[pogodog]

I am about to order a F10 535i. I own a 335i with paddle shifters that I never use. If I choose the Dynamic Handling Package option (which inlcudes the Driving Dynamic Control by the shifter) as well as the Sport Auto option (which inlcudes the Driving Dynamic Control & paddle shifters)- am I paying for just the paddles in the Sport Auto option? I love the Dynamics Control with it's Normal. Sport and Sport+ modes but don't need to pay $500. extra just for the paddles. Let me know if both these options inlcude the same Driving Dynamic Control. I kow the Dynamic Handling Package also includes 2 other suspension handling items. My dealer says I need to buy both options even if I don't care about the paddles. I don't agree.

[scottz5]

I am not sure if anyone really knows.

I have Sports Auto and the car does feel tighter in Sport and Sport +. I know the steering gets tighter and to me the car also feels tighter (sway bars maybe). I like the sports auto with the sport package. IMO DH is a waste of cash with the sport package and sports auto. Without those two packages I have DH is a must. I drove a friends 550 without either and I did not like the ride at all. He also likes mine a lot better.

[delvek]

Think your wordage got turned around scott, but I could not agree more, its really an all 3 or dont bother IMO. Besides, the sport auto is like 500 bucks (a value meal in relation to the full bill) and provides a transmission with much swifter shift points

[mlai]

The sport auto has a different transmission programming which supposed to give you faster shifts and more agressive shift points.....

That's besides the paddles.

[pogodog]

Thanks for your opinions...my real question is weather the car drives the same with the Driving Dynamic Control supplied by the Dynamic Handling Package but without the Sport Auto Transmission (other than not having the sterring paddles)?

[eripers]

I have VDC and no sports auto. You then get run control with comfort, normal, sport and sport+. You can also set the box in sports mode (on the gear) and get higher shifting points, manual mode is available, and in manual you and also start in 2nd if I needed in the snow. However I think with the sports auto the gear shifts itself are faster if set in sport, and you get the padles. So if you don't need the padles the onlything you will get with sports audo isfaster shifting.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by pogodog

Thanks for your opinions...my real question is weather the car drives the same with the Driving Dynamic Control supplied by the Dynamic Handling Package but without the Sport Auto Transmission (other than not having the sterring paddles)?

What does DH package include? If it includes only Adaptive drive and no Sport auto (which sounds stupid, but anyway) then the question is does the Dynamic drive program (courtesy of Adaptive drive, or also possibly other options) give you the 'Sporty' transmission program which normally comes with the Sport auto option?
I don't know.
Actually, having taken the time to re-read your post, why are you even asking this question? You can't have DH package without Sport auto

To answer your last question, YES, the car has a different transmission program with the Sport auto option (ex-paddles, as you like it ), which cannot be replicated with any other option or configuration.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by eripers

I have VDC and no sports auto. You then get run control with comfort, normal, sport and sport+. You can also set the box in sports mode (on the gear) and get higher shifting points, manual mode is available, and in manual you and also start in 2nd if I needed in the snow. However I think with the sports auto the gear shifts itself are faster if set in sport, and you get the padles. So if you don't need the padles the onlything you will get with sports audo isfaster shifting.

When you set 'tranmission' in Dynamic drive does it hold 2k rpm idling in sport mode? If it does, then you don't need Sport auto to get variable tranmission selection, it is a property of Dynamic drive (which comes with VDC,Adaptive,IAS, or Sport auto).
If faster gear shifts are all you get (because you won't use the paddles), then I guess you have come up with a scenario in which the best value option could possibly be not worth it. Well done!

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by delvek

Think your wordage got turned around scott, but I could not agree more, its really an all 3 or dont bother IMO. Besides, the sport auto is like 500 bucks (a value meal in relation to the full bill) and provides a transmission with much swifter shift points

Agreed, they all work together to give you more options in selecting the ride you want.
I have Adaptive Drive which, in the UK, includes VDC and I also have Sport Auto, which is claimed to have quicker gear shifts as well as the paddles.
Coupled with the sublime 35d engine, the drive-train is faultless and the AD/VDC give excellent body control, especially for such a large car.
My only problem is with the vague on-centre steering, but it's becoming increasingly apparent that this may be due to the electric steering. However, that's another issue altogether.

[pogodog]

Yes you can order the DH Package without the Sports Auto- see the BMW website "build Your own"--

[grimlock]

Ok, if you can, then do it! Tell us how it drives..
And you 'save' 500 bucks..

[NewBimmerMD]

Originally Posted by pogodog

Thanks for your opinions...my real question is weather the car drives the same with the Driving Dynamic Control supplied by the Dynamic Handling Package but without the Sport Auto Transmission (other than not having the sterring paddles)?

IN real life driving I doubt that you would significantly notice a difference unless you were looking for it. I have the sport auto and I think it is worth the extra $500.00. Some people with the regular tranny have noticed a slight hesitation/pause when pressing the accelerator. To my knowledge no one with the sport auto has suffered from this. There is a link somewhere that explains the difference between the regular vs the sport transmission which I will try to recall from memory. I believe the Sport Auto has a wet clutch that engages faster than the regular tranny thus shifts occur quicker. If I find the link I will post it.

Here is the link:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sion-tech_dept

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by NewBimmerMD

IN real life driving I doubt that you would significantly notice a difference unless you were looking for it. I have the sport auto and I think it is worth the extra $500.00. Some people with the regular tranny have noticed a slight hesitation/pause when pressing the accelerator. To my knowledge no one with the sport auto has suffered from this. There is a link somewhere that explains the difference between the regular vs the sport transmission which I will try to recall from memory. I believe the Sport Auto has a wet clutch that engages faster than the regular tranny thus shifts occur quicker.

Very interesting link - many thanks.
That's a lot of transmission for the money and, if the non-sport shifts are slower, that makes me even more satisfied with my sport version.
In more sedate driving driving conditions the shifts are virtually seamless and almost unnoticeable; when pressing on they're very fast and positive.
I've driven a Z4 with the DCT and it does shift very quickly, but there's not that much of a difference and we get an extra gear.

[delvek]

The discussion is odd.

For 500 dollars, yes 500 dollars you get a transmission that allows the rest of the car to do what it wants to do better. I must be the worst steward of 500 bucks!

[BMW9]

I have the sport trans. I think if you will never use the paddels, save the $500.
You are not going to race this car. i dont think the non paddel trans is noticably slower in shifting. Also I am not sure if BMW has opted to put a wet clutch on this car. The wet clutch is an option for the 8HP but my car certainly feels like it has a torque converter. not sure on this one.

[delvek]

Not with you on this one BMW9, I bought this car to go fast, fast. If your not going to go fast why buy the 550i, buy the same exact car with all the options and goodies, plus its great looks and save LOTS with an engine that matches your driving style. Think about how much you will save in buying a smaller engine, actual cost of the car, gas, and insurance.

I fail to realize how you are saving 500 dollars.

[pharding]

The Sport Automatic Transmission shifts quicker. The best well to tell is do your own comparison with test drives.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by BMW9

You are not going to race this car.

Do you not consider that to be somewhat presumptuous? You might not drive very fast, but I don't see how you can assume others won't.
I bought my 535d because it's very quick and I often like to drive it that way. Okay, it's not as fast as a 550, but 0-60 in 5.7 sec and 40+ mpg is pretty good for such a large car.
I think $500 ($175 in UK) for sport auto is peanuts, especially when compared to the cost of other options. Admittedly, I don't use the paddles that often, but when I do, I'm glad I have them.

[Lost-Again]

Originally Posted by pharding

The Sport Automatic Transmission shifts quicker. The best well to tell is do your own comparison with test drives.

I doubt the change is actually faster, it's the same hardware. The perception of a faster change (and the benefit) is likely to come from the different programming, the ability to alter the shift point in the iDrive and the integration with the adjustable dampers and steering, if you have the option. However, this will all be software. I also believe you get a nicer sports steering wheel with the paddles! So with the paddles, wheel and extra config, you get a lot for your money in terms of extras.

I have the standard auto, and to be honest, that is all you need on the 520d! Good change in "D", more responsive when in "DS" and you can take it to the red line in "Man", just no paddles!

[scottz5]

Originally Posted by NewBimmerMD

IN real life driving I doubt that you would significantly notice a difference unless you were looking for it. I have the sport auto and I think it is worth the extra $500.00. Some people with the regular tranny have noticed a slight hesitation/pause when pressing the accelerator. To my knowledge no one with the sport auto has suffered from this. There is a link somewhere that explains the difference between the regular vs the sport transmission which I will try to recall from memory. I believe the Sport Auto has a wet clutch that engages faster than the regular tranny thus shifts occur quicker. If I find the link I will post it.

Here is the link:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sion-tech_dept

This is not true, my car had that when it was new. The trans has to learn how you drive. I think it feels like a hesitation is due to the guys/girls that load them on trains, boats, and trucks etc. I have 8,000 miles and it never hesitates. I think the last time was around 2,400 miles.

You would be crazy not to get the sports auto IMO. Well IMO it should be standard but BMW nickles us for everything.

[delvek]

Originally Posted by scottz5

You would be crazy not to get the sports auto IMO. Well IMO it should be standard but BMW nickles us for everything.

Even more so since the OP is buying a 550i, honestly I remain baffled why someone would buy a high performance car for north of 60k US$ and not buy the superior mechanism for 500 US$ that puts the power to the tires.

[grimlock]

Well maybe so, every kind of person exists - he may want a 550i with handling package but hates the paddles.. its his car so he can have anything he wants

Actually its believable that the normal auto 8 is quite competent.. there are hints but no confirmation of faster basic shifting (when using 'M' mode with the normal auto)
Its certain its the same auto box, with different 'software' ..

Think of the f10 as standard with paddles, but u can have the grandpa version if you really want it