m5rocks

I've been thinking a lot about getting an E60 M5...primarily because of the V10 engine, so I finally decided to do a test drive and headed to my local bmw dealer who had one in stock. The sales guy was pretty nice so just handed me the keys and sat shotgun. First thing I noticed at startup is how horrible the engine sounds at cold/idle...it almost sounds like a diesel tractor.

Anywho, started making my way through the parking lot and along came a series of three speed bumps....i'm talking about those nasty small concrete ones: http://www.champion-america.com/medi...72d/39187L.jpg

The sales told me to really slow down for those...so I gently lifted off the accelerator a bit and the whole car jerked & slowed pretty badly and as I slowly tried to go over the bumps...the experience was anything but pleasant. Ironically, right then, the first thing that came to my mind was Jeremy Clarkson's top gear review: "....at slow speeds, it's dimwitted and jerky"...because thats exactly what I felt. Now, I did double-check the settings and I wasn't in M mode, the suspension and gear box settings were all normal too.

I thought that maybe the clutch needed re-calibration etc, so I asked the sales guy and he said that's just the way this car is. Now I'm wondering if this car is suitable at all for driving to/back from work at rush hour. What do you guys think, is this just the way SMG is? how is this car to drive during rush hour/stop-and-go traffic? I don't wanna come home everyday throwing up.

PS. Once I got on the main road...the car was definitely nice....although the salesguy didn't let me go over 5K.

jt1k

I just bougth my M5 6 weeks ago. New to the SMG transmission during the test drive didnt exactly know what to expect.....yes it was something I never felt before. Bought the car and it took a couple of weeks to get used to but I have no regrets and am so happy. I smile everytime I'm first to a light. I commute daily in it and its ok. On a open road its amazing no disappointments here. Good luck

IndyRedBeast

you need to get used to the SMG tranny, if you sat with me while driving you would never encounter any jerkiness. I've noticed that whenever i let a family member take my car for a spin while I'm sitting right beside them I just start to laugh, the car goes into "stupid" mode just like your saying very jerky and just dumb to drive. You really have to understand how SMG really works especially if you drive automatic mostly.

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m5rocks

One thing I was thinking after the test drive was that I could have just put it in second gear (manual mode) and use that when going over bumps or during rush hour...does that help? Or overtime, one just figures out how to feather the throttle?

Also, how much of a difference going over 5K rev makes? Is it like night and day...or a bit more power and noise?

bayerischemotor

I love the SMG.

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ohmy5

We've had ours for almost 2 months. It does just take time to adjust.

In automatic mode, I think if you're coming from
an automatic: you're not used the car really having to shift
a manual: you're not used to the car shifting on it's own schedule, not yours (you have to work together)

If I explained that well?!
Either way, time is all it takes and within some miles you'll be trucking along pretty good - this assuming you're a good driver to start


Also, if one more family member asks me to drive the car, then says "oh my car has this" (referencing their automatic slapstick sh*t, I'm gonna punch them )

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/// E60 M5 Silver Grey
/// E53 X5 4.4i
/// E46 323i :: sold
/// E46 540i :: 6spd, sold
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Rest of Stable
F350 Dually :: Banks kit, upgraded Turbo
F250 :: Daily
04 Jeep :: Daily, it sucks
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Edenhurst

The car comes alive beyond 5K. The salesman didn't do you any justice...

Cool Cat

Well in fact...the car comes alive beyond 6K
Not night and day...but Dr Jekill and Mr Hyde!!
Until 5K you feel you drive a (bad) common car..

m5rocks

I had a feeling there was more to it...I guess I need to find another guy and ask upfront if he/she is willing to let me touch 6K-7K

spyderbret

Plus you have the option of re-programming the trans software. Lots of rave reviews from those that have done it.....

WOW - SMG Euro Flash & other coding