Re: Z4 automatic vs. stick

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Re: Z4 automatic vs. stick

Dave Plowman (News)

23 Nov 2006 10:58

> > I agree. Until BMW join the 21st century and use a twin clutch SMG the
> > rough changes when in auto mode just ain't acceptable. It's one thing
> > having 'punchy' changes when enjoying a country road, but not when
> > trickling through traffic.

> You must be driving a different SMG than I am. I can choose the
> 'roughness' of the shifts. 1-2 means smooth.

Have you any experience of decent autos? Not being funny, but the SMG
isn't in the same class, smoothness wise. And I've driven a recent M5.

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Tom Scales

23 Nov 2006 00:57

>> The M3 would be too much money for a weekend car. And I am kind of old
>> school. Automatic or manual. The SMG may be nice but I prefer tried
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> having 'punchy' changes when enjoying a country road, but not when
> trickling through traffic.

You must be driving a different SMG than I am. I can choose the
'roughness' of the shifts. 1-2 means smooth.

4-6 means fun.

Tom

Dave Plowman (News)

22 Nov 2006 21:44

> The M3 would be too much money for a weekend car. And I am kind of old
> school. Automatic or manual. The SMG may be nice but I prefer tried
> and true technology.

I agree. Until BMW join the 21st century and use a twin clutch SMG the
rough changes when in auto mode just ain't acceptable. It's one thing
having 'punchy' changes when enjoying a country road, but not when
trickling through traffic.

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Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
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grinder	22 Nov 2006 21:20
>>>> Anybody have a preference of automatic over stick? >>>> [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > > But I have a 540 when I need an auto The M3 would be too much money for a weekend car. And I am kind of old school. Automatic or manual. The SMG may be nice but I prefer tried and true technology.

Tom Scales

22 Nov 2006 18:35

>>> Anybody have a preference of automatic over stick?
>>>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> would be a X3 but I don't like the expense and maintenance associated with
> AWD regardless of the improved handling.

You might want to at least drive an M3. Try the SMG too. Some people don't
like it, as the previous poster said. I have it in my M3 and love it.

Definately not an automatic and if that is the 'feel' you want, the SMG is
not for you. If you like a 6-speed, but want an auto mode in traffic, the
SMG is great.

Love mine.

But I have a 540 when I need an auto

grinder

22 Nov 2006 16:42

>> Anybody have a preference of automatic over stick?
>>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> 330i with a 6 speed manual and I think it is a much better automobile all
> around.

They are two different cars. The Z4 is not practical but it will be a
"weekend" car and not an everyday drive. The 3 series would be my second
choice although there is not much room in the back seat. My third choice
would be a X3 but I don't like the expense and maintenance associated with
AWD regardless of the improved handling.

Keith

22 Nov 2006 15:34

> Anybody have a preference of automatic over stick?
>
> I will be buying a Z4. I want an automatic because 1) I will not be driving
> it like a race car and 2) the advances in automatic transmissions make them
> as reliable as manuals and 3) I have been driving autos for over 30 years
> and am ready for a change.

I would get the auto. From test drives, BMW autos seem pretty good to
me. I would suggest staying away from the SMG. I had a 2004 Z4 3.0i with
the SMG and although the technology was cool - I am a bit of a geek and
like that kind of stuff - it was not very smooth shifting. I would say
it is one of the reasons I traded the car in so soon (that along with
troubles with the top and wanting room for more than 2 people). I now
have a 2006 330i with a 6 speed manual and I think it is a much better
automobile all around.

grinder	22 Nov 2006 14:52
Anybody have a preference of automatic over stick? I will be buying a Z4. I want an automatic because 1) I will not be driving it like a race car and 2) the advances in automatic transmissions make them as reliable as manuals and 3) I have been driving autos for over 30 years and am ready for a change.

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