Richard in NC
07-13-2007, 02:05 PM
I had to check out the '08 5 Series with the new sport auto and paddle shifters. Short summary is I loved the new transmission.
In many ways I still miss my '02 M5. I wanted to look at the restyled 550i. Plus I'm tiring of the 6 speed manual in ever increasing Charlotte traffic. For those that have been asleep for months, the 550i now can have the new sport auto with paddle shifters. Its the same option announced for the '08 650i. It's supposedly a much updated tranny (new clutch pack and control mechanism) with much improved shift response. In sport mode or manual mode (like the old steptronic) plus pressing the sport button (like the 6er button but new in the 550i) results in very fast crisp shifts by either the screwy looking new lever or the paddles. There's not a harsh SNAP like S6 on the SMG but an near instant change in gear with an immediate surge of power. I didn't notice a throttle blip in down shifts in the few times I was able to try that. It didn't really need a blip as the RPMs quicky jumped up to the proper RPM and the car accelerated briskly.
The new sport automatic will suite the '08 650i very well.
I did like the restyled interior of the '08 550i (even though its less sporty than the 650i), the 20 way power seats, the ride of the non-runflat tires, and the extra room and entry/exit ease being a sedan. The performance semed equal to the 650i (but more deceptive) and easier to use (being an auto). The handling seemed equal but with a bit more isolation and the sedan like higher driving position. Downsides to the 550i are the lack of a temp guage and I think the warmup indicator in the tach is missing.
Overall I was very impressed and would consider trading soon except for the rediculously low appraisal of the 650i I got. The car has lost $20k in 14 months compaired to new!!!
PS: I test drove a Merc E550 also just for grins. The 550i rocks compared to it. The new tranny is FAR superior to the Merc 6 speed auto. Plus the 550i wins big in the handling feel.
In many ways I still miss my '02 M5. I wanted to look at the restyled 550i. Plus I'm tiring of the 6 speed manual in ever increasing Charlotte traffic. For those that have been asleep for months, the 550i now can have the new sport auto with paddle shifters. Its the same option announced for the '08 650i. It's supposedly a much updated tranny (new clutch pack and control mechanism) with much improved shift response. In sport mode or manual mode (like the old steptronic) plus pressing the sport button (like the 6er button but new in the 550i) results in very fast crisp shifts by either the screwy looking new lever or the paddles. There's not a harsh SNAP like S6 on the SMG but an near instant change in gear with an immediate surge of power. I didn't notice a throttle blip in down shifts in the few times I was able to try that. It didn't really need a blip as the RPMs quicky jumped up to the proper RPM and the car accelerated briskly.
The new sport automatic will suite the '08 650i very well.
I did like the restyled interior of the '08 550i (even though its less sporty than the 650i), the 20 way power seats, the ride of the non-runflat tires, and the extra room and entry/exit ease being a sedan. The performance semed equal to the 650i (but more deceptive) and easier to use (being an auto). The handling seemed equal but with a bit more isolation and the sedan like higher driving position. Downsides to the 550i are the lack of a temp guage and I think the warmup indicator in the tach is missing.
Overall I was very impressed and would consider trading soon except for the rediculously low appraisal of the 650i I got. The car has lost $20k in 14 months compaired to new!!!
PS: I test drove a Merc E550 also just for grins. The 550i rocks compared to it. The new tranny is FAR superior to the Merc 6 speed auto. Plus the 550i wins big in the handling feel.