Hey guys, I plan on buying a type s later this year. Still deciding on the 6mt or the auto. I just watched a clip of a M5 auto accelerating and notice the way the transmission shifts makes it sound like a manual. Meaning there seems to be a longer duration of time of "pressing down the clutch" silence then regular autos. I am wondering if those of your who has an auto type s has an observation on that. hope you guys know what I am trying to say lol.

 

The BMW likely had a "SMG" transmission.

The SMG tranny is actually a MANUAL, but it's an automatic in the way that the car shifts for you. Unlike regular automatics, which are hydraulic, the BMW actually uses a clutch set-up and has an actuator that pushes the clutch and shifts for you VERY quickly. It's the best of both worlds! There's no HP loss due to fluid transfer, and you get almost the same MPG as a regular manual. The only downside is the slight "clunk" noise that a lot of owners complain about. It's really not that noticable, but some don't like it. My aunt has an M3 convertible with the SMG tranny, and I personally LOVED it.

The Type-S shifting is about what the rest are. It's no SMG by any means, but it works. There's about a half second delay between shifts, but it's not bad at all. I find myself using the "sport shift" mode very little. I only use it when I want to take on-ramps and off-ramps fast, and stay in a certain gear.

 

The following is not fact. Just my theory based on clues that I noticed.

The TL is Drive By Wire. This means the computer operates the throttle opening. So, during shifts, the computer closes the throttle. So, you are right... just like a person shifting a manual, the throttle closes during shifting.

Why do I say this. I have a CAI, and I sometimes hear the throttle slamming closed while the trans shift during WOT.