[Balster]

Ive read on here that BMW have got rid of the sports auto for the 520d LCI.
What was the sports auto and what difference will it make? I speced the auto with paddles on my 520d LCI. How is that different to the sports auto?

[B33M3R]

From my searches on the subject I 'think' the gear selector is smaller 'more stubby' on the true sports box. Other than that it may, if anything, just be a different software map and an excuse to charge a little bit extra money for the paddles.

Not sure what difference it really makes on the 520d in real world terms if in fact it shifted any faster, the 8 speed auto on mine is quite frankly the best I've ever experienced. Silky smooth, always in the right gear and very responsive to manual changes if you want to have a play.

Would be good to get a definitive technical breakdown of what's different though.

[Piers]

Agree with B33M3R, I have heard nothing specific. I was a little annoyed at not getting the sports auto that I ordered with the smaller gear lever, which the dealer never mentioned, but the 8 speed box is so good, it is hard to see how more "sports" the other is, but would be interested to know technically too

PS I have paddles too and it is instant responses every time