@SO8
Would you say the auto box is as good as the DSG? My ED30 has DSG so would be an interesting comparison.
The reason I make the comparison is because I use to have a BMW 330Ci E46 in Auto and that was terrible. No paddle on the steering wheel and the kickdown was a nightmare.
Pazz,
I loved the DSG on my Edition 30 and no, it is not the same ... but is, IMO, very good.
It is a 'conventional' auto with torque converter but seems more responsive than the 2002 E46 330i I had years back.
I found DSG was great going up through the box but could take ages to select if kicking down at certain speeds. I also found it didn't really like crawling in stop start traffic - i.e. it wasn't that smooth.
In both these areas the BMW auto in my 330d is far better but the box is no DSG for fast changes. It is not slow by any means but DSG is so different. Sorry I can't be more helpful - the best way is to try one. I love the auto and would not have a diesel manual as, having driven them, there is simply too much gear changing and not enough fun as you can't really hold gears and end up driving on a wave of torque.