M5 SMG Transmission

Cheers for the breakdown MrLOL, it doesn't seem too bad at all for the type of car you get and is cheaper than I was expecting. Would "some Italian stuff" really be around the same? I always thought they would be much, much more to keep going. And reliability wise... I always assumed the M5 is extremely reliable, was I mistaken?

I am confused about this "driver learning" ability now, if there is a reset routine then surely it exists? Are we just saying that we don't think it actually does anything much at all? If the switch below the gearstick determined the revs the gears change at then what else is the AI for? :confused:
 
Last edited:
The reset thing is for automatic BMW's so I've got no idea why Lucero posted it in here. Let's be honest, you're never going to use automatic mode in it, so forget about it. Try driving one in manual mode alone which is what everybody does!

When it comes to reliability, be under no illusion, they aren't that good.

The warranty wouldn't be £2000 a year on a 30k car, it's more like £1200 a year for comprehensive cover with no excess and emergency service as long as the mileage is <60k. Absolutely no way would I want to run one of these without a good warranty - if you get a bad one it'll cost you an absolute fortune in repairs.

What age of car are you looking at? The LCI cars are meant to be a lot better.
 
OllyM said:
The reset thing is for automatic BMW's so I've got no idea why Lucero posted it in here. Let's be honest, you're never going to use automatic mode in it, so forget about it. Try driving one in manual mode alone which is what everybody does!
Click to expand...
Yeah I did prefer it in manual mode, I guess a dodgy auto isn't really a big problem.

OllyM said:
When it comes to reliability, be under no illusion, they aren't that good.
Click to expand...
What common faults should be expected?

OllyM said:
What age of car are you looking at? The LCI cars are meant to be a lot better.
Click to expand...
I test drove an 06 but would really prefer a late 07 to catch the LCI although I thought there were no cosmetic differences, just iDrive and such.

But I honestly don't mind really, I'd prefer one with a spec and colour combo I like in good condition rather than just newer.
 
It does apply to manual mode too (at least for my gearbox). It noticeably reduces the delay when you fether the throttle and removes some of the jerkiness you can get in gear around town. At the end of the day, it's a software reset for the entire gearbox. It can't hurt to apply it.

There were no massive exterior changes between Pre LCI and LCI M Sport or M model cars. Only interior, side sills and wheels IIRC
 
Last edited:
Lucero said:
It does apply to manual mode too (at least for my gearbox). It noticeably reduces the delay when you fether the throttle and removes some of the jerkiness you can get in gear around town. At the end of the day, it's a software reset for the entire gearbox. It can't hurt to apply it.
Click to expand...

Your gearbox is absolutely nothing like the box in the M5 so constantly going on about whats best for your box is completely irrelevent I'm afraid.

You have an automatic with a torque convertor, the M5 has a manual box, effectively.
 
This is worth a read

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/xforum...MWUK+/+Stealer+ref:+E60/61+M5+'Judder'+email!

lot of prices mentioned in there when talking about fees for replacing thing, and illustrates how difficult it can be to get issues diagnosed with the SMG box.

BMW quoted £2700 for an SMG clutch replacement. As his original dealer dealer were refusing to consider it a warranty claim, he got a quote at an indy, who still quoted him £1800. for a clutch.

*gulp*

Interesting that his car had a low speed judder, is that similar to what the car you test drove had ? could even be effected by the same issue with the lubrication of the bearing ?
 
Last edited:
had the red cog of death aka dead clutch on mine, was in BMW warranty so done under warranty. Apparently the earlier cars were more prone to this and mine was fitted with a revised clutch when it was replaced according to the dealer. He also mentioned it would have been over £2k at BMW prices. From memory they won't honor a clutch under warranty if launch control has been used too much.

I used to managed 180-200 miles to a tank around London, which is probably getting on £100 worth at todays prices, so around 10-11mpg. mixed driving would see 15mpg, motorway run 18-20mpg for me, about 23-25mpg if you sit at 70mph.

I paid about £850 for a full set of pads fitted by the dealer. Tyres are about £1100-£1200 as mentioned. If you drive it like I did then expect around 8k miles from rears and 12k miles from fronts.

didn't have any other problems with mine apart from the clutch but then the car was only 18 months old when I got it and 3 years old when I sold it.
 
I would personally class the replacement of a plastic centre console with a leather trimmed one across the range (Provided you had leather) as being a tad more than just 'some of the edges have been tidied up'.
 
Cheers for the info guys, and thanks for the link MrLOL I'm reading through it now.

To be honest, I expect the big bills with this type of car and if a couple grand for a new clutch has to be paid then I can't see too much hassle in paying it, would be nicer to have BMW front it through a warranty though :)

I'm going to have a look at one tomorrow morning, it's an ex company directors car with ever single optional extra available, heated rear seats, TV, rear & side blinds etc... Just under 40k on the clock and is a pre-facelift 07 I think, but does look extremely nice, hopefully I'll bond better with this car than the last one... I still think there was a problem with the gearbox in that car.
 
Hi there

The M5 is a single clutch affair, it shall never be anywhere near as smooth as a full AUTO or the newer type DSG/DCT Dual clutch affairs.

With the M5 you select the speed and how ferocious the chance is by using the selector.

The best method to get the best from them is when your hooning it to make sure you flat change and at or very close to the limiter, so don't lift.

But when your cruising or around town just lift ever so slightly on up-changes or don't alter your foot position on the accelerator, basically as you get used to the car and the traits of the gearbox you will just drive it a lot smoother anyway. :)

The M5 is a hugely quick car but it has very high running cost and a warranty is a complete necessity otherwise it will be a moneypit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom