalizing" my build. SA sounds like it may be more of a "must" for the enthusiast so I'll take that as another serious option to consider. Car isn't expected to arrive until Oct and it's driving me nuts. 
Just trying to keep the price within my budget and with so many options to choose from, it's not easy! Have ordered the sport package and leather but passed on most of the other options that are more of a want than a need...at least for me. Hasn't gone to production yet so I'm still "finalizing" my build. SA sounds like it may be more of a "must" for the enthusiast so I'll take that as another serious option to consider. Car isn't expected to arrive until Oct and it's driving me nuts.
09-01-2007, 01:50 PM
#5
Super Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Posts: 17,310
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Originally Posted by Ace90' post='464863' date='Sep 1 2007, 05:35 PM
Thanks Rudy. No grandma driver here. Just trying to keep the price within my budget and with so many options to choose from, it's not easy! Have ordered the sport package and leather but passed on most of the other options that are more of a want than a need...at least for me. Hasn't gone to production yet so I'm still "finalizing" my build. SA sounds like it may be more of a "must" for the enthusiast so I'll take that as another serious option to consider. Car isn't expected to arrive until Oct and it's driving me nuts.
Just trying to keep the price within my budget and with so many options to choose from, it's not easy! Have ordered the sport package and leather but passed on most of the other options that are more of a want than a need...at least for me. Hasn't gone to production yet so I'm still "finalizing" my build. SA sounds like it may be more of a "must" for the enthusiast so I'll take that as another serious option to consider. Car isn't expected to arrive until Oct and it's driving me nuts.
09-01-2007, 02:06 PM
#6
Members
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 550i, Carbon Black Metallic with Black Dakota Leather, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, NAV, Cold-Weather Package, Folding Rear Seats, Rear Side Impact Airbags, Sirius, iPod/USB Adapter,
Model Year: 2008
09-01-2007, 02:19 PM
#7
Super Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Posts: 17,310
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Originally Posted by yayankee' post='464870' date='Sep 1 2007, 06:06 PM
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=&sho...st&p=456046
09-02-2007, 08:09 AM
#9
Senior Members
Originally Posted by Ace90' post='464841' date='Sep 1 2007, 08:58 PM
Looking for some feedback on which automatic transmission I should order. I don't think I'd use the shift paddles...just not my style and it looks like they might get in the way of steering? but want to know if there is any other compelling reason to pay the $500 for the Sport Automatic Transmission vice the "free" Steptronic. The sport auto is one tenth of a second faster 0-60 (535i) but if that's the only tangible difference other than the paddles, I think I'll stick with the Steptronic. Any advice?
Get it, for only $500!
09-02-2007, 11:46 AM
#10
Contributors
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: So Cal, USA
Posts: 14,776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by Rudy' post='464864' date='Sep 1 2007, 02:50 PM
If you ordered the sport package and plan on having some fun, you might find that the additional $500 for the sport automatic is money well spent!
They should include it in the sports package... or is it included?
