I actually like the 35d 6-speed. It doesn't quickly force itself into higher gears, followed by multiple downshifts when power is called upon, like so many modern 7- and 8-speeds. Obviously torque is not an issue, so more short gears are not necessary to keep revs up with the diesel powerband. And it is smooth enough, but not so smooth that you forget that you are driving a BMW, not a Lexus. My only criticism is that it could use a higher gear for high speed cruising. (And after three years I still hate the shifter itself, although that is obviously the same across the board.)