Does the M3 come in Automatic at all or is it just manual?

The M3 is manual only. I kinda wanted it to be automatic "Steptronic" at first, but then I think the stick is a better choice =). Just hope my gf doesn't mind.

It depends on what M3 you're talking about. If you're talking new generation E46 M3, then, yes, manual (6-speed) only. If you're talking
previous generation E36 M3, then you had a choice between 5-speed manual, or 5-speed automatic. I don't know if all E36 model years offerred autoboxes, but I do know they exist.

The SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) is now also available in the US. It is the same clutch & gearbox setup as the manual (6-speed, no torque converter), but shifts with either steering wheel paddles or a console mouted shifter.
It's about $2300 for the option.

Originally posted by rhs63
If you're talking new generation E46 M3, then, yes, manual (6-speed) only. If you're talking
previous generation E36 M3, then you had a choice between 5-speed manual, or 5-speed automatic.

what does the E46 and E36 represent besides different generations
does it represent the chassis code? b/c i know it can't represent the engine code b/c the displacement is no 4.6L

I don't have the complete story on 'E36' vs 'E46'. I do know they are internal (to BMW) model numbers. It might be the chassis code. And, no, 'E46' does not represent '4.6 liters'.
Regarding the previous discussion about transmissions, I mispoke. The new E46 M3 does come with the new SMG transmission if you don't want the pure manual. From what I can see, basically a jazzed up automatic.

The SMG is absolutely nothing like an automatic. There is NO torque converter. The internal components are EXACTLY like a regular manual transmission. The shifts are actuated hydraulically by paddles or shift knob. There are 5 different shift modes which alter the speed of the shifts taking place, the throttle blips on downshift, etc. This is very close to a F1-racing type transmission. It's shifts take place faster than the Ferrari F1 paddle shifter. In full sport-mode, a 1-2 shift takes place in 0.86ms... try that with a manual transmission!

Originally posted by TBuz
The SMG is absolutely nothing like an automatic. There is NO torque converter. The internal components are EXACTLY like a regular manual transmission. The shifts are actuated hydraulically by paddles or shift knob. There are 5 different shift modes which alter the speed of the shifts taking place, the throttle blips on downshift, etc. This is very close to a F1-racing type transmission. It's shifts take place faster than the Ferrari F1 paddle shifter. In full sport-mode, a 1-2 shift takes place in 0.86ms... try that with a manual transmission!

yup..just like the ferrari

even though there might be a f1 paddle shifter, i think i'll still take the traditional stick shift:)

i'll lose in a drag race, but it'll be more fun:D

the SMG transmission does, however, have a fully automatic program where the computer shifts for you. I think it has 6 modes of manual (using the paddle shifters), and 5 modes of automatic, the higher the number, the more aggressive the shifting takes place. in the manual modes, the sixth mode, called S6, can only be activated if you hit the DSC button!

Originally posted by snorlaxtowncar
in the manual modes, the sixth mode, called S6, can only be activated if you hit the DSC button!

what does DSC stand for?

dsc stands for dynamic stability control. it is the little button in the middle of the dash, at the bottom, near where heated seats buttons are if you have them.