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BMW 335i 2007+

1398 messages,  Last post on Feb 07, 2011 at 5:21 PM

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Messages Page 104 of 140

#1028 of 1398 have to go w/ AT by andrew20

Oct 01, 2007 (11:01 am)

Thanks, everyone. The reason I have to make the compromise now is because my wife needs to be able to drive the new car, albeit occassionally. She injured her achilles and depressing a (BMW) clutch is out of the question (I'm not sure if it's still true w/ new BMWs, but depressing the clutch in my 1995 530i was like stepping on a brick.)
 
I "almost" purchased a 330i w/ SMG 3 years ago but I had to change priority due to a life event... so I've waited 3 years now, can't wait another 2-3 years.
 
So going back to the original question...does it make any difference if I order a sport package or not? will the shift response time be different, w/ or w/o the sport package? the salesman said no, but I don't take his word

#1029 of 1398 Re: have to go w/ AT [andrew20] by kdshapiro

Oct 01, 2007 (1:13 pm)

Replying to: andrew20 (Oct 01, 2007 11:01 am)
Personally, I wouldn't order the SP, don't need to track the car.

#1030 of 1398 Re: have to go w/ AT [kdshapiro] by dan12

Oct 01, 2007 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Oct 01, 2007 1:13 pm)
If you order the SP with AT you get the paddle shifters. I don't think you get to choose.
 
I personally have the SP on my 335 and would not buy this car without it. I drove it without the SP and it feels very plain in comparison, not to mention that the seats with the SP are much more comfortable.

#1031 of 1398 Re: have to go w/ AT [andrew20] by nyccarguy

Oct 01, 2007 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: andrew20 (Oct 01, 2007 11:01 am)
Clutches have evolved since 1995 I can assure you. Your wife's achilles will get better. Go for a 6 - speed manual with Sports Package and you won't be disapointed.
 
How often will she have to drive your car?
 
If you're a car guy, life's too short to drive slushboxes.

#1032 of 1398 auto by getz

Oct 02, 2007 (8:51 am)

I have owned almost exclusively manuals in the past, bmw included, however recently picked up a 335xi with the auto. I must say, that the auto tranny is very very very nice. Especially in sport mode, up and down shifts are quick, precise, and most of all smooth. And the shift points are very aggressive as well. The throttle even blips to match the downshifts when you use the steptronic mode. Car and driver recently reviewed the auto, and found it to have quicker acceleration numbers when compared to the manual. I am very glad I picked the automatic.
-Getz

#1033 of 1398 Re: auto [getz] by circlew

Oct 02, 2007 (9:02 am)

Replying to: getz (Oct 02, 2007 8:51 am)
Ditto on the 330xi except less power. Best car all around I have experienced. I was always a "slusher" but appreciate the control you get with the MT.
 
Regards,
OW

#1034 of 1398 auto vs. manual vs. golf by habitat1

Oct 02, 2007 (11:01 am)

I sincerely respect this is a highly subjective choice, so take my comments in good nature.
 
The day I personally get an automatic transmissioned "sports" car or "sport" sedan and brag about its performance is the day I brag to my golfing buddies about breaking 80 - from the senior tees. I'd rather take my score from the tips (or at least the men's tees) and be happy with it, than have only played half of the course.
 
P.S. Three of my favorite cars don't even tempt the automatic demographic: the Honda S2000, the previous generation M5 and the new 911 GT3. Of course, then there is AMG without a single manual transmission in their line-up - part of the reason why I'll likely never own one.

#1035 of 1398 Re: auto vs. manual vs. golf [habitat1] by tayl0rd

Oct 02, 2007 (11:18 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (Oct 02, 2007 11:01 am)
I thought the SLK55 could be had with a manual? Or is that only the SLK350 Sport?

#1036 of 1398 MT by circlew

Oct 02, 2007 (12:37 pm)

Buy BMW's high-performance M5 sedan or M6 coupe and you get the seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) in the bargain whether you like it or not. Porsche promises that its latest version of the 911 Turbo will run from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds when the driver has a six-speed manual transmission to stir — but only takes 3.4 seconds when there's a five-speed Tiptronic automatic aboard. Somewhere between 75 and 80 percent of the Ferrari F430s that come to America have the "F1-inspired" electronically triggered and hydraulically actuated transmission installed. Every Mercedes SLR McLaren comes with a five-speed automatic. Where the high end goes, the rest of the industry eventually follows. And the way this is going, the clutch pedal is doomed.
 
As previously posted, the story is the same with the 335i AT.
 
Regards,
OW

#1037 of 1398 Re: auto [getz] by andrew20

Oct 02, 2007 (2:08 pm)

Replying to: getz (Oct 02, 2007 8:51 am)
I'm a little relieved to hear a positive comment from someone w/ similar past - I've owned manual cars all my life as well.
 
I guess I'll take the plunge with the AT, and with a set expectation that the feel won't be as direct as the real manual...

Messages Page 104 of 140

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