jyeh74

Those that ahve the manual 6 speed m5, I'd like to get your feedback. I know SMG is better performance, but I would say that stick is imperative feature for a performance car. Thoughts?

DrLev99

This manual gearbox on the E60 M5 was taken from the E39 M5 and was not made specific for this car. SMG was made for the E60 M5 specifically, and I think if you drive both, you will see why. I was hesitant at first, and drove both, however the SMG is by far the better choice. Drive and see!

jyeh74

drlev99, how different do you mean? Is the 6 speed not smooth?

DrLev99

In my opinion, the 6-speed was clunky with long throws. I didn't enjoy the test drive in the manual M5 nearly as much as the SMG test drive. I found myself more worried about getting the shifts right and couldn't concentrate on the driving experience as much.

The SMG was like driving an entirely different car...way more fun. Anyone who owns an SMG will tell you they don't regret getting it. The 6-sp is actually considered an "option" in this car and came out AFTER the SMG did. When you drive each, you'll see what I mean. Having a car with a clutch but without the clutch pedal, and having a computer do the clutching and rev-matching for you is something you have to experience for yourself.

Roleez

I feel the same way DrLev99 does. I had my heart set on a 6MT having driven nothing but manuals since I was 16. I went on several test drives of both the 6MT and SMG and for some reason that I STILL can't explain, the SMG test drives made me smile so hard it hurt! The throws on the 6MT were just like my old 550 6MT ... long. I wish it had the short throws of the new M3. Perhaps that could have persuaded me to lean toward the M5 6MT. Overall, both transmissions were great. With the SMG you get quicker shift times and more adjustability. But you forgo being able to rev up on someone with your clutch pedal down when in 1st gear. (With the SMG, you have to shift to N, do your infamous V10 revs, step on the brake, and re-engage first. Too cumbersome when you want to intimidate).

jyeh74

I think with SMG, the car still rolls back.

Roleez

That is correct. An M5 with SMG will still roll back like a 6MT M5 would. Both cars, however, won't roll back if Brake Hold is activated on an incline and the car is held in place for 2 seconds by the brakes.

jyeh74

yah, I remember testing the smg on a flat road and it rolled back......weird.

DrLev99

Why is this weird? The SMG transmission is basically a manual transmission...and even on the slightest incline, it will still roll back, but only after a few seconds, after the brake assist lets off....like Roleez stated.

Are you considering an M5 or what?

jyeh74

Dr.lev99, yes I am, looking at the 06 m5 (since you can get them 50k-60k) Ridiculous how much they have dropped in only 2 yrs. But I'm debating that or the new m3. I like manual, and the new m3 has a better 6 speed from the m5's from what everyone tells me. I havent found a manual m5 to test yet.

By the way, I heard the m3 does not have front bumper parking sensors, only rear parking sensors. Does the m5 have both from and back parking sensors?