View Poll Results: Which tranny should I get for my new M5?
6 speed manual
56
57.73%
SMG III
41
42.27%
Voters: 97. You may not vote on this poll
Getting a 2007 M5, stick or SMG??
#46
09-25-2006, 09:34 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 4,205
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I think people are just thinking about this as an overall transmission war...I think some poeple dont really realize what this car is or its purpose...OBV the threadstarter doesnt need another hardcore sports car...as he has 2 already...so MOST LIKELY he wants something that he can go through traffic in, go to the city, take on long trips and just mope around in...in that case...im pretty sure that he would want the ability of an auto WITH the ability to shift on his own if he so chooses or is prompted by a civic with a 16yr old... Even though SMGIII isnt perfect, it does a GREAT job with combining the best aspects of a GT/sports car...
I say SMGIII
I say SMGIII
#47
09-25-2006, 03:03 PM
Originally Posted by StephenTi
A car enthusiast could care less if a computer can do it faster, because he'd rather do it himself.
not the opinion of ALL car enthusiasts.
jeff
#51
09-28-2006, 12:20 AM
ok maybe we cant compare the ease of driving my gti in traffic to an M5......im sure the M5s clutch is harsh, but common on what is the big deal wit driving manual?
i don't understand why people look at it like it's a hassle......you dont here people in the rest of the world crying....only top end cars in europe even come wit an automatic tranny
i don't understand why people look at it like it's a hassle......you dont here people in the rest of the world crying....only top end cars in europe even come wit an automatic tranny
#52
09-28-2006, 12:53 AM
Here's the thing: The E60 M5 motor doesnt have much torque down low compared to the E39 M5 (which is available only with a 6MT). The SMGIII in the E60 has 7 gears to make this less of an issue. Although I prefer driving a true stick, I am concerned that the gearing on the 6MT will not be ideal for the power curve of the E60 M5 motor. Hope that made sense.
#53
09-28-2006, 01:12 AM
Originally Posted by noslushbox
ok maybe we cant compare the ease of driving my gti in traffic to an M5......im sure the M5s clutch is harsh, but common on what is the big deal wit driving manual?
i don't understand why people look at it like it's a hassle......you dont here people in the rest of the world crying....only top end cars in europe even come wit an automatic tranny
i don't understand why people look at it like it's a hassle......you dont here people in the rest of the world crying....only top end cars in europe even come wit an automatic tranny
I'd have a lot more respect for people who come out and say "I'm simply too lazy to shift for myself"... rather than, "auto is faster", "auto has 7 gears", etc.
Like I always say, some day, a computer will shift, steer, brake, and maneuver faster than any human can... relegating the "driver" to "passenger" status... will THAT be the ultimate sports car b/c it can do everything "better"?
#54
09-28-2006, 03:46 PM
Originally Posted by Ag Surfer
Here's the thing: The E60 M5 motor doesnt have much torque down low compared to the E39 M5 (which is available only with a 6MT). The SMGIII in the E60 has 7 gears to make this less of an issue. Although I prefer driving a true stick, I am concerned that the gearing on the 6MT will not be ideal for the power curve of the E60 M5 motor. Hope that made sense.
#55
09-28-2006, 03:47 PM
Originally Posted by StephenTi
The answer, my friend, is simple... the avg American driver is much lazier than the Europeans... sad but true.
I'd have a lot more respect for people who come out and say "I'm simply too lazy to shift for myself"... rather than, "auto is faster", "auto has 7 gears", etc.
Like I always say, some day, a computer will shift, steer, brake, and maneuver faster than any human can... relegating the "driver" to "passenger" status... will THAT be the ultimate sports car b/c it can do everything "better"?
I'd have a lot more respect for people who come out and say "I'm simply too lazy to shift for myself"... rather than, "auto is faster", "auto has 7 gears", etc.
Like I always say, some day, a computer will shift, steer, brake, and maneuver faster than any human can... relegating the "driver" to "passenger" status... will THAT be the ultimate sports car b/c it can do everything "better"?
#56
09-28-2006, 11:22 PM
Originally Posted by StephenTi
The answer, my friend, is simple... the avg American driver is much lazier than the Europeans... sad but true.
where do you get this stuff?
I'd have a lot more respect for people who come out and say "I'm simply too lazy to shift for myself"... rather than, "auto is faster", "auto has 7 gears", etc.
what if it's not one of those reasons?
Like I always say, some day, a computer will shift, steer, brake, and maneuver faster than any human can... relegating the "driver" to "passenger" status... will THAT be the ultimate sports car b/c it can do everything "better"?
where do you get this stuff?
I'd have a lot more respect for people who come out and say "I'm simply too lazy to shift for myself"... rather than, "auto is faster", "auto has 7 gears", etc.
what if it's not one of those reasons?
Like I always say, some day, a computer will shift, steer, brake, and maneuver faster than any human can... relegating the "driver" to "passenger" status... will THAT be the ultimate sports car b/c it can do everything "better"?
big dif b/t that scenario and sequential shift.
btw i much prefer manual but am not silly enough to think every
enthusiast should see it my way or they don't deserve the label.
jeff
#57
09-29-2006, 12:15 AM
haha.... smg vs. manual, a timeless and classic battle. I think sometimes people start these threads just to watch the fight that ensues...
I'm waiting for the OP to expound on what the car's purpose is, although I would go manual any way out of nothing but preference. I like driving clutch and I'm probably not even super duper good at it, I'm ok with losing a bit of performance, it leaves room for learning and progress.
I'm waiting for the OP to expound on what the car's purpose is, although I would go manual any way out of nothing but preference. I like driving clutch and I'm probably not even super duper good at it, I'm ok with losing a bit of performance, it leaves room for learning and progress.
#58
09-29-2006, 01:25 AM
Hey Jeff!
1) Find me a group of people that think otherwise, denial's a b*tch, haha... 90% of passenger cars sold in the U.S. are automatics vs. 20% for Europe, is it due to their higher gas prices, or could it b/c the avg U.S. driver is too lazy to shift for themselves, prefering to pay a premium for auto.
To put it another way, if automotive laziness is not the #1 reason for not knowing or learning to drive stick here in the U.S., then you tell me what is.
2) another reason = just another excuse...
3) yes they do... haha
Seriously though Jeff, I'm sure you know a lot of this is playful banter. Yes, I know can enthusiasts come with all different preferences. Some prefer FWD to RWD, some prefer looks over performance, some prefer fake trunk wings over functional brake ducts, 1/4 over roadracing, F1 to NASCAR, etc... to each his own, right....
When I don't shift gears for any extended amout of time, I get very antsy. In fact, after selling the Turbo and NSX, I am currently between sports cars, and it is literally killing me. I can always take my wife's tip MCS out for a canyon carving session if I want, but for me, much would be misssing b/c banging gears is such an essential part of the sports car experience. If someone put a S2000 and auto-manual Gallardo in front of me, and told me I had to keep one as my only sports car for the next 5 years, I'd probably take the S2000, that's how badly I need the fix! Peace...
1) Find me a group of people that think otherwise, denial's a b*tch, haha... 90% of passenger cars sold in the U.S. are automatics vs. 20% for Europe, is it due to their higher gas prices, or could it b/c the avg U.S. driver is too lazy to shift for themselves, prefering to pay a premium for auto.
To put it another way, if automotive laziness is not the #1 reason for not knowing or learning to drive stick here in the U.S., then you tell me what is.
2) another reason = just another excuse...
3) yes they do... haha
Seriously though Jeff, I'm sure you know a lot of this is playful banter. Yes, I know can enthusiasts come with all different preferences. Some prefer FWD to RWD, some prefer looks over performance, some prefer fake trunk wings over functional brake ducts, 1/4 over roadracing, F1 to NASCAR, etc... to each his own, right...
.When I don't shift gears for any extended amout of time, I get very antsy. In fact, after selling the Turbo and NSX, I am currently between sports cars, and it is literally killing me. I can always take my wife's tip MCS out for a canyon carving session if I want, but for me, much would be misssing b/c banging gears is such an essential part of the sports car experience. If someone put a S2000 and auto-manual Gallardo in front of me, and told me I had to keep one as my only sports car for the next 5 years, I'd probably take the S2000, that's how badly I need the fix! Peace...
#59
09-29-2006, 10:50 AM
stephen,
currently no sports car?
well you obviously qualify for the temporary insanity defense!
i thought i had it bad having to put up w/ a 997c2s cab (6spd) until 997gt3 arrives hopefully around end of nov.
was even thinking of trading the s cab on an m5 in the mean time.
local dealer has smg's on the showroom floor, and a waiting list on '07 manuals even in the lazy u.s. of a.!
in your scenario i'd probably take that four wheeled motorcycle as well!
jeff
currently no sports car?
well you obviously qualify for the temporary insanity defense!
i thought i had it bad having to put up w/ a 997c2s cab (6spd) until 997gt3 arrives hopefully around end of nov.
was even thinking of trading the s cab on an m5 in the mean time.
local dealer has smg's on the showroom floor, and a waiting list on '07 manuals even in the lazy u.s. of a.!
in your scenario i'd probably take that four wheeled motorcycle as well!
jeff
#60
09-29-2006, 10:55 AM
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 45
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stephen,
M coupe is just right for u - pure & simple + 6sp. drove it again last week it was a blast. everything felt just right except the bmw clutch/shifting takes a little time to get used to. M5, oh boy. i go SMG again if i end up getting another one.
M coupe is just right for u - pure & simple + 6sp. drove it again last week it was a blast. everything felt just right except the bmw clutch/shifting takes a little time to get used to. M5, oh boy. i go SMG again if i end up getting another one.