Ahh.. the SMG III. Between the wonder of the engine and the under carriage one might forget this but...
There has been a lot people asking for a manual version of the M5 but I for one think this is sentiment and not based on experience. The SMG III box is astounding, and that is even after 2000k (1200m) when I cannot use the fastest programs yet. 7 gears is a lot, but they are brilliantly spaced and, because of the nature of the beast, you need them. The engine is a high rev machine and it is no completely happy surfing the torque at 1500 rpm, so you want to keep it in the sweet spot over, lets say 3000 rpm. The SMG is fast en very smooth in all programs until S4 (still to test S5 en 6 but have to wait until I hit the 5000k mark). Downshifts are always accompanied with a glorious amount of throttle between the gears to compensate for negative engine drag and, aside from beeing very functional, this makes a great sound and turns heads instantly. I have almost exclsively used the manual setting, although the automatic programm is a great for a sportive drive, when cruising in D1 or D2 it is bit slow and, because the changes are somewhat unpredictable and sluggish, this is not the smoothest ride. Its better to put it on one of the faster programms and lift the throttle on gearshift; completely smooth and instant change (see the demo of Tiff Needle in his Fifth gear programm in his review of the M5). Using the paddles gives you total control and no way you could do better with a manual. The shiftlights in the HUD in M-mode are brilliant too. So.. SMG is better faster and more fun, stop whining over that manual version guys, this is the thing to have..