Manual 550i

Rochdale Pioneers · 04-21-2012, 11:20 AM

I love all the "manual box is so rare" comments, not in the UK they're not. I've just done a 5 day 1,500 mile Odyssey round the north of Scotland and I don't think an auto box would have been as much fun. Two highlights. One, doing the Pass of the Cattle (Google it!) in both directions. Its a single track mountain pass with thousand foot drops off the edge of hairpin switchbacks
There's something really satisfying about blipping the throttle precisely enough to drop it into 1st without a big jerk as you drop the clutch out.

Second highlight absolutely caning the car across the Isle of Skye from Dunvengan to Kyleakin via Portree (Google it!) in evening sunshine, a land of big mountains, first class thrash roads and minimal traffic. I'm only in a 520d but that car can shift. Again , pick the right gear to pull through the bend and lose as little speed as possible. I'd live a bigger engine, but I think the law wouldn't.....

EL MEJOR · 04-21-2012, 12:17 PM

Congrats. I know the feeling! I too have a 6MT 550i! And let me tell you it's the best choice you made! It's fun everyday!

Bucaro · 04-21-2012, 02:17 PM

I don't think I really had any doubts at any point about ordering a manual...
When I was planning on ordering a M5 I was going to get the DCT just because it was so technologically advanced and also for the launch control, but that became a non issue with the 550...

My previous E46 M3 was also a manual and also CB with cinnamon interior...

04-21-2012, 11:20 AM	#23
Rochdale Pioneers First Lieutenant 23 Rep 371 Posts Drives: F10 520d SE Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Stockton on Tees UK iTrader: (0)	I love all the "manual box is so rare" comments, not in the UK they're not. I've just done a 5 day 1,500 mile Odyssey round the north of Scotland and I don't think an auto box would have been as much fun. Two highlights. One, doing the Pass of the Cattle (Google it!) in both directions. Its a single track mountain pass with thousand foot drops off the edge of hairpin switchbacks There's something really satisfying about blipping the throttle precisely enough to drop it into 1st without a big jerk as you drop the clutch out. Second highlight absolutely caning the car across the Isle of Skye from Dunvengan to Kyleakin via Portree (Google it!) in evening sunshine, a land of big mountains, first class thrash roads and minimal traffic. I'm only in a 520d but that car can shift. Again , pick the right gear to pull through the bend and lose as little speed as possible. I'd live a bigger engine, but I think the law wouldn't..... __________________ Had: E91 320d ES Titanium Silver Now: F10 520d SE Alpine White, Cinnamon Brown leather, Business speakers
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04-21-2012, 12:17 PM	#24
EL MEJOR ALLDAY 55 Rep 220 Posts Drives: 2013 M6 convertible Join Date: May 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Congrats. I know the feeling! I too have a 6MT 550i! And let me tell you it's the best choice you made! It's fun everyday! __________________ 2017 X5M
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04-21-2012, 02:17 PM	#25
Bucaro Private 4 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2013 M5 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I don't think I really had any doubts at any point about ordering a manual... When I was planning on ordering a M5 I was going to get the DCT just because it was so technologically advanced and also for the launch control, but that became a non issue with the 550... My previous E46 M3 was also a manual and also CB with cinnamon interior...
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