Standard 6-Speed Trans vs. Steptronic
02-28-2008 | 09:04 PM
#11
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My Ride: 2005 545i, Black on Black, cold weather pkg, Logic 7 sound, steptronic.
Thanks for all the replies, I feel pretty good about moving forward but am going to do a test frive first. My big concern is the long shifts; unlike some of you grownups I'm actually still a stoplight racer 
.
Appreciate all the info.
.Appreciate all the info.
02-28-2008 | 09:23 PM
#12
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From: Anaheim, CA
My Ride: F13 M6
id say take it, but it really is personal preference. personally i would prefer the steptronic for convenience. since you mentioned you originally like manual over automatic, go for it 
02-28-2008 | 10:29 PM
#14
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From: Pittsburgh, PA USA
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
I agree that it's really all about personal preference. If you enjoy driving a manual and don't have the "wife factor" that forces many people into getting an automatic, then go for it. I've always had manuals until the SMG came out. Now, the only reason I chose the sport auto is that it's as close to the SMG as I could get (and I really do enjoy it.)
The step is a fantastic automatic so either way, the car will be fantastic. The only other thing to consider is whether or not you had your heart set on having active cruise control (with stop and go). If you wanted ACC, you can't get it on the manual car...
The step is a fantastic automatic so either way, the car will be fantastic. The only other thing to consider is whether or not you had your heart set on having active cruise control (with stop and go). If you wanted ACC, you can't get it on the manual car...
02-29-2008 | 07:26 AM
#15
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From: Miami
My Ride: 05 545/6
Originally Posted by DFWRaider' post='537599' date='Feb 29 2008, 12:04 AM
Thanks for all the replies, I feel pretty good about moving forward but am going to do a test frive first. My big concern is the long shifts; unlike some of you grownups I'm actually still a stoplight racer .
Appreciate all the info.
.Appreciate all the info.
I will buy stickshifts as long as they keep making 'em.
02-29-2008 | 08:14 AM
#16
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From: Boston, MA USA
Originally Posted by fvicente' post='537749' date='Feb 29 2008, 10:26 AM
FWIW, you can replace the shifter with either the shorter shifter from the 550 or a Z3 2.8 one for $50 and 30 mins of your time if you are mechanically inclined. I've done it to every single BMW I've owned (different model levers, of course, but the basics of the mechanism hasn't changed since the late 80s.)
I will buy stickshifts as long as they keep making 'em.
I will buy stickshifts as long as they keep making 'em.
However, the manual in my 04 545 - which I believe is the same as the manual in the 08 535 - was my least favorite from my five 5ers. The 08 550 Sport manual is significantly better (shorter) and closer to the benchmark E39.
As stated, elimination of the CDV and installation of a short-throw shift - both quite inexpensive - help a lot.
02-29-2008 | 08:22 AM
#17
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From: Vancouver, BC , Canada
My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
Driving them is a personal issue, the key issue I would consider is resale. The mass resale market discounts M/T pretty significantly..................... 
02-29-2008 | 05:11 PM
#18
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From: Colorado Springs
Originally Posted by DFWRaider' post='537485' date='Feb 28 2008, 05:28 PM
I know the BMW braintrust here can help me out.
I currently have a 2005 non-sport 545 and have ordered a 2008 535 sport with virtually every option offered (this is not a 535 v. 550 debate. I test drove both, loved both, and decided to get a 535 so I could load it up without needing to move into a smaller house. Plus the front line acceleration felt identical when I drove them, and both felt quicker than my 545).
Today I got a call from my sales rep telling me that my car was on the boat coming over, but he found out that the transmission in my car was erroneously ordered as a manual 6-speed instead of the steptronic that I had actually ordered. Apparently he wrote STP on the order, but the order entry person thought it was STD and ordered it as a 6-speed.
I'd like to get feedback from anyone here who has driven both the 6-speed manual and Steptronic. I've always liked manual better than automatic so my first thought is to go ahead and take delivery -- I was actually pretty jazzed when my sales rep told me of the issue -- but would like input from those with experience on both transmissions. What are your thoughts?
I currently have a 2005 non-sport 545 and have ordered a 2008 535 sport with virtually every option offered (this is not a 535 v. 550 debate. I test drove both, loved both, and decided to get a 535 so I could load it up without needing to move into a smaller house. Plus the front line acceleration felt identical when I drove them, and both felt quicker than my 545).
Today I got a call from my sales rep telling me that my car was on the boat coming over, but he found out that the transmission in my car was erroneously ordered as a manual 6-speed instead of the steptronic that I had actually ordered. Apparently he wrote STP on the order, but the order entry person thought it was STD and ordered it as a 6-speed.
I'd like to get feedback from anyone here who has driven both the 6-speed manual and Steptronic. I've always liked manual better than automatic so my first thought is to go ahead and take delivery -- I was actually pretty jazzed when my sales rep told me of the issue -- but would like input from those with experience on both transmissions. What are your thoughts?
03-01-2008 | 06:18 AM
#19
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I drive both on a daily basis, my personal car is a manual 535, and I work at the local dealership. I am biased toward manuals, but I must say the steptronic is among the better automatics I've driven.
I was not all that impressed with the shift feel of the stock unit. I am currently using a weighted, shorter (a little over an inch shorter than stock) shift knob from a ZHP E46 330 and am pleased with the improved feel and slightly shorter throw the shift knob provides.
I was not all that impressed with the shift feel of the stock unit. I am currently using a weighted, shorter (a little over an inch shorter than stock) shift knob from a ZHP E46 330 and am pleased with the improved feel and slightly shorter throw the shift knob provides.
03-01-2008 | 08:15 AM
#20
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From: Left Coast, USA
My Ride: 2008 535i, 6spd mtx, Monaco Blue w/Beige interior. Sport, Preimum, Logic 7/HD/I-Pod/USB, Nav sys, rear sunshade, HUD, PDC, Split seats,
I'm biased of course, and you should go with what works best for you, but I ordered the 6 speed manual and love it!! I personally feel it let's me harness/drive the car the way I want to (if that makes sense) and there are good "short-shift" kits that your BMW dealer can install for you.
You have a bit of leverage here since the dealer ordered the wrong vehicle and may not want to have stick in inventory (I had to order my '08 535i for that very reason..couldn't find a stick in stock anywhere). Get him to negotiate a bit off the price (and not just the diff between the auto price and the manual trans).
Good luck and you are going really like you new 535...it's a blast to drive!
You have a bit of leverage here since the dealer ordered the wrong vehicle and may not want to have stick in inventory (I had to order my '08 535i for that very reason..couldn't find a stick in stock anywhere). Get him to negotiate a bit off the price (and not just the diff between the auto price and the manual trans).
Good luck and you are going really like you new 535...it's a blast to drive!