Good point Nick, but don't forget that the BMW box has, in effect, 4 modes.
Economy, when it starts in 2nd and gets to top as fast as possible Comfort, again starts in 2 and changes up early, but changes down more easily. Sport, when it starts in 1st and the change point is linked to throttle position and movement, it will go to the red line in each gear Manual, when all gear changes are up to you, it only takes over if you hit the rev limiter and when you stop.
Also, in Comfort and Sport the box learns your driving style and in sport will hold a gear after a change down to see if you need more power again.
If you memory of auto boxes are more than 6 or 7 years old these new ones are as night and day.
Useful to know - am pleased there is a manual mode too!
