BLE60

I have not been able to choose to go with steptronic or manual. At first I was set on a Manual, now I question that choice. What do you guys think? Pros and Cons Please...

rlinger

we need to know where you live.
stop and go traffic is the major consideration -- plus if you have a spouse that you would let drive your car -- can she/he drive a manual?
l8tr

MaTRiX

I would think steptronic ? As it compares to the SMG somewhat and has faster shift times than a proper manual. But not sure.

colejl

Personally steptronic but it does waste fuel unless you do lots of long-distance travel and ironically defeats the object I guess! Round town it's great but I do sometimes miss the 'control' but the manual function of the steptronic satisfies me most of the time

Berlin.BMER

in the day-to-day traffic, automatic just cannot be beat! but driving a stick also has that fun factor I chose auto and am very happy with BMW's steptronic

needforspeed

We also need to know what car you plan to buy.

I was a DEDICATED despiser of automatic gearboxes, because:

1. I enjoy an engaging driving experience and changing gear is part of this.
2. I want to be in control.
3. Automatic cars are (usually - with the exception of SMG / DSG etc..) slower and less economic than manuals (because people are better at changing gear).

In short, why would I want something that removes me from the driving experience, slows the car down and burns more fuel in the process?

However, when I spoke to dealers about finding a manual car secondhand they ALL told me to forget it, because in the UK owners of the e60 generally want the 'luxury' of an auto and without it resale values drop significantly.

BUT.. the most important factor is the engine / car choice. If you are getting a 520 / 520d then the auto will take the edge of performance, but with a 530 / 530d there is enough power that you wouldn't care.

I also think that, as you go toward the more extreme performance oriented options (550i / 535d / M5) a bit more control makes sense (but I think most people want steering wheel paddles rather than a trad gearbox).

Let us know what you decide - choosing is half the fun !

artfromspain2004

I did prefer steptronic cause I was up to my b... of manual. Look, if you drive in town... steptronic. and if you drive in road steptronic as well. Think that you have not to touch gear in road anytime so, steptronic.

wmbiii

I'm in the same boat BLE60. I love the feel and sounds of 6spd, and really miss it with my 2002 530i. That's why I am likely ordering stick in 2007 550i. The dealer told me that I will lose a LOT of resale value if I order manual as most luxury car owners don't want stick. My thinking is in 4 years when I'm looking toward next BMW I'll actually have an advantage when selling as there will be so few manuals available. In reality, Step would be better for the wife and my daily driving, but if I get it, I know I'll always regret not being able to feel and hear the full effects of the 4.8 liter 360 horsepower. That is the deciding factor for me at the end of the day.

Fin535dA

Numa numa iei

I'd prefer manual too. However, choosing between a manual transmission and an automatic transmission is actually quite insignificant in terms of acceleration nowadays, which is a good thing The only true thing that really matters is the aforementioned "being in control" feel.

znod

If you are interested in straight-line performance, then go here.