Quote:
Originally Posted by mockbam5
Lets just say it went from 65 to X4X in just a blink of an eye and back just as fast. This was on a straight clear road. The handling is perfect at high speeds, and I'm still trying to get usto the shifting. It seems p400 at S3 seems to be very smooth at low speeds. I do have to say in traffic I'm just gonna keep her in automatic, as it seems my car is only delayed in switching gears and it doesn't kick back. I am 100% aware of what this car can do and thats why I will drive this car with respect. I seemed to have a problem keeping the car below 75mph and had to teach my self to drive "slow" since you dont feel the speed.
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Welcome to the M Club!
Have you owned other high-performance and/or manual transmission cars?
Respecting the ease at which the M5 will gain speed and the lack of external feedback of high speed is something you'll learn. The car will accelerate from 0-150 mph in < 21 seconds and feels more stable at 160 than most cars at 60.
The SMG is a manual transmission, if you've owned other manuals, the following will make better sense.
The delay you experience during shifts is the car 1.) activating the clutch, 2.) shifting gears and 3.) releasing the clutch. You can click the paddles or shifter faster than the clutch can be manipulated.
Auto mode adds additional twists. The car's CPU tries to anticipate when gear shifts will be needed, unfortunately the predictive clutch software doesn't do as good a job as you can, especially at low speeds, it can be jerky. You see the upcoming stop sign and know you'll need 1st gear, the car won't know until it completely stops.
The predictive software also tries to determine if you're trying to accelerate in a performance or economy manner. You might either find the engine spinning at 6,000 rpm in 2nd gear or lugging along in 6th gear at 40 mph.
I've found auto mode is smoothest when I drive in an easy and predictive manner. The computer actually learns your driving style, to a degree, and will get better as time passes.
In other situations manual mode will be smoother and most M drivers eventually use it most of the time.
Using P400 and leaving traction control engaged are great ideas during the learning process. I normally leave the "electric nannies" on during street driving, because of the unexpected behavior of other drivers. Attending a DE (driver's education), M Experience or other driving school will greatly help accelerate the learning process.
Other drivers will try and race you. Avoid the temptation until you're comfortable with the car. I prefer track events for going fast. I know the other drivers are sober, have a higher level of training and ability or they wouldn't be there, I won't find mattresses lying in the road and no law enforcement filling quotas.
Enjoy your beast.
Epiphany
Linear Mode
