Too All,
I am really confused about my pending 550i purschase. Auto or SMG? Sure the auto is great, buttery smooth. However, I thought if BMW believes in it strongly enough to introduce the M5 with it, it must be good to go. However, I am getting persuasive information against SMG.
The first time I drove SMG was in a 03 M3. I hated it. It was jerky through every gear-even in auto mode. The salesman explained that BMW purposely wanted it jerky to give non-manual drivers the sensation of a manual. What did he know? I told him that made no sense and that I could shift manually smoother than the SMG. A month later I drove an E60 w/ SMG and once the owner demonstrated it properly - I was shifting smooth and quick. Rather entertaining at the same time.
However, two or three dealers that I have talked to have talked me out of the SMG. The BMW dealership in Glendale, CA flat out said they would rather loose my business than order me an SMG. They claim that they had to buy a few of them back due to transmission failure. The dealership in Long Beach, CA told me to avoid the SMG and "strongely" recommended against it. The third dealership didn't have an opinion.
So what is the real deal? Is this a flute or a problem prone? And while we're on the subject - does SMG get old after a while?
Thanks
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| Reply » SMG E60 What's the Real Deal? Please Advise |
Please do a search in the E60 forum only (Pick Advanced Search under the Search button) on "SMG" and you can read up on plenty of stuff to help you with your decision.
I'm glad you had someone who knows something about the tranny show you how to use it. There certainly is a learning curve with this tranny. Once you learn it, you will love it as I did in my 545i.
The only reason I am skipping on my '07 550i is because of the cost (GGT = $1300) and because it will mostly be my wife's car. If there was no GGT on it, I'd be ordering it period.
Sounds like you have some soul-searching to do...good luck! 
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| Reply » SMG E60 What's the Real Deal? Please Advise |
For me, it was between SMG and a manual. My dealer also advised me not to get the SMG. The SMG in the 550i (an all non "M" cars) is scaled down. It does not have the 11 or 12 modes available in the M series. I was also told that the shifts do produce a bit of a jerk. For, me I choose the manual. The full auto is very smooth and you have enough power to deal with anything. Just my two cents.
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| Reply » SMG E60 What's the Real Deal? Please Advise |
Depends on whether your are looking for more sport or more luxury.
Dan M3, EXACTLY why I went full manual.
I love the M-SMG box with all the modes, but the SMG in the reg cars feels just like Step with paddles, IMHO. If that works for you awesome.
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| Reply » SMG E60 What's the Real Deal? Please Advise |
The new SMG is much better than the SMG in the 03 M3 you drove - but it is NOT the same as the SMG in the current M5.
I recently came back from the BMW peformance track where I drove the SMG in the M3, the M5 and the 650. I loved it - and didn't find it needed a "learning curve" at all. I liked it - and will definately opt for it next time. I also liked that it automatcally starts you off in first gear out of a stop.
The ONLY thing I really didn't care for was the SMGs "auto" mode - its overly sensitive to the throttle and will stick in a gear a bit longer than you intend. This can cause some jerkiness in city driving.
If you want manual - get the SMG. If you are going to drive mostly in "auto" mode, get the STEP - and use DS mode. For an automatic - it does a great job. 
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| Reply » SMG E60 What's the Real Deal? Please Advise |
I drive Step with M5 SMG paddle shifts 
No worry for tow truck in case SMG failure.
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SMG E60 What's the Real Deal? Please Advise