[ICALL]

I'm creating this thread because when I was ordering mine, I couldn't find pictures of the 6 speed. The one I thought was correct showed a metal stick shift. It turned out to be much better.

The picture I'm attaching is terrible due to the dark garage it was taken in, but it will give you an idea of what it looks like. The leather stick went perfect with the rest of the interior which is black with anthracite wood.

As for the manual transmission itself, it is AWESOME! This is the most forgiving and smooth manual transmission I have ever driven.

My first BMW was a 2007 BMW 335i. This was also a manual. It was a blast to drive.

When that lease was up, I assumed the lease of a friend's 10 month old 2009 550i M with an automatic transmission and paddles. I tried using the "manual" mode on this and always drove in sport mode, but was never happy. When going around a turn, I normally accelerate coming out of the turn. With a manual transmission, it was like being on a rollercoaster ride. With the automatic transmission, there was always a split second delay between pressing on the pedal and actual acceleration. This significantly took away from the driving experience.

Whenever I mentioned to people I was ordering a 550 in manual, I was told I was crazy. One dealer told me it wasn't possible. Another wanted a substantial down payment claiming they would never be able to sell the car if I refused delivery.

The manual transmission was the best decision I made. The first time I downshifted into second and hit the gas coming out of the turn, I knew I made the right choice. Again, I experienced that thrill of the car sticking and the force from accelerating out of the turn.

I've read posts where people claim this car is a small 7 series and the sportyness is gone. In sports plus mode with the manual transmission, I feel like I'm back in my 335i. The car doesn't feel large at all. If anything, this car is more fun. With the 335i, I would constantly see the traction control light come on. With the 550i, the car simply "slides" into place with no loss of traction or any warning light coming on.

During normal driving, anyone that has been with me can barely tell its a manual. The shifts are that smooth. If you're considering a 550 with the M package and can even remotely drive a manual, I would strongly recommend it.

I don't do a lot of highway driving. Most of my driving is stop and go. I actually look forward to the next red light as it gives me another chance to go through the gears.

I was lucky enough to take delivery with Michelin tires. I normally dispise runflats, but these are great so far. I'll most likely exchange them for non-run flats when its time, but for now, I'm enjoying these. I was just glad to see they weren't Goodyears.

My only complaints with the car after two weeks is the default "normal" mode. I'd much rather a setting to leave it in sports plus mode. The other complaint is the radio controls on the right side of the steering wheel. For a manual transmission, it would be much more convenient for the controls to be on the left. Who would use cruise control on this car?

Anyone on the fence with getting this car, do it. At least in sports plus mode with a manual transmission, the famous floaty steering is minimal in my opinion. This is by far the most fun I've ever had in a car.

[alextremo]

Thanks for posting this! I've been searching for a while for a pic of the m-sport manual shifter.

[1HOT BMR]

I could have written most of what you wrote since I'm just as excited owning my 550 manual as you are and I got the same feedback from people and dealers as you did. First I thought the return to Normal drive when turning off the car was a bad thing too - now I don't - I get better gas mileage and a smoother ride on the pothole ridden roads we have around here when I use Normal. Flipping the switch to Sport takes a split of a second and I always use it before a set of switchback turns or just when the road ahead is not a freeway. I wouldn't go as far as recommending the manual to someone who lives and needs to drive in a stop and go/ heavy traffic situation because most people would not enjoy driving a stick under these circumstances. Finally, I would not have bought the car if the manual had not been offered.

People thinking about a manual F10 will certainly appreciate your post

[TurboFan]

I'm with you guys, but I'll go one step further - if BMW can't get the 6MT into an F10 xDrive, I may be driving my last bimmer for a very long time.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

I'm with you guys, but I'll go one step further - if BMW can't get the 6MT into an F10 xDrive, I may be driving my last bimmer for a very long time.

What will you be getting instead? The Outback?

[Jimefam]

The panamera turbo would fit the bill but it's an extra 50k.

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by Jimefam

The panamera turbo would fit the bill but it's an extra 50k.

I didn't drive the Panamera because I thought you could only get it with an automatic. Is a manual available with the Turbo?

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by raleedy

What will you be getting instead? The Outback?

I almost bought this since I don't care much about brand image, just the fun to drive factor:



Have you driven a Cadillac lately? This with the 6 speed manual was just a BLAST! to drive. It comes with 4 doors too 556HP and a mountain of torque.

[ibimmer954]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

Have you driven a Cadillac lately? This with the 6 speed manual was just a BLAST! to drive. It comes with 4 doors too 556HP and a mountain of torque.

It may be fun to drive, but I couldn't stand the interior. I sat in one at the local auto show and was not impressed. The interior looked kinda tacky to me.

[Jimefam]

Yup the panamera comes 6 speed and I test drove the S And it was really good. Very sporty handling but I just hate the rear end I think it looks terrible. I didn't test drive the caddy because I also don't like the look but the numbers certainly look amazing and the reviews have been very positive. Maybe I'll go to the dealer just to take a spin.

[uhn2000]

[QUOTE=Jimefam;8653133]Yup the panamera comes 6 speed and I test drove the S And it was really good. Very sporty handling but I just hate the rear end I think it looks terrible. I didn't test drive the caddy because I also don't like the look but the numbers certainly look amazing and the reviews have been very positive. Maybe I'll go to the dealer just to take a spin.[/QUOTE

Interesting.. I really thought that the Panamera does not come in manual to North America. BMW is basically the last manufacturer making a manual high end 4 door sedan. They don't sell many of them but its sure good to know its an option when I need to upgrade to 4 doors...

Hehe...

[uhn2000]

BTW awesome that you pulled the trigger on this ride and transmission. Hope to get back into a 5 series in the future.

[Jimefam]

[QUOTE=uhn2000;8653608]

Originally Posted by Jimefam

Yup the panamera comes 6 speed and I test drove the S And it was really good. Very sporty handling but I just hate the rear end I think it looks terrible. I didn't test drive the caddy because I also don't like the look but the numbers certainly look amazing and the reviews have been very positive. Maybe I'll go to the dealer just to take a spin.[/QUOTE

Interesting.. I really thought that the Panamera does not come in manual to North America. BMW is basically the last manufacturer making a manual high end 4 door sedan. They don't sell many of them but its sure good to know its an option when I need to upgrade to 4 doors...

Hehe...

Well I drove their version of DCT I forget the name as I wasn't looking for 6 speed but the sales person mentioned it was available. Perhaps he was wrong though.

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by raleedy

What will you be getting instead? The Outback?

I have no idea. I'm waiting to see what the F30 3-series looks like, and the room it has. That should have AWD and a 6MT. It would pain me to go back to a 3 series after my M3, but I'm not sure I'll compromise and get a slushbox. The AT offerings from BMW don't cut it for me.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

I have no idea. I'm waiting to see what the F30 3-series looks like, and the room it has. That should have AWD and a 6MT. It would pain me to go back to a 3 series after my M3, but I'm not sure I'll compromise and get a slushbox. The AT offerings from BMW don't cut it for me.

I would find it relatively easy to give up AWD since it adds weight and complexity and diminishes balance and handling while doing little good other than to provide some enhanced traction for accelerating. Of course I don't know what you need to use the car for but I think most people would get along just fine with a good set of winter tires and rwd.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

I almost bought this since I don't care much about brand image, just the fun to drive factor:



Have you driven a Cadillac lately? This with the 6 speed manual was just a BLAST! to drive. It comes with 4 doors too 556HP and a mountain of torque.

Does the Caddy have MT and AWD?

[JK479]

Great Thread.

I ended 2010 not wanting a 5 series. But this thread along with other started to make me realize there really is no other car out there like the 535i and 550i. I guess i just need to figure out what is best for me and go for it.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by ICALL

I'm creating this thread because when I was ordering mine, I couldn't find pictures of the 6 speed. The one I thought was correct showed a metal stick shift. It turned out to be much better.

The picture I'm attaching is terrible due to the dark garage it was taken in, but it will give you an idea of what it looks like. The leather stick went perfect with the rest of the interior which is black with anthracite wood.

As for the manual transmission itself, it is AWESOME! This is the most forgiving and smooth manual transmission I have ever driven.

My first BMW was a 2007 BMW 335i. This was also a manual. It was a blast to drive.

When that lease was up, I assumed the lease of a friend's 10 month old 2009 550i M with an automatic transmission and paddles. I tried using the "manual" mode on this and always drove in sport mode, but was never happy. When going around a turn, I normally accelerate coming out of the turn. With a manual transmission, it was like being on a rollercoaster ride. With the automatic transmission, there was always a split second delay between pressing on the pedal and actual acceleration. This significantly took away from the driving experience.

Whenever I mentioned to people I was ordering a 550 in manual, I was told I was crazy. One dealer told me it wasn't possible. Another wanted a substantial down payment claiming they would never be able to sell the car if I refused delivery.

The manual transmission was the best decision I made. The first time I downshifted into second and hit the gas coming out of the turn, I knew I made the right choice. Again, I experienced that thrill of the car sticking and the force from accelerating out of the turn.

I've read posts where people claim this car is a small 7 series and the sportyness is gone. In sports plus mode with the manual transmission, I feel like I'm back in my 335i. The car doesn't feel large at all. If anything, this car is more fun. With the 335i, I would constantly see the traction control light come on. With the 550i, the car simply "slides" into place with no loss of traction or any warning light coming on.

During normal driving, anyone that has been with me can barely tell its a manual. The shifts are that smooth. If you're considering a 550 with the M package and can even remotely drive a manual, I would strongly recommend it.

I don't do a lot of highway driving. Most of my driving is stop and go. I actually look forward to the next red light as it gives me another chance to go through the gears.

I was lucky enough to take delivery with Michelin tires. I normally dispise runflats, but these are great so far. I'll most likely exchange them for non-run flats when its time, but for now, I'm enjoying these. I was just glad to see they weren't Goodyears.

My only complaints with the car after two weeks is the default "normal" mode. I'd much rather a setting to leave it in sports plus mode. The other complaint is the radio controls on the right side of the steering wheel. For a manual transmission, it would be much more convenient for the controls to be on the left. Who would use cruise control on this car?

Anyone on the fence with getting this car, do it. At least in sports plus mode with a manual transmission, the famous floaty steering is minimal in my opinion. This is by far the most fun I've ever had in a car.

Also, can you verify that you can get a heated steering wheel when you get a manual and m sport. I still never know it it can be done. And was M sport worth it. how does the rear bumper look in person. its almost the same price as the adaptive drive and sport pack with the non m sport 550i...

[dhirm5]

Originally Posted by ICALL

The other complaint is the radio controls on the right side of the steering wheel. For a manual transmission, it would be much more convenient for the controls to be on the left. Who would use cruise control on this car?

In my e38, radio is on left, cruise on right. Are you saying they swapped it in the f10?? That makes absolutely zero sense - especially with the mt. That is annoying. Won't stop me from going mt in my 535d (hopefully - if they bring it to us) - but it's ridiculous. Wonder if that can be swapped by putting in a rhs wheel from a euro car or something.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by jk3355

Also, can you verify that you can get a heated steering wheel when you get a manual and m sport. I still never know it it can be done. And was M sport worth it. how does the rear bumper look in person. its almost the same price as the adaptive drive and sport pack with the non m sport 550i...

Does the Heater Steering Wheel still come with the M sport Package?

[LuvMyE92]

The Panamera does not come with a manual transmission in the USA. It comes with the "Porsche Doppelkupplung dual-clutch transmission" in all engine configurations.

Say that three times fast.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by ICALL

I'm creating this thread because when I was ordering mine, I couldn't find pictures of the 6 speed. The one I thought was correct showed a metal stick shift. It turned out to be much better.

The picture I'm attaching is terrible due to the dark garage it was taken in, but it will give you an idea of what it looks like. The leather stick went perfect with the rest of the interior which is black with anthracite wood.

As for the manual transmission itself, it is AWESOME! This is the most forgiving and smooth manual transmission I have ever driven.

My first BMW was a 2007 BMW 335i. This was also a manual. It was a blast to drive.

When that lease was up, I assumed the lease of a friend's 10 month old 2009 550i M with an automatic transmission and paddles. I tried using the "manual" mode on this and always drove in sport mode, but was never happy. When going around a turn, I normally accelerate coming out of the turn. With a manual transmission, it was like being on a rollercoaster ride. With the automatic transmission, there was always a split second delay between pressing on the pedal and actual acceleration. This significantly took away from the driving experience.

Whenever I mentioned to people I was ordering a 550 in manual, I was told I was crazy. One dealer told me it wasn't possible. Another wanted a substantial down payment claiming they would never be able to sell the car if I refused delivery.

The manual transmission was the best decision I made. The first time I downshifted into second and hit the gas coming out of the turn, I knew I made the right choice. Again, I experienced that thrill of the car sticking and the force from accelerating out of the turn.

I've read posts where people claim this car is a small 7 series and the sportyness is gone. In sports plus mode with the manual transmission, I feel like I'm back in my 335i. The car doesn't feel large at all. If anything, this car is more fun. With the 335i, I would constantly see the traction control light come on. With the 550i, the car simply "slides" into place with no loss of traction or any warning light coming on.

During normal driving, anyone that has been with me can barely tell its a manual. The shifts are that smooth. If you're considering a 550 with the M package and can even remotely drive a manual, I would strongly recommend it.

I don't do a lot of highway driving. Most of my driving is stop and go. I actually look forward to the next red light as it gives me another chance to go through the gears.

I was lucky enough to take delivery with Michelin tires. I normally dispise runflats, but these are great so far. I'll most likely exchange them for non-run flats when its time, but for now, I'm enjoying these. I was just glad to see they weren't Goodyears.

My only complaints with the car after two weeks is the default "normal" mode. I'd much rather a setting to leave it in sports plus mode. The other complaint is the radio controls on the right side of the steering wheel. For a manual transmission, it would be much more convenient for the controls to be on the left. Who would use cruise control on this car?

Anyone on the fence with getting this car, do it. At least in sports plus mode with a manual transmission, the famous floaty steering is minimal in my opinion. This is by far the most fun I've ever had in a car.

When you mention "floaty" steering, is it really not 100 percent accurate. Is it too weighed or soft. I can remember the steering being terrible on this car, but it was 4 months ago.

When you buy a 6 speed, you worry about clutch engagement, shifter feel. I was so caught up feelign that out, i never really looked at the aspect the steering was not good...