SMG or Manual?

[528 wagon]

I'm shopping for a 2005 or newer 530/545. New 530 or used 545. I have always had manual trans. If I go for the new 530 the SMG is a $1500 option. Has anyone ever drove with one of these? Can you launch from high RPM? Is it smooth? I ask the dealer sales guys and they just scratch, go all slack jawed and say "SMG,...Huh?...we never see any 'O them 'round here". It looks like a cool option but I just get no info from the dealer. Help!

 

[CosmosBlack]

I've driven the 530i with SMG. It's pretty cool, smooth if you know how to use it.
You gotta release the gas pedal when shifting, much like a manual. If you keep the gas down when shifting as in an auto, the shifts will not be smooth.

As for launch, I don't know about that. I don't think this is the same SMG version as in the E46 M3 with the launch control.

 

[nadroj]

You really need to drive it to really get the feeling for it, but its very fun to drive, (but there is no replacement for turning your own gears). Its pretty smooth to drive in trafic one thing you have to remeber the smg isnt an auto

 

[528 wagon]

thanks for the comments. I have a manual now and like it, but if the SMG is truely the way of the future and god enough for F1 then I may want to try. I just wish I could drive one first.