Concern over 2006 207 M5 Transmission

I want an M5, but have heard the shifting and feel between gears is much more pronounced than auto 550i. Like the M3 SMG which feels like a clutch shift. Is this true? I like a very smooth imperceptibe shift - so does this rule out the 2006 2007 M5 for me?
Brian

Originally Posted by pastb

I want an M5, but have heard the shifting and feel between gears is much more pronounced than auto 550i. Like the M3 SMG which feels like a clutch shift. Is this true? I like a very smooth imperceptibe shift - so does this rule out the 2006 2007 M5 for me?
Brian

If you want a "very smooth imperceptibe shift" you do not want an M5.

I have owned both E46 M3 with SMG and currently have a 2006 E60 M5 with SMG. When I hear someone say SMG doesn't shift smoothly, I know they either have no experience with the transmission or are simply unwilling to learn how to drive the car. Both my M3 and M5 shift very VERY smoothly. When shifting, a slight letup on the gas, just like with a manual clutch car, results in very smooth and quick shifts. Practice should be all it takes. I love SMG. I find it works quite smoothly with design and operational characteristics similar to tranditional manual transmissions. Much simpler and lighter than dual clutch (DSG; M-DCT; or PDK) transmissions. Bootom line: SMG works great but it is far more complex than a pure manual. However, it is far lighter and less complex than newer dual clutch transmissions like M-DCT.

Remember one thing... SMG is NOT an automatic tranny!

You want automatic? Get something else!

Having driven my M3 with SMG2, and my M6 with SMG3, and a 6spd 335 between them I have to agree that SMG can be as smooth as a manual with a few caveats to that.

First it's not an automatic. If you leave it in D and let the computer shift for you 100% of the time you will be unhappy. I also found that I am a lot smother on my M6 than I was on my M3. Having driven the 6spd for a few years I got more used to feathering the throttle for shifts. Yes you can leave your foot down and shift SMG but for a smooth ride feather the throttle like you would in a manual transmission. Lastly practice makes perfect. My first week in either of the M's and I was giving my poor passengers whiplash. You'll smooth out with it eventually. And besides if you ever need to just drive, you always have the excuse "I need to get used to the transmission so my driving is smoother" .... it's worked with my wife

Bottom line is if you want to not think about the transmission, feathering the throttle, etc then SMG probably isn't for you. You can make it as smooth, more so IMO than an automatic.

^^ I agree.

There is a learning curve to the SMG but once you've got it down driving smooth is very simple.

Having said all that... Porsche come up with the PDK which shifts smoother than any automatic I have seen, and shifts faster than any Sequential Gearbox I have ever seen.

I just hope the new M5's DCT can handle the extra power!

I have noticed the prices have come down for 2007 M5 are they more reliable than the 2006? I drive an 07 530i now with Dinan been totally reliable. Is there any years the M5 was less glitchy? The SMG sounds fun to learn I read 06 SMG had issues as well but did they fix it in 2007?

Thanks!