Does anyone have any news, comments, or experience with the optional sport automatic transmission? The only thing I have read is from the 2008 5 Series brochure and it doesn't say it it performas any better than the standard automatic. I read that it rev matches when downshifting. I wonder if it shifts quicker or do you just get the paddle shifters on the wheel. The actual shifter, seen here (http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/5series/sedan/2007/allfacts/engine/6_gears_sport_automatic.html), looks better than the regular auto trans stick.

I believe the transmission is the same on the 07 5 series and the 08... the only difference is the shifter and i spoke to a couple of ppl with the the 08 shifters and they are not liking them.

Does anyone have any news, comments, or experience with the optional sport automatic transmission? The only thing I have read is from the 2008 5 Series brochure and it doesn't say it it performas any better than the standard automatic. I read that it rev matches when downshifting. I wonder if it shifts quicker or do you just get the paddle shifters on the wheel.

I'm new on this board, but I do hang out on some other e60 specific boards. From the comments I have read, people seem to really like the new SAT. It is said to shift really really fast and it does blip the throttle on downshifts. In auto mode it is a very good auto trans, and in manual mode it outshines the steptronic trans.

I think if you check around you will find many reviews on this trans by people who are taking delivery of the new 2008 model.

I'm new on this board, but I do hang out on some other e60 specific boards. From the comments I have read, people seem to really like the new SAT. It is said to shift really really fast and it does blip the throttle on downshifts. In auto mode it is a very good auto trans, and in manual mode it outshines the steptronic trans.

I think if you check around you will find many reviews on this trans by people who are taking delivery of the new 2008 model.


Which other forums do you use? I'd like to read the postings.

UK BMW dealers are clueless about this transmission. I'm considering a 530i SE and this can come with a standard auto or the sport auto transmission, but none of the dealers I've spoken to know anything about it.

Try forums.e60.net
Search for posts by "Rudy"... he's done excellent write-up after owning an SMG before. Plenty of good info to read... and yes most people seem to love it.