What no more SMG???
01-11-2007, 08:34 AM
#21
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Originally Posted by dlevi67' post='376896' date='Jan 11 2007, 12:25 PM
Perhaps cost, complexity and reliability ("red cog of death" on M5) may also have something to do with it?
Well, the SMG originally had a few benefits over regular transmissions - direct connection to the engine, fast shifts, direct access for gear changes.
From the sound of the descriptions, BMW has re-engineered the torque converter (the thing that sits between the engine and an automatic transmission) to make the connection "more direct". The original marketing for the transmission a year ago stated this more clearly - now it says "direct connection to the engine" and in the next breath "torque converter". I guess they leave it up to the reader to understand the two are mutually exclusive...
Anyway, there's a good chance that BMW was able to take what they learned with the SMG and put -most- of the benefits that system had with regard to performance into this newer transmission while leaving out the faults and drawbacks of the SMG system. Not to mention it would be easier to live with for people who really want an automatic. I think it will probably be a good transmission.
01-11-2007, 08:35 AM
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My Ride: 2013 535i (White with Oyster Interior. Premium Package, Navigation, Technology Pacakge, Park Distance Control, and Rear View Camera)
SMG = Auto
Maybe paddles shift will become standard with Auto. It won't afftect your resale value, because no one really cares that much when buying a used car.
Maybe paddles shift will become standard with Auto. It won't afftect your resale value, because no one really cares that much when buying a used car.
01-11-2007, 08:38 AM
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Originally Posted by katheikia' post='376894' date='Jan 11 2007, 06:20 PM
Yes, paddles are standard with SMG.
01-11-2007, 08:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Freewilly' post='376904' date='Jan 11 2007, 12:35 PM
SMG = Auto
Well, technically speaking... no it isn't. In a practical sense, it's not the same either. Try driving one for an hour in stop-and-go bumper-to-bumper traffic like you would drive an automatic car...
01-11-2007, 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by aybeesea' post='376913' date='Jan 11 2007, 11:48 AM
Doesn't the "M" stand for Manual?
ABC
ABC
01-11-2007, 08:59 AM
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I agree that the new standard transmission sounds just like the one in the new 3 series - which is a great piece of work. But I suspect that the sport auto is more than just the std trans with paddles slapped on the steering wheel. Otherwise, why the 3 month delay?Let's keep digging around for more details ... it's possible that this sport auto could be more like Audi's S Tronic (DSG).
01-11-2007, 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by JDN' post='376917' date='Jan 11 2007, 05:55 PM
Yes, but the auto has had a manual sequence for a while. This just gives it the paddle shift option which adds flexibility.
ABC
01-11-2007, 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by aybeesea' post='376926' date='Jan 11 2007, 01:09 PM
Doesn't a torque converter and clutch differentiate the two types of gearbox?
ABC
ABC
Correct. SMG does not = Auto.
My suspicion is that SMG equipped 5 series were not selling well enough in the US markets to justify keeping the option. I would partially blame this fact on misinformation given by dealers, and other people who don't understand the concept. For example.... my dealer warned me before buying my SMG. He said: "The shifts are rough." Well, this is not exactly true. The shifts are only rough if you don't shift correctly. Would the dealer be correct if he said a 6-speed manual has rough shifts? Of course not. It depends on the driver's skill. Well, the SMG is the same way. A skilled driver can make it shift smooth as silk.
Granted, it takes less skill to operate an SMG than a 6-speed manual.... but it takes skill regardless.
I was actually considering whether to keep my 2005 545i, or sell it and get the 550i restyled. Well, this makes my decision simple. Gonna keep my SMG.