Thoughts on the X5M's transmission? How does it compare to either DCT or SMGII?

[Rez]

It is a nice auto with manual mode, shifts faster than any auto that I have seen. It is different than SMG for sure which I am no fan of. DCT is the best of all 3 options but unfortunately not offered on this truck for some reason. What I hate about X5M transmission, in regular drive mode it shifts too quickly to the next gear and in sport it is way too aggressive

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by Rez

It is a nice auto with manual mode, shifts faster than any auto that I have seen. It is different than SMG for sure which I am no fan of. DCT is the best of all 3 options but unfortunately not offered on this truck for some reason. What I hate about X5M transmission, in regular drive mode it shifts too quickly to the next gear and in sport it is way too aggressive

Thanks for the reply. In sport mode when you say it is way too aggressive, does that mean that the transmission will wait to long to shift gears? That in sport mode it wont shift until the upper end of the RPM range?

[Michael_s]

Originally Posted by Rez

What I hate about X5M transmission, in regular drive mode it shifts too quickly to the next gear and in sport it is way too aggressive

Agree 100%. Somewhere in the middle would be perfect. Regular mode I'm always in 5th or 6th and lugging and sport is really aggressive.

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by Michael_s

Agree 100%. Somewhere in the middle would be perfect. Regular mode I'm always in 5th or 6th and lugging and sport is really aggressive.

Question: If you plan to only drive the X5M in manual mode using the paddle shifters, wouldn't that make Drive/Sport mode irrelevant? I am so used to driving my M3 in manual mode, I don't think I have ever driven it in the "auto" mode. So my questions about the X5M's transmission are really as it relates to manual mode I guess.

[4.6is Ryder]

Originally Posted by Rez

It is a nice auto with manual mode, shifts faster than any auto that I have seen. It is different than SMG for sure which I am no fan of. DCT is the best of all 3 options

...........I've driven all 3 and without a doubt DCT is the better tranny. I also echo what others have said......if you're in sport mode you need to be on the move for the tranny to perform as advertised. With that being said, I don't think you'll be mad after you take the plunge ..................Phil

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by 4.6is Ryder

...........I've driven all 3 and without a doubt DCT is the better tranny. I also echo what others have said......if you're in sport mode you need to be on the move for the tranny to perform as advertised. With that being said, I don't think you'll be mad after you take the plunge ..................Phil

So just two questions so I understand correctly:

Sport mode is just a version of Automatic (either Sport or Drive)? If you are driving in Manual mode, shifting gears manually, Sport (or Drive) mode doesn't apply, correct?

Also, what is this "M Mode" that others have referred to. Is it just a button/menu that can give a combination of sportier suspension, sportier dynamic stability, more linear gas pedal mapping, etc.?

[///MB]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

So just two questions so I understand correctly:

Sport mode is just a version of Automatic (either Sport or Drive)? If you are driving in Manual mode, shifting gears manually, Sport (or Drive) mode doesn't apply, correct?

Also, what is this "M Mode" that others have referred to. Is it just a button/menu that can give a combination of sportier suspension, sportier dynamic stability, more linear gas pedal mapping, etc.?

I'll try to answer what I know.

The transmission is an automatic, has a torque converter not a clutch or computer controlled clutch system like the SMG or DCT. When you are in sport mode, the tranny won't change gears until at least 3000 rpm and holds gears to rev higher when you are in turns and driving aggressive etc. Also, the shifts are much faster and crisp compared to drive. It will also downshift when you are slowing down so it's in a more optimal gear to then just take off again, should you need/want. If you are in drive, you can shift the gear manually via the paddle shifters. The shifts are kinda slow and it eventually goes back into automatic drive mode. When in Sport mode and you click the paddles, it will stay in true manual mode.

M mode is programmed via the COMAND. There's several settings, one of which being the engine throttle sensitivity control. When in sport or M mode, the accelerator is MUCH more sensitive. For example, if you push the accelerator 50% down, you will get like 75% of the power. At WOT, it's the same in either M mode or non M. In addition, it opens up an exhaust baffle to make it louder and you can program the EDC suspension control to switch to sport setting (which also tightens up the variable steering wheel), should you choose. Oh and you can choose the level of the DSC as well. Either leave DSC on all the way or put it in MDM (m dynamic mode) which allows a little bit of oversteer.

I think that about covers it. Hope this helps.