So... is the new "SMG" option on the 3-series SMG or SMG II ?? Apparently SMG takes 220 ms to shift, and SMG II takes just 80 ms to shift.

Also, does anyone know how a 325 or 330 with SMG compares in acceleration to STEPTRONIC and manual?

And finally, it sounds to me like SMG is a strict superset of STEPTRONIC. Is there any reason I *wouldn't* get it instead of STEPTRONIC?

Thanks.

SMG is a manual transmission (no torque converter) without the clutch paddle. The clutch is controlled by computer.
Although Steptronic allows manual shifting, but it is still an automatic transmission w/torque converter.
So steptronic has nothing to do with SMG, SMG is a hi-tech 6 speed manual with computer controlled clutch.

I've driven an M3 with SMG and it is superior to steptronic, IMHO.

With steptronic, you are just shifting the automatic transmission and, after you've tried it a while, I guarantee you'll get lazy and leave it set in automatic.

SMG feels more like a manual although I'm not sure I'd perfer one over a classic six-speed. And there is the danger you'd get lazy and leave it in the automatic mode as well.

Most salesmen I've asked about SMG are cool on it and admit they wouldn't buy one.

SMG is a manual transmission (no torque converter) without the clutch paddle. The clutch is controlled by computer.
Although Steptronic allows manual shifting, but it is still an automatic transmission w/torque converter.
So steptronic has nothing to do with SMG, SMG is a hi-tech 6 speed manual with computer controlled clutch.
yeah,that is a danger.i prefer a 6 speed manual too.

The 6 speed manual is much more fun.
I've driven both SMG and tradition manual M3s, the SMG is something you can show off your friends.
But manual is the best. Nothing compares to a 6-3 downshift.