4 or 5 speed auto ??

[surfer]

Im looking for an SL and the money i want to pay is right on the cusp of when the tranny changed from the 4 spd auto to the 5 spd auto !!
  Is it worth paying up for the 5 spd ???..... Is it worth the extra £2k ????......... Is there much difference ??

 

[Matt Crooke]

When watching Top Gear a few years ago, they roadtested the BMW 3 series estate, with their new 5 speed auto in it. It got a good report, however Clarkson said that any driver would soon get sick of the gears constantly changing up and down all the time.

The only answer is a Test Drive of both.

PS, sorry for mentioning the Beema!

 

[David S]

The 5 speed is certainly the better box. However £2K is some serious money.

I tested a E320 W124 5 Speed and ended up buying the E280 W124 4 Speed. The only real difference I notice was the higher reving of the engine at motorway speeds. ( I can live with that).

That said, the 5 speed shifted ratios slightly better, and I would have thought produce better MPG's.

It may be worth estimating the potential fuel savings (if any) and taking that into your calculation.

Regards.

David

 

[Stewart Smith]

I tested a 4 speed and 5 speed W202 C200 back-to back. - Not quite in your league but the 5 speed was much nicer for a 'slow' lazy car like mine - the gear shifts a surreal.
But it does get annoying when it takes its time changing down if I am ever in a real hurry, so I would have thought in a sporty motor the 4 speed would be fine, and you'll still have saved enough to go to the  Bahamas for a week or 2. !

 

[surfer]

Ha Ha....like the Bahamas idea !!...... Ive spoken to MB service guys at main dealers and they reckon there is virtually no difference in performance or economy between the two ??........ they say the five spd is maybe very slightly smoother but is more troublesome ???
  Think i may save my money !!...... We shall see !!

 

[Matt Crooke]

Sometimes best to keep things simple....especially if lots of cash is involved!

4spd auto's are tried and tested...im always a bit weary of buying something thats a new concept.

 

[fuzzer]

Like a microsoft X box ?

 

[Matt Crooke]

Any nutters here Q-ing up for that last night?

 

[fuzzer]

They are rather good.!!