I have just bought an X5 tiptronic. Until now I have never been a fan of auto's, "too slow, thirsty, boring". 1 week on I am converted!! When you are stuck in traffic, bung it in auto. On the open road I am delighted with the tiptronic but am still forgetting if its push or pull for up or down gear!! My beloved M-Tech 328i, which had most of M3 go faster mods ie suspension, intakes, exhaust and lsd rear axle, was magic with the M3 manual gearbox and I dont think it would have suited auto but the X5 really does so I suppose it depends on the car, (either that or I am getting past it!!) cheers crofter