E60 545 with SMG question

[Waldo]

I have just received my newly purchased 545is with 6-speed SMG, but was not impressed with the SMG gear box shifting mode. It is very slow for my liking. Is anybody expereincing the same complaint? I wish some would come up with an upgrade. Do you guys know of a tuner that might have a solution for faster shifting modes?

[Gop-Dogg]

Aren't there selectable modes like in the M3 (S1 - S6)?

[heezyo2o]

Have you tried it in sports mode yet? There have been similar complaints on the roadfly boards.

[M5inVA]

It's a shame you couldn't drive one before buying. I was considering getting the 545 smg but was told the smg was midrange between "granny and "sport", unlike the smg II on the M3 which give you a wide range of programmable choices. Other than the slow shifts, what is your overall impression of the smg in your 545?

Cheers,

al

[Waldo]

Aren't there selectable modes like in the M3 (S1 - S6)?

Only 1, Sport mode. And that was a bit faster.

[Waldo]

It's a shame you couldn't drive one before buying. I was considering getting the 545 smg but was told the smg was midrange between "granny and "sport", unlike the smg II on the M3 which give you a wide range of programmable choices. Other than the slow shifts, what is your overall impression of the smg in your 545?

Cheers,

al

WOW what a GREAT Car!!! I was never impressed with the exterior design, until I test drove a 6-speed manual. I was so impressed that I HAD to get one. Since it's our family car, I had to compromise with SMG since my wife is the primary driver and she did not want to deal with Manual.
The handling is out of this world, there is practically no body roll when you take fast turn, the Active Steering is very very nice, and the engine responsiveness is out this world. I really LOVE driving it. The braking is also very impressive. I intend to try the car at Summit Point raceway. I also have an 01' M5, which I love to death, but this car handles better. I cannot wait for the NEW E60 M5, I hear it will have a 7-speed SMGII which is much more reponsive than the current one. If I had a choice, I would have bought the 6-speed manual.

[heezyo2o]

I too enjoy active steering, but some have said it puts distance between the road and driver. How would you compare the handling of your M5 with the 545?

[Waldo]

I too enjoy active steering, but some have said it puts distance between the road and driver. How would you compare the handling of your M5 with the 545?

The handling on the 545 is better, I still want to try it at the track and will let you know. But definetly feels tighter on the street than the M5.

[joe545]

There is a 1200 milke break-in period where you are not to go over 4500 RPMs.--I'm now at 1700 miles and can tell you the SMG is not slow by a long shot -- you can redline this thing to close to 8,000 rpms - in fact, I have a hard time getting it out of 3rd around town.

Maybe the M3 is faster, but the shifts are instant in sport mode - no lag at all, so I can't see how it is slow in any way. This car cooks - really! I've read in R&T that the auto 545 was clocked at 5.3 to 60 and I believe it. The SMG must be better ...

Trust me, I am on the roadfly board daily and the SMG owners there agree its simply amazing, especially wityh the new suspension - amazing :evil2

[BMWin14RSM]

My wife is trying to convince me to Lease a 545-SMG vs. buy a 2001/2002 540ia. I haven't driven a 545, but I did drive a 2004 530 and was not impressed. I think the salesman didn't think I was a serous buyer and put me in a base 530 with out the sports package. I have similar concerns with the SMG on the 545 vs. buying the 6-Speed automatic. I have driven a 2003 M3 with SMG and the shifting was very abrupt. Will the 545-SMG be similar, or can it be adjusted to shift smoother when my wife or I am driving around town?

I have also herd rumor the SMG is having maintenance trouble in the M3. Is this rumor true and if so what has changed in the 545-SMG to fix it.

[Waldo]

There is a 1200 milke break-in period where you are not to go over 4500 RPMs.--I'm now at 1700 miles and can tell you the SMG is not slow by a long shot -- you can redline this thing to close to 8,000 rpms - in fact, I have a hard time getting it out of 3rd around town.

Maybe the M3 is faster, but the shifts are instant in sport mode - no lag at all, so I can't see how it is slow in any way. This car cooks - really! I've read in R&T that the auto 545 was clocked at 5.3 to 60 and I believe it. The SMG must be better ...

Trust me, I am on the roadfly board daily and the SMG owners there agree its simply amazing, especially wityh the new suspension - amazing :evil2

I was never complaining about the Speed of the Car, but the Speed of the shifting. I have about 4K miles on the car, and still believe that the shifting in SMG normal mode is very slow.

The car is very fast, and love the way it handles. I have an 01' M5, and still think that the 545 handles better.

[heezyo2o]

My wife is trying to convince me to Lease a 545-SMG vs. buy a 2001/2002 540ia. I haven't driven a 545, but I did drive a 2004 530 and was not impressed. I think the salesman didn't think I was a serous buyer and put me in a base 530 with out the sports package. I have similar concerns with the SMG on the 545 vs. buying the 6-Speed automatic. I have driven a 2003 M3 with SMG and the shifting was very abrupt. Will the 545-SMG be similar, or can it be adjusted to shift smoother when my wife or I am driving around town?

I have also herd rumor the SMG is having maintenance trouble in the M3. Is this rumor true and if so what has changed in the 545-SMG to fix it.

SMG in the M3 is supposed to be better, but either way there will be a learning curve and smooth shifting can be had with practice.

I did the e60 vs e39 thing, but was considering a used M5. If you can manage the manual tranmission, then that should be a hard choice. I'm really happy with the 545, but a M5 is always a M5. If this is 545 vs. the 540, then definately get the 545, IMHO.

[heezyo2o]

Waldo,

Is there a big difference in terms of road feel with the M5 and e60?