Has anyone been worried about driving the beast at first??
I just got my car and love it! I am still kinda scared or even feel the sweats going for a 270hp car to a 507 and trust me you feel the difference.. I'm still getting usto driving the car in smg mode, one thing when I slow down should I downshift or let the computer do it by it self? My whole drive from Maryland to NJ was very thrilling especially going past about 20 officers :P. TEACH ME THE SMG SHIFTING
I just got my car and love it! I am still kinda scared or even feel the sweats going for a 270hp car to a 507 and trust me you feel the difference.. I'm still getting usto driving the car in smg mode, one thing when I slow down should I downshift or let the computer do it by it self? My whole drive from Maryland to NJ was very thrilling especially going past about 20 officers :P. TEACH ME THE SMG SHIFTING
Need to know if it's broken in or not ie. used or new.
If it's new then keep it in p400 and one of the slower shift settings like 3 or 4. Keep revs below 5500 and speed below 100mph. Change gears regularly even when cruising on the hwy.
If you are already past the 1,200mile service then set up your M-button to your daily drive wants. I personally like S5, P500, DSC on, EDC Normal (one light). I lift off the accelerator ever so slightly when changing gears most of the time. The only times I keep it pinned is when I'm changing at, or near to, redline.
D mode is very imprecise and the shift speeds below 5 I find somewhat jerky, as well as slow (they are good for break in though).
When slowing down I usually change down myself, just habit from being used to stick shift, but also prevents the engine from laboring. However, no damage will be done either way. The only time it feel natural to let it self-change is sometimes the 2-1 shift, but just get a feel for the car and see what feels best for you.
Enjoy the car and get used to the power and make sure road conditions are perfect before you even think about DSC off and S6.
Also, don't nervous. It's as docile as a pussy cat unless you want to unleash hell with your right foot.
I found that using the 500 but not the 500 Sport mode helps a lot- changes the daily drivability and makes is less terrifying when you give it a little gas around town.
Just be careful, this car really is a beast. You should check out the M driving experience, its free for new M owners. Otherwise get comfortable and ease into the power potential of this car, as Carl has referenced you'll need to limit rpm's during break in anyway.
When in SMG I almost always downshift, I don't want to be stuck between cog's and have to make an evasive maneuver. I also do not lift the throttle when up-shifting even though Tiff Needle said so , my car is an 08.
Plenty of time and lots of open roads ahead to get comfortable with your car, congrats!
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2008 M5/SMG
Space Gray/Indie Red Interior
Need to know if it's broken in or not ie. used or new.
If it's new then keep it in p400 and one of the slower shift settings like 3 or 4. Keep revs below 5500 and speed below 100mph. Change gears regularly even when cruising on the hwy.
Keeping it at P400 is not a strict requirement. It is fine to drive at P500 as long as revs are below the 5,500rpm as you wrote.
It is fine to let the computer down shift, as it is one its functions to ensure the engine is protected that way, if the driver does not do so. I like the engine's extra rev & sound when I down shift.
__________________ - MY08 E63 M6 Coupe, SMGIII, Individual Blue Onyx, Champagne Leather, Piano Black; new.
- MY06 E63 650i Coupe, Steptronic, Mineral Silver, Individual Platinum Leather, Walnut Amarone; new, gone, replaced by M6.
Last edited by Fahrenheit; 9th January 2009 at 04:59.
I worried about the power at first. Also didn't want any a-holes dinging my car and left it the garage too much the first couple of weeks.
Contrary to popular opinion: Don't worry about it! The M5 doesn't do much (other than providing the M experience complete with auditory, handling and comfort sensations) unless you rev the crap out of it. The M5 is a pussycat until about 6500 RPM. The torque output is limited enough to keep you from getting squirrely at all accidentally-you really have to try to get the car out of shape. It gets up to speed very very fast....but is easy to drive.
I let the computer downshift for me in town, but if I am approaching a corner I tell it what gear I want.
Never let the computer select the gear if you need to overtake using D (it usually picks the right gear, but way too late).
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2006 M5 black/black
1999 A4 1.8 winter beater
1989 Isuzu Impulse 2.6L turbo-397hp/414tq at the wheels
1984 1-ton van
Last edited by impulsoren; 9th January 2009 at 12:00.
I went from a 530i 2005 to the M5. It is a BIG difference, but just respect it, donīt be afraid! My seetings has been P400 S5 DSC on, but from now on, it will be P500S, S6 and EDC - Sport!
I think with 500hp, comes great respect so there is no doubt you have to remember that one thing. There is no need to really ever run this car at the limit unless you're racing yourself hahaha. This cars performance level is so high you should feel safe in the vehicle even during a hard turn and still leave others behind. Goodluck! It's a great learning experience driving has never been the same it really changed my life!
driving has never been the same it really changed my life! 
Linear Mode
