M5 Automatic SMG
08-19-2005, 06:09 PM
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Hey im new to the forum and im considering an M5 for my next car. I was just wondering if there is a fully automatic mode on the SMG gearbox. I was talking to some people and some say that the SMG gearbox automaticly downshifts but it cant upshift. I figured that you guys would know so if you would please tell me it would be greatly appretiated.
Thanks
, Ron
Thanks
, Ron
08-19-2005, 06:51 PM
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Hey Ron, welcome to the forums. Any relation to Dan? (as in Dantheman) 
I'm pretty sure the SMG gearbox on the M5 has an automatic mode since it has something like 11 total modes. Keep in mind that the automatic modes don't work as well as a true automatic transmission but with some practice, you can learn to drive it pretty well. I think you'll soon find that almost all SMG owners don't use the automatic mode very often.
One thing to keep clear is that automatic mode is just that -- a fully automatic mode that upshifts and downshifts automatically. Unlike automatic mode where downshifts can occur under heavy acceleration, an SMG transmission driven in manual mode will only downshift automatically when the car's speed is too slow for the current gear. It will never downshift even if you floor the gas pedal to the kickdown switch. Also, manual mode will not upshift -- even at redline.
Hope that clears things up for you. I'm sure one of our M5 owners can add more information if I missed anything -- I really only have experience with the SMG on the non-M 5 series cars...
I'm pretty sure the SMG gearbox on the M5 has an automatic mode since it has something like 11 total modes. Keep in mind that the automatic modes don't work as well as a true automatic transmission but with some practice, you can learn to drive it pretty well. I think you'll soon find that almost all SMG owners don't use the automatic mode very often.
One thing to keep clear is that automatic mode is just that -- a fully automatic mode that upshifts and downshifts automatically. Unlike automatic mode where downshifts can occur under heavy acceleration, an SMG transmission driven in manual mode will only downshift automatically when the car's speed is too slow for the current gear. It will never downshift even if you floor the gas pedal to the kickdown switch. Also, manual mode will not upshift -- even at redline.
Hope that clears things up for you. I'm sure one of our M5 owners can add more information if I missed anything -- I really only have experience with the SMG on the non-M 5 series cars...
08-19-2005, 07:44 PM
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The E60 M5 does have a fully 'automatic' mode that upshifts and downshifts for you, no paddle shifting necessary. It is evidently quite a bit rougher than a true automatic, but useful for certain situations.
08-24-2005, 09:35 PM
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...I think you'll soon find that almost all SMG owners don't use the automatic mode very often.
Except for me
The sole auto-mode-using SMG driver.
...an SMG transmission driven in manual mode will only downshift automatically when the car's speed is too slow for the current gear. It will never downshift even if you floor the gas pedal to the kickdown switch.
Unless you are in Automatic mode, then it will downshift a couple of gears when you mash the go pedal.
Except for me
The sole auto-mode-using SMG driver....an SMG transmission driven in manual mode will only downshift automatically when the car's speed is too slow for the current gear. It will never downshift even if you floor the gas pedal to the kickdown switch.
Unless you are in Automatic mode, then it will downshift a couple of gears when you mash the go pedal.
08-25-2005, 03:58 AM
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2003 M3, Dakar Yellow, SMG
Originally Posted by Rudy' date='Aug 19 2005, 10:51 PM
Hey Ron, welcome to the forums.? Any relation to Dan? (as in Dantheman)
I'm pretty sure the SMG gearbox on the M5 has an automatic mode since it has something like 11 total modes.? Keep in mind that the automatic modes don't work as well as a true automatic transmission but with some practice, you can learn to drive it pretty well.? I think you'll soon find that almost all SMG owners don't use the automatic mode very often.
One thing to keep clear is that automatic mode is just that -- a fully automatic mode that upshifts and downshifts automatically.? Unlike automatic mode where downshifts can occur under heavy acceleration, an SMG transmission driven in manual mode will only downshift automatically when the car's speed is too slow for the current gear.? It will never downshift even if you floor the gas pedal to the kickdown switch.? Also, manual mode will not upshift -- even at redline.
Hope that clears things up for you.? I'm sure one of our M5 owners can add more information if I missed anything -- I really only have experience with the SMG on the non-M 5 series cars...
I'm pretty sure the SMG gearbox on the M5 has an automatic mode since it has something like 11 total modes.? Keep in mind that the automatic modes don't work as well as a true automatic transmission but with some practice, you can learn to drive it pretty well.? I think you'll soon find that almost all SMG owners don't use the automatic mode very often.
One thing to keep clear is that automatic mode is just that -- a fully automatic mode that upshifts and downshifts automatically.? Unlike automatic mode where downshifts can occur under heavy acceleration, an SMG transmission driven in manual mode will only downshift automatically when the car's speed is too slow for the current gear.? It will never downshift even if you floor the gas pedal to the kickdown switch.? Also, manual mode will not upshift -- even at redline.
Hope that clears things up for you.? I'm sure one of our M5 owners can add more information if I missed anything -- I really only have experience with the SMG on the non-M 5 series cars...
[snapback]161304[/snapback]
I have SMG on my 2003 M3, and the above accurately describes that SMG. I have also heard that the auto mode for the SMG on the M5 will be smoother than the one on the M3.
08-25-2005, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by BetterMakeWay' date='Aug 25 2005, 07:17 PM
IMO the SMG is the best gearbox there is...just the opinion of a bimmer fan!
[snapback]163369[/snapback]
09-05-2005, 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by wolverine' date='Aug 19 2005, 10:44 PM
The E60 M5 does have a fully 'automatic' mode that upshifts and downshifts for you, no paddle shifting necessary.? It is evidently quite a bit rougher than a true automatic, but useful for certain situations.
[snapback]161315[/snapback]
Do you have to change any settings to be in full auto mode?
09-06-2005, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by indonesianm5' date='Sep 5 2005, 11:29 PM
[quote name='wolverine' date='Aug 19 2005, 10:44 PM']The E60 M5 does have a fully 'automatic' mode that upshifts and downshifts for you, no paddle shifting necessary.? It is evidently quite a bit rougher than a true automatic, but useful for certain situations.
[snapback]161315[/snapback]
Do you have to change any settings to be in full auto mode?
[snapback]167331[/snapback]
[/quote]Well it works almost like the Step in that regard. It is simply put in the "D" mode or Drive mode. Operates just like an Auto box with automatic upshifts and downshifts.
Checkout this thread for the M5 owners manual
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=15006
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