Quote:
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...