My previous 5 cars have had MT's, this is my first auto in 7 years and I'm loving it! I suspect its a combination of me aging and auto tranny's getting better - is it the best? probably not, but its good enough to still have fun when driving spirited and refined enough when just driving more conservatively. Its a great balance for me.

 

Will the G hold the gear you're in? Or will it up/downshift under some circumstances even if you have not chosen to do so? (ie bouncing off rev limiter)

 

It will hold the gear even bouncing off the rev limiter, I've personally never done it yet but my Dad did a bunch of times in his FX45 when it was new. It does down shift into first when you come to a stop.

 

I've been driving manuals since my first car in 1995. Prior to that my roommate had a manual (good old '86 honda civic hatchback that he used to teach me how to drive a manual with). I love manual and still find myself searching for the clutch with my left foot alot, but I have to say, I like the auto in the new '07s.

It's alot more responsive than my buddies TL, or in the various acura CL-S' that I got as loaners when I owned my integra. It's a really good transmission and shifts fast. It's not perfect but it's good enough.

I can tell you for sure that in the G35S in manual mode, it's a true manual (in terms of gear shift, of course it's still missing a mechanical clutch). I've bumped against the rev limiter at least a handful of times in 1st and 2nd gear in my car.

 

LOL - I did that the first time I drove one

 

Yes, it would be a deal breaker for me.

 

What's the M package? My take is it's bumpers, slits, wheels, and springs. That's gonna add looks, but not any HP, so of course the G will be one-up there. Then again, the 5 will have an inline 6 which is very sweet. But the 5 isn't even close in price, the 3 will be much closer.

 

It's called M-Aero package that has bumpers and side skirts thats about it.
I've had that exact car until I totaled it going 140 MPH and rear tire went kaboom on me, I know it's stupid and I've never done that untill that night when my cousine took off like crazy man and I decided to chase him.
To the point current 5 series still has an old auto transmission, engine always been inline 6 but it'll be replaced next year with that new twin turbo inline 6 so expect 535i to hit dealers maybe this spring along with their new face lift.
I'm sure they will use new auto transmission as well.

 

I'll have a full writeup when my car is officially delivered tomorrow (YAHOO!), but drive the AT, you will not be disapointed.

I drove the G35x, 328xi and the S4 extensively over the past few months. The G35x pummels both of these cars, it just does. When you really push the AT it is a wholllle lot of fun to drive - I'll say this I moved over to this car from the 350z, thats how much fun I had driving it. Fully loaded (tech, premium, nav packages) AWD sedan with a great 300+hp engine for $40k - you cant beat it.

 

I was only comparing tranny feel. The G doesn't have a leg up in hp. The bmw i test drove had around 385 horsepower. I'm not saying they are in the same class. But I am saying I like the G better.

 

Get a G35 sport and buy some winter rims/tires. I never owned an auto tranny car either and I never will unless they discontinue making them, which I doubt. I hate sitting in traffic in either a manual or auto so having an automatic doesn't do anything for me, especially when it costs more. Automatics are for women

 

That is a very ignorant and stupid comment to make. Just because I chose AWD over the 6MT doesn't meant that I can't drive the MT. Given the advances in technology, the 5AT performs very well and with the manual shift mode and DS mode it's a blast to drive. This is my first AT, but I can tell you now it will not be the last. Congratulations on insulting 92% of G owners.

 

Hey ChristianN, don't even waste time responding to ignorant comments as mrb made. Not worth it.

 

As an avid MT driver, it similarly bothers me when people make this a cut and dry issue (all the more frustrating when they make it personal...). For me, it's not an issue of performance as clearly both AT and MT can perform admirably. It's a matter of what makes you feel good - all the more important when you're spending this kind of $$. For instance, I don't mind an MT in traffic but I can see how some people might find it a pain - to me the MT makes me feel better, so I get it along with it's pros & cons.

As it pertains to the original comment, if the MT is key for your enjoyment, I've found that the limited slip combined with stability and traction control will give you pretty reasonable acceleration control. Obviously, it won't be as consistent as an AWD (especially on the really slippery/loose stuff and if you don't have winter/off-road tires) but if you're a pretty good driver, you may find that to be enough. You would need winter tires if you went for the 6MT and expect to get decent control.

 

You've also managed to disrespect all the female drivers.