Advice needed, auto mode

[Vroom]

Hey gang, just wanted to see some discussion from those of you lucky enough to run around in these wonderful E60 M5 beasts. For the last 20 years, I've driven only auto transmission cars. Before that, did drive both manual and auto cars for about 4-5 years. My last 6 cars have been BMW 5 or 6 series, absolutely love BMW!

I am at a point where I am thinking about satisfying the urge to get the "real" ultimate driving machine, a new M5. I'm a little hesitant due to past problems like vanos line, red cog of death, etc. (yes I've been reading the board doing some homework), but I think I get past all of that due to the fixes and seemingly higher reliability of the 07 and 08 model year cars.

However, I need some guidance on the SMG. I know auto mode won't feel the same as a true automatic tranny, in fact I test drove both an M5 and M6 pretty extensively the last few weeks. Auto mode seemed acceptable, and I did play with manual paddle mode a little too. I'm just not sure if it's something that I will enjoy or learn to adapt with a vehicle I need to love and live with for at least 2-3 years. A test drive is one thing, every day for years is another thing

What do you guys and gals think? Since I know it's not a true auto, would I still be dissapointed using it most of the time? Will I rely more on manual paddle mode over time (and how long do you think such a transition would take?)? Or am I best to skip the E60 and wait for next generation M5 with DCT?

[Carl Lassiter]

Why wait for a new car? Test drive the 7-speed auto E63 AMG. It's a great car. Not quite as good handling and nowhere near as thrilling an engine but it turns in very similar numbers to our M5s. The E60 is designed to be driven in manual mode so I really would avid it if you're going to put it in D.

The next gen. M5 with DCT is a lot further away than two years. It won't be here for another three and then it'll be tough to get one at MSRP for the first year so I've factored owning this one for four more years and that's certainly fine by me.

So I say get the E63 if money isn't too much of an issue. Enjoy it for 3-4years and then come back home to the land of M.

Originally Posted by Vroom

Hey gang, just wanted to see some discussion from those of you lucky enough to run around in these wonderful E60 M5 beasts. For the last 20 years, I've driven only auto transmission cars. Before that, did drive both manual and auto cars for about 4-5 years. My last 6 cars have been BMW 5 or 6 series, absolutely love BMW!

I am at a point where I am thinking about satisfying the urge to get the "real" ultimate driving machine, a new M5. I'm a little hesitant due to past problems like vanos line, red cog of death, etc. (yes I've been reading the board doing some homework), but I think I get past all of that due to the fixes and seemingly higher reliability of the 07 and 08 model year cars.

However, I need some guidance on the SMG. I know auto mode won't feel the same as a true automatic tranny, in fact I test drove both an M5 and M6 pretty extensively the last few weeks. Auto mode seemed acceptable, and I did play with manual paddle mode a little too. I'm just not sure if it's something that I will enjoy or learn to adapt with a vehicle I need to love and live with for at least 2-3 years. A test drive is one thing, every day for years is another thing

What do you guys and gals think? Since I know it's not a true auto, would I still be dissapointed using it most of the time? Will I rely more on manual paddle mode over time (and how long do you think such a transition would take?)? Or am I best to skip the E60 and wait for next generation M5 with DSG?

[trol]

Well, I am one of those idiots who never learned to appreciate a true manual, yet I drive only in SMG manual mode (S6 to be precise) exclusively. Its very easy to learn and quite a blast compared to auto mode (on M5 and others).

[unfoundhorsepower]

Learn by dooooing...................you can't hurt it

[hnazar]

This car was not designed to be driven primarily in auto mode. In manual mode, it is AWESOME. My advice for you is to buy an S6 or AMG product.

[xraym5]

Originally Posted by Vroom

Hey gang, just wanted to see some discussion from those of you lucky enough to run around in these wonderful E60 M5 beasts. For the last 20 years, I've driven only auto transmission cars. Before that, did drive both manual and auto cars for about 4-5 years. My last 6 cars have been BMW 5 or 6 series, absolutely love BMW!

I am at a point where I am thinking about satisfying the urge to get the "real" ultimate driving machine, a new M5. I'm a little hesitant due to past problems like vanos line, red cog of death, etc. (yes I've been reading the board doing some homework), but I think I get past all of that due to the fixes and seemingly higher reliability of the 07 and 08 model year cars.

However, I need some guidance on the SMG. I know auto mode won't feel the same as a true automatic tranny, in fact I test drove both an M5 and M6 pretty extensively the last few weeks. Auto mode seemed acceptable, and I did play with manual paddle mode a little too. I'm just not sure if it's something that I will enjoy or learn to adapt with a vehicle I need to love and live with for at least 2-3 years. A test drive is one thing, every day for years is another thing

What do you guys and gals think? Since I know it's not a true auto, would I still be dissapointed using it most of the time? Will I rely more on manual paddle mode over time (and how long do you think such a transition would take?)? Or am I best to skip the E60 and wait for next generation M5 with DCT?

I was a bit apprehensive about the SMG at first, having driven "slush boxes" for many years after manuals. I didn't want a conventional manual do to stop and go traffic and highway traffic jams, but at the same time I wanted something more exciting than an automatic. SMG is the perfect compromise, though I never drive it in D mode. It took a little time to adapt to, but it feels more than natural now. I may be in the minority here, but my favorite thing about my M5 is the SMG (as I duck to avoid Ashok's flame torch).

[BMWNTHZST]

Definitely manual mode for me. I only used the auto mode (wife mode) once. As far as the paddle shifting goes I use it but not that often. I'm having a hard time kicking the old habit of the manual shifting (as in the E39 M5), 98% of the time I use the center console shifter.

SMG took all of 5 - 7 days to figure out which of the 11 different driving settings worked the best for me. As I'm sure other members will attest to, hit the "M" button (once you have programmed it properly in i-drive) and WHAM you got 500hp in S6 mode. Man what a great feeling

Good luck with your decision.

[Respect the M]

Originally Posted by hnazar

This car was not designed to be driven primarily in auto mode. In manual mode, it is AWESOME. My advice for you is to buy an S6 or AMG product.

You said it maan

[dkstone]

your money buy the car and drive however you like to, it has auto and manual so that you can choose.

[glowrider]

5-7 days? Take the car our to an open area, drive it for an hour or two and you'll be good to go. The more you get used to it, the smoother it will be. Start in the slower modes, then move up to S3/4/5/6 and it will shift faster and easier.

When you learn how to heal-toe properly, then you'll be smooth as silk whether you are up- or down-shifting.

[aznronin]

i only drive in auto mode sometimes in the morning when i'm getting my peets coffee fix before i hit the office.