rsteele 
2006 BMW M5 Sedan 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
Experience with 2006 M5
 The new BMW M5 has a substantially different character than the previous model:  less low rpm torque, but more mid and high range power.  Using the SMG transmission well is like learning an action video game or how to tango with a new dance partner.  Once you've got the rhythm and the timing, it's a great transmission, but this may take 5,000-10,000 miles.  That's why reviewers tend not to like it.  Same with iDrive.  It's clunky for tuning different radio stations, but very handy otherwise, once you've learned how to use it.  Unlike with the Editor's M5 Review, I find the steering to be very good and much better than on my prior model M5.  What's not good:  fuel economy and driving range.