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?

 

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...)

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

ACE- check Rudy's review of the SAT.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=42608&hl=550i

 

Yeah, that and the post break-in follow-up post (in the same thread) found here:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=&sho...st&p=456046

 

Wow. Awesome review. Thanks!

 

Get it, for only $500!

 

They should include it in the sports package... or is it included?