I just got back from the dealer and the salesman stated that the SMG (550) in non M-cars are automatic. Can someone please help me clarify this question.

 

What? He's smoking something.
It's a sequential 6speed manual gearbox.
It's not as advanced as the M cars, but it sure isn't an automatic.
Oh, and get the M5.

 

I had an SMG M3 back in 2003, and was cinsidering a 550i, so I drove that in SMG, and found that there is no way to select the firmness or speed of gearchanges as you can do in the M cars, and after driving it I would not get the SMG in any non-M car. Plus those new paddles they have that work both ways are obnoxious.

The transmission is the same AFAIK, just not as adjustable, it's a manual transmission with a hydrolically opperated clutch.

 

There is a sport mode on the 550i SMG, but it has to be reselected everytime you start the car.

I could not find an SMG 550 in the US and bought a 550 Step. The SMG has to be special ordered from what I understand. No dealers that I could find order any for stock.

I am actually selling my 550 since I cannot get a bike rack for it that I like.

 

I know of a dealer with one in stock if anyone wants, but once again WOULD NOT buy one, sport mode or not.