Had an X5 with manual, however, the ride was awfull! The car would hesitate/stumble on almost every take-off from a standstill and do the same when changing lower gears.

After two years of fighting with the service department I switched to an 530i A


Now waiting to pick up a 545i ED, ordered with Steptronic but am wondering if I should switch to manual (missing the extra work). Has anyone experienced shifting problems with the 545i?

 

Should have removed the CDV, i plan on doing it.

 

REMOVE the CDV!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before removal, it was impossible to make a clean start, shift from 1 to 2 or from 2 to 3. I have never myslef owned an auto, and my the clutch on my 190D was still within spec after 250kmi, yet I thought it was me.

This board led me to the CDV. I had it replaced with the dummy CDV from Z Racing on Wednesday. It is a different car. I cannot wait to start, shift from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3. It's like it is supposed to be.

NOTE TO BMW: Dump the CDV, Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

i'm sure some of us have the same question for you, "why not smg?"

 

Would love to get the SMG, but do not want the sport package and don't want to spend the $3,000 to get the SMG.

Had a 528iT and X5 with sport package and the ride was just too bumpy here in Michigan!

Also went through the tires way too fast.

 

i think smg doesn't cost anything in my05 545. you don't need sport pkg in order to get smg. please correct me if i'm wrong.

 

SMG is available in '05 as a no cost option but requires the sport package on the 545. It is optional on the 530 without the sport package, but it is not free.

 

i just checked and you are half right . you also need sport pkg in order to get smg on a 530.

 

Does one need the sport package to get manual transmission as well, on the BMW web site there is no 545i option for "manual"?