View Full Version : How's the 6 speed manual on the 550i?
magbarn
07-15-2009, 02:47 PM
I was originally going to buy the M3, but now my family is getting bigger might just have to get a 550i instead. I originally considered the 535, but the spare tire/run flat & HPFP issues have essentially ruled it out for me. I currently drive a 330i '03 with 6M and I was wondering about the feel of the clutch/shifter on the 550i. I've driven some very crappy sticks on luxury cars (example G35) so I'm kinda hesitant on getting one on the 550. All 3 dealers close to me have no 550i manuals in stock so I can't just hop in one and test-drive.
Corgidog
07-15-2009, 03:36 PM
I was originally going to buy the M3, but now my family is getting bigger might just have to get a 550i instead. I originally considered the 535, but the spare tire/run flat & HPFP issues have essentially ruled it out for me. I currently drive a 330i '03 with 6M and I was wondering about the feel of the clutch/shifter on the 550i. I've driven some very crappy sticks on luxury cars (example G35) so I'm kinda hesitant on getting one on the 550. All 3 dealers close to me have no 550i manuals in stock so I can't just hop in one and test-drive.
Interestingly I traded in an 05 G35 with a stick for a 535 6 speed. I thought the G35 stick was terrific other than the 1 to 2 shift as the gates were very well defined. The clutch pedal while having a high engagement point was fine once you got used to it. I don't know what you mean by crappy as that sure did not apply to the G35 shifter.
On the other hand, the BMW stick has a more buttery feel, yet the gates are also well defined,but a little less notchy than the G35 and the 1 to 2 shift is a little smoother but still requires a little care by careful clutch gas timing. The clutch is a non issue for me as whatever it is, one quickly gets used to the engagement point.
Fahrer
07-15-2009, 03:57 PM
I have a 535 6MT and I can generally agree with Corgidog that the transmission is, overall, very smooth. My 1-2 shift is a bit notchy but the ratios are almost ideal. Regarding the clutch, though, I had a hard time in the beginning get used to it. I have driven many MT cars over many years and this is the only one that took a while for me to operate acceptably smooth ( to me).
djfitter
07-15-2009, 05:23 PM
I also have a 535i 6MT. I had no issues getting used to it. I can drive it like a Limo driver....or not. :D :thumbup:
dj
magbarn
07-15-2009, 08:01 PM
My main beef with the G35's clutch was what you mentioned, it had a on/off feel as the engagement window was very narrow. I also was turned off by how much vibration was in the shifter. Maybe I just got used to my 330i. None has the feel of a S2000's shifter (IMHO is perfect).
StickShift550i
07-15-2009, 09:41 PM
go out for a test drive.. you'll be the best person to decide. i love it on mine
magbarn
07-16-2009, 10:25 AM
go out for a test drive.. you'll be the best person to decide. i love it on mine
That's the biggest problem lol, no dealer within 50 miles (and I'm in Southern CA, BTW) has one in stock for me to try out. I guess I'm just probably going to schedule a weekend visit to find one.
AV550i
07-16-2009, 02:19 PM
I used to have a 2002 330Ci, and the gearbox on the 550i is almost identical except for a slightly notchy 1-2 shift. I had a hard time finding one to test drive as well when I was shopping but was finally able to locate one; had to order my 550i though.
I've heard the gearbox on the S2000 was exceptional, but never drove it so can't compare, but I absolutely love the 550i with the 6MT.
TTA89
07-16-2009, 02:40 PM
I love the M6 in m 545i as well. Its so smooth and easy to shift.
StickShift550i
07-16-2009, 05:57 PM
That's the biggest problem lol, no dealer within 50 miles (and I'm in Southern CA, BTW) has one in stock for me to try out. I guess I'm just probably going to schedule a weekend visit to find one.
Sterling BMW has some used 550s that are stick shift. The 08 tranny isn't any different than the 2010 model
550Mocap
07-17-2009, 04:05 PM
If your'e looking to drive a car that has a stick, you will not be disappointed with the 6MT in the 5 series. Mine is great! It's really smooth at all speeds and a lot of fun to drive:thumbup:
AzNMpower32
07-19-2009, 06:37 AM
BMW makes a brilliant manual gearbox for all its cars. Smooth engagement and light clutch and shifter feel. I'd say go for it!
dalekressin
07-19-2009, 06:44 AM
I drove a 6MT 5 series and it was very smooth. Odds are you will not be dissapointed. With the larger family, it is a better choice than the M3.
bliebs77
07-19-2009, 09:36 AM
I wouldn't drive it any other way!
I used to have a 1999 328ci 5MT and the 550i 6MT blows it away. It is tight, responsive and super fun!
Monitor Ebay for manual 550's and you should be OK. I just checked for you and right now the closest one is in Oakland, so you may want to wait until one pops up.
kakalika
07-19-2009, 04:45 PM
Get a manual 6 speed, you will not regret it. It gets even better when you remove the clutch delay valve. :thumbup:
AV550i
07-20-2009, 11:08 AM
It gets even better when you remove the clutch delay valve. :thumbup:
...what?
djfitter
07-20-2009, 03:02 PM
...what?
Do a search for CDV, or CDV delete. :)
dj
v26278
07-20-2009, 03:50 PM
Get the manual if you have the choice. Change your thread to ask "how's the auto trans on the 550?" and you'll have the full story about this choice, especially if the M3 is your real desire.
I just bought a 07 550 CPO with 30k miles. I have hard time shifting 1->2, and 2->3 smoothly especially after warm up, on this car.
Although my manual driving skill is not perfect but I have been driving manual for 13 years and all my current cars are manuals (Miata, MB C300, Mazda 626, and BMW550).
Local BMW Indy doesn't recommend removing CDV as he said removal of CDV could shorten flywheel life.
dkreidel
08-18-2009, 07:44 PM
Do a search for CDV, or CDV delete. :)
dj
The 550 doesn't have a CDV - at least my 08 doesn't. I know what i'm looking for; I removed it from my e39 M5 and e46 M3
Dick
I just looked up at http://www.realoem.com and 550 does have it. It's called Lock Valve.
dkreidel
08-19-2009, 07:25 AM
It is no where in the hydraulic line from the master cylinder down to the slave cylinder. Most other BMW's have it screwed into the slave cylinder. ???
Dick
It is no where in the hydraulic line from the master cylinder down to the slave cylinder. Most other BMW's have it screwed into the slave cylinder. ???
Dick
If you go to Clutch->Clutch Control, item #12 is the lock valve.
There is indeed a CDV on my car and I have it changed today.
It made huge improvement! I had hard time shifting 1->2 and even 2->3 smoothly before the change and now it's so easy to shift smoothly. It really transformed car.
Overall, I am happy with this 6MT. Clutch is a little on heavy side. Other than that, its great (with CDV mod.)
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