Trans - Will I be disappointed?
 

I am a dyed in the wool manual trans guy. With less and less options out there I am being forced to consider an automatic. What's the deal with this trans? How does it compare to a dual clutch box? Is it similar to the E46 M3 SMG? I'd purchase a X5M in a second if it had a manual. I've been driving a X3 with Sport suspension and 6sp manual. Amazing handling for a small SUV. Just wish it had more power and room. I recently learned the new X3 turbo will not include a manual option. No more Cayenne GTS, so that's out, unless I look for previously owned.
Sure going to miss that toe heel downshift. :(

It is an automatic, with a torque converter and all that that entails. That means it isn't like an SMG, or a dual-clutch transmission, which have a direct drive.

Owners have reported that they are happy with them, because it is a very good automatic, but it is still an automatic.

I like manual transmissions as well, much more engaging to me, but I fear their days are numbered.

M-sports mode works for me honestly....i am glad its not a stick and the paddle shifters have grown on me too...

Initially, I was disappointed BMW didn't put the DCT in it, but they did an amazing job with this automatic. The shifts in Sport and Manual mode are very fast. When using the paddles there is absolutely no lag or delay. You click it and it shifts instantly. DCT would be great, but this is a close second.

The automatic in the x5m/x6m is absolutely brilliant. The shifts are smooth and very fast. I think to be honest it suits this type of vehicle and what most people would use it for.

This may be a bad example, but here goes: I just picked up a Mini Cooper S convertible. 6-speed manual. I turned in a 135iC, automatic. While I too am a devoted manual transmission junky, I miss the gearbox in the 135. Shifts were immediate and I found paddle shifting fun, and even more so using the tip lever! I went to McDonalds drive thru last night and spilled my drink because I had to manually shift gears.

I drive an X6 5.0 every day to lunch (M-F) and recently had a Z4 35is with the 7 speed electro mechanical tranny. All equally as fun and involving as a good old fashioned stickshifter.

The X5M gearbox is better than all the above.

I really like manual but the X5M tranny is great. Press the M button. Put it in sport and shift away. They are fast, hard shift. No complaints. Leave it in auto for a nice drive. I use the paddles enough that I am looking to have new ones made. I would like them to come out about half a cm further and for them to be longer.

If car companies can get of the stigma of an automatic, the dual clutch may die at the side. There is a new ZF 8 speed that is supposed to be fantastic. A lock-up of the convertor clutch could mean little to no downside for the auto.

ZF develops 8-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars

I would have donated some body parts for a manual - but you will not be dissapointed. As mentioned by everyone, great transmission!

Cheers,