Hello everyone, my first post here. I test drove a G37 Journey coupe 5AT today (test drove a 6MT and a BMW 335 Automatic yesterday, definitely want the G37 ). The car felt strong and the acceleration was very good. It had the sport wheels but not the sport package. The tranny reacted very well in the DS mode, but when using the manual mode it hesitated for .5 to 1.0 second in the process of up-shifting (not as fast as the Auto tranny found in the BMW). I have read in this forum some of the comments related to the 5AT. So here are my questions:
1. Is there any difference in the programming of the transmission between the Sport model and the regular model?
2. Is it true that the transmission will get faster or better at shifting after the break-in period or is it just driver perception?
Thanks in advance to your responses.

 

I hear grounding kits are making the shifts a bit quicker n smoother on the ATs....Many debate just how much it helps though.

 

If you are going for an auto, look at the 09's. They are 7AT's and i believe shift quicker then the 5AT's.

 

^^ 1+

 

The guys at the dealer told me that there is not much difference about the 2 tranny except for the fuel economy issue.

 

^Yeah, thats bull shit. Resale value will be alot better for the 7AT and the dealers incentive is to clear the lot of 08's. Plus the 09's have more resilient paint then the 08's.

 

get the 09 if u have any choice whatsoever.. 7gears!!

 

That's why I never believed car salesman. I'd get an 09 if you're looking for an AT

 

if your in drive mode the car learns how you drive and over time adjusts shifting to your driving style

Im guessing maybe because of this shifting may be a lil off at first until the car pics up on how you drive

 

I was reading some of the posts in regards to this kit, but only a few claimed to feel a difference, hopefully someone who installed this kit can tell me how true it is.

 

Thats what I keep hearing, but will this socall adjustment benefit the shifting for sure?

 

Black Betty....I think they're asking for advice on grounding kits.....know anybody that has knowledge of them?!?

 

There are several posts and at least one review on BB grounding kits. They help autos. I have one on 5AT and it makes a difference. Don't think I have seen one yet on a 7AT.

 

HamstersG, when you say its better with the kit, can you be more specific with what you notice? Like I said the car moves very fast in automatic DS, but it is just the manual lags response and if this kit does improve that problem, it will be one of the factors I'll take into account to choose the 5AT over the 6MT. Guys I know the 09 have the 7AT but right now there is a gap in price of around $10,000 between a second hand 08 and a new 09 G, so I take that under consideration.

 

In general, sales consultants usually make more commission on the newer model yr. Dealers may be motivated to move older model yr cars off their inventory, but sales consultants are usually not.