Well since I have a 550i and my brother is used to the really smooth shifts and all, even in the DS and streptronic, he was pretty disappointed with the jerky gear shifting of the m5 he sat in. My friend and brother test drove it and both were pretty surprised about the shifting. I mean its a great car and all but is it REALLY that jerky a ride in DS with sports mode on or was something wrong with the car they drove

 

Assuming that the M5 your friend and your bother test drove had an SMG transmission, the jerky shifts may be aided to an extent by never lifting the foot of the gas during shifts. This gearbox was specifically designed to shift without the driver backing of the gas pedal during shifts and I've heard reports that shift are smoother when you keep your foot planted.

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the car you tested, the problem is behind the steering wheel! SMG = sequential Manual gearbox, and the experience is exactly like a traditional manual without the need to press the third pedal. The automated mode is NOT meant to be used to drive the car, it is very very jerky because there is no torque converter. If you are looking for an auto, do not look at the M, it will never feel anything like the step in your 550, though experience in driving the smg as designed, ie manual shifting, will allow very smooth shifts IF YOU CHOOSE. I say that because civility and smooth shifts are not what you expect or desire from a street legal race car hidden in the body of a saloon...if you step behind the wheel of a ferrari, do you expect a smooth automatic, or do u expect pure RAW power that is most certainly felt with each and everyshift?? M5 is for serious driving, not smooth luxury cruising, its a decision that should be made with full knowledge and understanding before purchase or you are bound to be disappointed...

 

There's a learning curve.

 

My learning curve was steep. It was get in, step on gas pedal and try not to get a stiffie like the previous poster said when u buy this car you know what you're getting into and it's "more astonishing than anything you've ever driven"

 

The jerkiness won't be as dramatic as the experience builds. Don't expect buttery smooth shifts like a slushbox automatic transmission. This is a manual transmission and will perform as such. As stated above, the experience is undeniably wicked when driven correctly!

 

Trust me, after the first day or two, you will forget about the jerkyness, the creaking seals, the quality of the radio, and everything else that might bother you in another car, or the 550 for that matter,
the M5 experience is out of this world compared to the 550.