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

Hello,

I just wanted to get feedback from X5M owners on the X5M's transmission. I'm currently an original owner of an '02 M3 with SMGII and love it! I've heard the DCT on newer models is even better but have never tried it.

Since the X5M also has manual "paddle shifters", I was just wondering how the transmission on the X5M compares to transmissions like SMGII and DCT?

I'm seriously thinking of getting a new X5M, so would really appreciate your thoughts and input. Thanks!

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?

I have no problem with it holding the gear before up shifting, problem is as you coming to a stop, the car keeps downshifting like crazy, as your rpm is dropping all the way down to 1st gear, very annoying

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.

You be cool in manual only, I drive mine in manual most of the time as well.

I agree with what everyone else said. It's one of the best autos I've ever driven. Shifts in manual mode are instant, there's no lag between clicking the paddle and the car shifting.

And yes, if you're only gonna use manual mode, then you'll be fine. I'd prefer if the paddles extended out a little further so it would be easier to pull. Also, when turning it's kinda hard for me to click the paddles so I end up using the gear shifter.

Oh and in sport mode, I don't think it ever shifts into 6th gear. Or, at least I haven't tried to go fast enough to see. So, you have to manually shift it into 6th or put it back into drive.

I like the aggressiveness of Sport mode.

When I am driving the gf or kids around, I leave it in full auto and maybe M mode if I want to have a little more fun.

When I am alone and want to have fun without people screaming in my ear, I'll click it over to Sport mode.

The thing about Sport mode is that you have to be keeping a pretty fast pace for it to feel smooth. If you're hesitant with the throttle or putzing around town you'll have a somewhat jerky experience.

:iagree:...........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 :thumbup:..................Phil