 I have owned several M3s, and liked them all. This is my first M5. Getting older I was looking for a more power and great handling but when not in the mood a little more comfort with the convenience of auto transmission in traffic. It tries to accomplishes all this but this is where it is flawed as it can't be a master of everything. At slow speeds the SMG is dimwitted. It doesn't react as quick as a manual and you can be beaten of the lights unless your on your game. Gear changes can be brutal when in attack mode. However I love it - the challenge you face is to know the car, set it up the way you want it and adapt to its shortcomings.Gives it a unique character.