motor

vexor · 11-07-2006, 01:56 PM

For its 2007 model, BMW has updated the potent M5 sedan with a conventional six-speed manual transmission. The optional transmission comes at no extra cost and is exclusive to the North American market. The previous seven-speed SMG III electro-hydraulic manual unit had been largely criticized by motoring journalists for its jerky gear changes but still remains as standard.

The 500hp 5.0L V10 remains unchanged, with the new gearbox enabling drivers to rev freely to the 8250 rpm redline. Safety and stability programs also remain the same including BMW’s M Dynamic Mode stability system but new options include a Tire Pressure Monitor System and Real Time Traffic Information features added as standard.

BMW has not released any acceleration figures for cars equipped with the new gearbox, but it’s unlikely to improve on the figures of the SMG version. The 0-60mph dash takes just 4.1 seconds while top speed is electronically controlled to 155mph, although the company offers to remove the limiter which sees the car reach in excess of 206mph.

- Mototrauthority.com

gobs3z · 11-07-2006, 02:07 PM

I find it ironic that the "lazy" americans who only drive autos and build "crappy" handling cars are the only ones getting the more driver oriented version of the M5. I'm accept the manual with open arms, thankyou very much.

TopGearNL · 11-07-2006, 02:15 PM

Good news for the Hardcore fans who dream of ever owning one, the gearbox was the only thing pissing me a bit off

TopGearNL · 11-07-2006, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas

Why only in America?

:cry:

Yeah why?

Now we gotta import a German car out of America if you want one, how stupid is that? :roll:

TNT · 11-07-2006, 02:55 PM

hahaha we finally get something better then you all HAHAHAHA!!!

TopGearNL · 11-07-2006, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas

Now we'll start importing cars from the States - but made in german... :roll:

That means that its made in Germany, shipped to the US and if you want one ship it back to Europe

hahaha we finally get something better then you all HAHAHAHA!!!

Yeah but the point is you can't built something better yourself, its still german

ZfrkS62 · 11-07-2006, 03:05 PM

i really wish that people would stop groaning about the SMG. It's not a bad transmission at all once you learn you can accelerate smoothly.

BMW has been hesitant about doing the 6 speed because they don't think we know how to shift correctly and that translates into wrecked cars, blown engines, gearboxes and clutches. That's why they have made the SMG the only option until now.

5vz-fe · 11-07-2006, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by ZfrkS62

i really wish that people would stop groaning about the SMG. It's not a bad transmission at all once you learn you can accelerate smoothly.

BMW has been hesitant about doing the 6 speed because they don't think we know how to shift correctly and that translates into wrecked cars, blown engines, gearboxes and clutches. That's why they have made the SMG the only option until now.

It's not the problem w/ SMG I think, it's about not having the choice to choose. Yes, that's one intention of BMW, but they also save money when they only have one transmission in the production line, easier QC, and better yet, less warranty claims (regardless of who's fault it is)

dutchmasterflex · 11-07-2006, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by 5vz-fe

Originally Posted by ZfrkS62

i really wish that people would stop groaning about the SMG. It's not a bad transmission at all once you learn you can accelerate smoothly.

BMW has been hesitant about doing the 6 speed because they don't think we know how to shift correctly and that translates into wrecked cars, blown engines, gearboxes and clutches. That's why they have made the SMG the only option until now.

It's not the problem w/ SMG I think, it's about not having the choice to choose. Yes, that's one intention of BMW, but they also save money when they only have one transmission in the production line, easier QC, and better yet, less warranty claims (regardless of who's fault it is)

It definitely saves BMW more money to only have one tranmission option.. but we see now money isn't a problem since they are offering it to the US.

I think the reason all of their new M cars are SMG is because it is clearly the best transmission option for the best performance.

Although I will never get tired of a "slower" car with a manual instead of a sequential.

Should be very interesting to see the first tests.. I'm wondering how much of a performance hit the M5 will take with a true manual gearbox.

I still won't believe this option is foreal until I see it

Since when did BMW start catering towards the US Market?? They have ALWAYS sent over "weak" versions of their cars just like all of the other manufactures around the world.

5vz-fe · 11-07-2006, 03:54 PM

Should be very interesting to see the first tests.. I'm wondering how much of a performance hit the M5 will take with a true manual gearbox.

As many as manual F430

(My Guess < 20%)

dutchmasterflex · 11-07-2006, 04:52 PM

But don't both transmission options for the F430 both have 6 gears? The M5 with 6-speed manual should have different ratios and what not..

I know the performance between manual and smg won't be monumental, I'm thinking it will be significant.

5vz-fe · 11-07-2006, 04:58 PM

Oh sorry, I think I mis-read your reply. I thought you are asking how many M5 will be sold in manual.

gobs3z · 11-07-2006, 05:06 PM

What i understood from about a year ago is that many of the U.S. forums were complaining heavily about not having the option of the manual for the M5. Come on, a company that supposedly has the worlds best driving machine doesn't let you have the feel for the gearbox, kind of contradictory. IMO Ferrari has this problem now too, at least for the F430. Anyways, BMW America listened to the protest and actually came through.

cooperluke · 11-07-2006, 05:17 PM

Please note something.....

criticized by motoring journalists for its jerky gear changes

It's going manual to the US, not to be more pure, but to be more smooth!!

If you want something Smooth, a 550i or a 540i should be the car to buy... not an M5!!!!

In a few days... there will be a depowered version of the M5 to the US... to be more smooth??? The M5 accelerates too fast, and makes by american smooth butt feel unconfortable??

Eheh... just joking!

Svensson · 11-07-2006, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by gobs3z

Come on, a company that supposedly has the worlds best driving machine doesn't let you have the feel for the gearbox, kind of contradictory. IMO Ferrari has this problem now too, at least for the F430.

The F430 is also available with a normal manual gearbox, although it's not a populair option.