2001 B10 3.3 Switchtronic - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

dscam · 11th September 2009, 20:46

Chaps,

I've found some useful insight on the 3.3 and B10 generally using the search function but wondered if any of you might share your experiences of the Switchtronic 'box version of this (or other) Alpina's. Is it generally robust and reliable? What to look out for?

I know manual v auto of any kind can be very subjective but is one a clear poor relation to the other, or is it just personal preference?

Cheers,
Duncan

Simonal · 12th September 2009, 16:46

Hi Duncan

I think it comes down to personal preference.

There are bonus' in both setups.

The manual is a great drive with the obvious full control of the transmission. But do not right off the Switchtronic which offers a slightly different blend with a great deal of convenience, you still have full control - engine braking, full throttle acceloration through the gears but you get the option of not having to control the clutch and when you get very lazy you can use full automatic mode which all the car to take more of the strain.

I think it comes down to the type of driving that you do if your mix is A and B roads with some motorway and less of slipt of town driving then Manual may be the way to go, but if your mix is a little more town driving and stop-start motoring along with motorway and then some A and B roads mixed in then I think the decision may swing more towards Switchtronic.

The think to remember is that Switchtronic has a number of options that are not normally associated with automatics. In Switchtronic mode you can hold gears until the red line which gives you maximum performance in all gears - the system is only programmed to change up or down at the extremes of the rev range. You also get engine braking just like you would in a manual but in addition to this you have a a fully automatic car when you use the standard mode which on our crowded roads gives you great flexability.

But that is just my opinion on things I am sure others will have other thoughts.

Cheers

Simon

dscam · 12th September 2009, 19:59

Simon,

Great info and thanks for posting. I hadn't appreciated that the box permitted engine braking and redline acceleration and this certainly looks to be an appealing option when combined with the fully automatic function I'd expected.

You are right that it's probably down to preference and how the car will be used but since I've no strong feelings either way I was just interested to hear if there were any major downsides over a manual or indeed known faults to look out for.

Really appreciate your info on this,

Duncan

Simonal · 13th September 2009, 19:22

You are welcome please excuse my spelling mistakes though

and too late to edit the post oh well.