Steptronic VS Manual
03-02-2006, 02:32 PM
#21
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I have a manual, and really enjoy it, but the truth is, the auto is probably faster for most drivers. Even when the so-called experts run 'em, the times are almost identical (manual maybe 0.1 sec. faster to 60mph).
Also, the auto gets better gas mileage than both the manual and SMG - at least that's what the EPA ratings suggest. Why? Can anyone confirm the difference in real world driving?
Also, the auto gets better gas mileage than both the manual and SMG - at least that's what the EPA ratings suggest. Why? Can anyone confirm the difference in real world driving?
03-02-2006, 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by TXPearl' post='248842' date='Mar 2 2006, 06:32 PM
I have a manual, and really enjoy it, but the truth is, the auto is probably faster for most drivers. Even when the so-called experts run 'em, the times are almost identical (manual maybe 0.1 sec. faster to 60mph).
Also, the auto gets better gas mileage than both the manual and SMG - at least that's what the EPA ratings suggest. Why? Can anyone confirm the difference in real world driving?
Also, the auto gets better gas mileage than both the manual and SMG - at least that's what the EPA ratings suggest. Why? Can anyone confirm the difference in real world driving?
03-02-2006, 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by needforspeed' post='248357' date='Mar 2 2006, 06:02 AM
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.
03-02-2006, 08:57 PM
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My Ride: 2012 535i M Sport Package
Very happy with the Steptronic 
Every once in a while I drive using the manual mode, which gives you a little taste of the manual experience 
Every once in a while I drive using the manual mode, which gives you a little taste of the manual experience
03-03-2006, 03:29 AM
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My Ride: 2001 BMW 316ti, 2004 BMW 530d, 2006 BMW 530xd, 2013 BMW 320d touring, 2014 BMW 520d touring, 2016 BMW X5, 2020 BMW 320da touring, 2020 BMW 540i
Model Year: 1974
Engine: Flat six
I don't like the auto gear box.
I think the BMW manual gear box it's one of the best in the world.
The auto it's ok in city or highway but just forget it on secondary roads, and the software problems ... and the confusion changing gears sometimes.... and the real increasing of consumption around 1.5/2 liters... one of the reasons i'm not getting a 535d.
I think the BMW manual gear box it's one of the best in the world.
The auto it's ok in city or highway but just forget it on secondary roads, and the software problems ... and the confusion changing gears sometimes.... and the real increasing of consumption around 1.5/2 liters... one of the reasons i'm not getting a 535d.
03-03-2006, 04:46 AM
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My Ride: 2006 550i Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood Trim, Cold Weather Package, Premium Sound Package, Sport Package, Steptronic, Navigation, Electric Rear Sunshades, Heated Rear Seats, Sirius Radio
I had little choice is I need my wife to drive my car on ocassion. I do miss the feel of control I had with my M3 SMGII at times. But when I'm drinking coffee, which is common, it is nice to not have to shift. I find the 6 speed Step a big improvement over the 5 speed Step I had in my 01 530i.
03-03-2006, 05:04 AM
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Originally Posted by darkside' post='249165' date='Mar 3 2006, 01:46 PM
I had little choice is I need my wife to drive my car on ocassion. I do miss the feel of control I had with my M3 SMGII at times. But when I'm drinking coffee, which is common, it is nice to not have to shift. I find the 6 speed Step a big improvement over the 5 speed Step I had in my 01 530i.
Slowing for a roundabout at about 25mph with a mini cooper s works right next to me (he's also playing a bit and he pops straight accross) guy in a jag is coming round the roundabout so I could either give way or floor it.
As the road beyond the roundabout is 40mph I chose to floor it and ....
The auto drops down at least 2 gears and revs up to 4,500rpm.
Cue 0.5 second delay then rocket ship lift off, wheelspin and loads of engine noise.....
and after all that, I'm still level with the mini cooper
I love the convenience of the auto, but quite often it makes makes a bit of a fuss and leaves you looking silly.
03-03-2006, 05:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Tuga' post='249153' date='Mar 3 2006, 07:29 AM
I don't like the auto gear box.
I think the BMW manual gear box it's one of the best in the world.
The auto it's ok in city or highway but just forget it on secondary roads, and the software problems ... and the confusion changing gears sometimes.... and the real increasing of consumption around 1.5/2 liters... one of the reasons i'm not getting a 535d.
I think the BMW manual gear box it's one of the best in the world.
The auto it's ok in city or highway but just forget it on secondary roads, and the software problems ... and the confusion changing gears sometimes.... and the real increasing of consumption around 1.5/2 liters... one of the reasons i'm not getting a 535d.
Software problems: it's like saying forget bmw.
Engine problems, gearbox problems and so on....are most of them because of the software. I for one don't agree with that. I have steptronic and i've drivven it in any possible manner at every possible speed. Never went wrong...NEVER!Agree it has a higher consumption but it's ok, as if you want more comfort. It's not like it's such a big increase. Manual could not be opted on the 535d because the huge toruqe would have probably destroyed the clutch in a few weeks. Actually i agree that the steptronic changes most of the time faster than a normal driver. And more of that i didn't buy a 5 series only for mountain roads or secondary. If you drive in town ht manual will kill you especially at rush hour and if you are a bit tired. What about 1500-1700km in a single trip?
03-03-2006, 07:51 AM
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My Ride: 2001 BMW 316ti, 2004 BMW 530d, 2006 BMW 530xd, 2013 BMW 320d touring, 2014 BMW 520d touring, 2016 BMW X5, 2020 BMW 320da touring, 2020 BMW 540i
Model Year: 1974
Engine: Flat six
It's just a question of prefering the manual gearbox !
I have a 730d E65 at home with 185.000 kms at the moment and i know very well what's the feeling of driving with an auto gear box.
And i must say i prefer the manual gearbox on the 5 series!
In the 7 series the auto for sure but the 5 series it's a sporty feeling car.
Just me.... the same for a Porsche 911, Ferrari, Corvette C6 with auto box.... never with auto box....
I have a 730d E65 at home with 185.000 kms at the moment and i know very well what's the feeling of driving with an auto gear box.
And i must say i prefer the manual gearbox on the 5 series!
In the 7 series the auto for sure but the 5 series it's a sporty feeling car.
Just me.... the same for a Porsche 911, Ferrari, Corvette C6 with auto box.... never with auto box....
03-03-2006, 08:14 AM
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Originally Posted by UUronL' post='248689' date='Mar 2 2006, 03:25 PM
There is nothing more "BMW" than an inline 6 bolted to a manual transmission driving the rear wheels.
I couldn't agree more. Given an option, the slush box has never crossed my mind when buying a new BMW. I've owned autos but it most cases it was my only option at the time. But I'll have to admit it, that the SMG did cross my mind. I just don't think I'm ready for it yet either. Or maybe it's not ready for me.
The auto's are nice but don't last as long, use more fuel, and they're not as fun to drive -- Unless your drive is 50 miles of stop and go traffic.