SMG vs. Standard Manual?

[Si 2 Si]

I am in the market for a E46 M3 and am contimplating between the SMG and the standard manual 6spd.

I have never driven an SMG and would like some feedback from people who have. How is it? How about in traffic and just day-to-day driving?

I currently own a E46 323Ci so I am familiar with the gearbox of the BMW and I like it very much. But is it worth the typical $3k more for the SMG? I will probably buy used with under 20k. Does anybody know how wear and tear effects the SMG? Better? Worse?

[crash8168]

The SMG takes some getting used to, it has a very odd feel. On the other hand you cant miss shift going down and kill the engine either like you can with the standard trans. Incidentally the transmission is identical in either case, the smg is stuff added to the outside of the same manual trans to do the clutch and shifting.

[SimSimma]

I just test drove a 2002 SMG yesterday, what a rush. I agree, it takes some getting used to. The coolest part was being able to change gears with the shifter on the wheel. The sales guy told me that you don't lose any acceleration time, and you can control the "kick" in the shift?! Anyway, nice option if you're willing to pay the extra dollar for it. Just my two cents...

[Boss San]

Manual, manual, manual! Don't let the fancy SMG fool you, any automatic(semi- or full) is still what it is. A manual will always be for the real driver, or else you're just another passenger. 2cents

[Si 2 Si]

Thanks for the input everyone. I went to the dealership last weekend and checked one out. There is a lot I like about the SMG and I am probably going to opt for the SMG. Its got the AT feature which will come in handy for our typical Seattle traffic, and the paddle/F1 style shifter is pretty damn slick. It has .08second shifts.

As for it being an automatic Boss_San, while it appears that way, it really is completely different than say a Porsche's triptronic (by definitions, the Prosche's is an AT). The SMG is very much different than that of a Prosche's. From what I hear, there are only two other car companies with a truly SMG style transmission (Ferrari and Lamborghini I think).

So after much research, I shall go with the SMG, though I will miss throwing the shifter around and clutchin it.

[Boss San]

I know. It just seems like a way to squeeze a little more feeling out of the Ultimate Driving Machine, which sadly, BMW seem to be taking a bit of a dive in. It's hardly that the SMG is bad. I'm just a stickler for manual shifting.
It would be helpful for Seattle traffic , (Tell me about it I'm from Olympia.
I've been in it many times.) what with the crusing setting on the SMG.
But to each his own, I envy you just for the fact you can afford the car. And what with the gas prices 'round here too. Have fun with your new M3.

[MioCLK]

Originally Posted by Si 2 Si

Thanks for the input everyone. I went to the dealership last weekend and checked one out. There is a lot I like about the SMG and I am probably going to opt for the SMG. Its got the AT feature which will come in handy for our typical Seattle traffic, and the paddle/F1 style shifter is pretty damn slick. It has .08second shifts.

As for it being an automatic Boss_San, while it appears that way, it really is completely different than say a Porsche's triptronic (by definitions, the Prosche's is an AT). The SMG is very much different than that of a Prosche's. From what I hear, there are only two other car companies with a truly SMG style transmission (Ferrari and Lamborghini I think).

So after much research, I shall go with the SMG, though I will miss throwing the shifter around and clutchin it.

Other car companies also have transmission similar to SMG or Ferrari F1, which uses a manual gearbox instead of automatic.
Toyota --->SMT,
Alfa Romeo ---> Selespeed
Audi ---> DSG

Mercedes (C coupe), Smart and Renualt have them too, but i forgot the name of they use.

[Si 2 Si]

Originally Posted by MioCLK

Other car companies also have transmission similar to SMG or Ferrari F1, which uses a manual gearbox instead of automatic.
Toyota --->SMT,
Alfa Romeo ---> Selespeed
Audi ---> DSG

Mercedes (C coupe), Smart and Renualt have them too, but i forgot the name of they use.

Thats what I said too when I heard that, however I was quickly corrected. Aparently those systems are completely different from that of the SMG. I couldnt tell you what those technical differences are, but I was led to believe that those other systems are not a true F1/SMG style gear box. I did some quick research and found this to be true, however my limited knowledge of this can't prove it. Try a search on google however if you are so inclined. It was some interesting reading.

[Boss San]

I've heard that the DSG system is a little sloppy and a little slower than other paddle shifters, but that's comparing it to something like a Ferrari paddle system.

...and not that it really matters but, the Audi/VW DSG was first used on the R32. About six months before it was availible in the Audi TT.

[EM3]

i myself have the 6 spd...but after driving my friends smg i have to say if i had drivin the smg before i might have gotten it...i really liked paddle-shifting because its damn quick and so i dont have to take my hands off the wheel when i turn

[M3-2NV]

hello, I own a 2004 with SMG And I live in Germany. I had drove the Standard first then the SMG II. I am sorry but there is no comparison as far as I am concerned. I embrace technology but I still love to drive my 2002 Tii. I am proud to say that I have fun with Porsche's and Corvette's....Woo hoo!!!! Please all check out the Tuner's section under AC-schnitzer. I will post some pics soon, so keep your eye's pierced.

[neildown]

I talked to a number of E46 M3 owners this past weekend while at a driver's school and have a few comments to add regarding the SMG. First - it really does seem to be primarily personal preference. So you MUST go drive one before picking it up (preferably a lot!!). The SMG seems to make it easier for the beginner/intermediate driver to get around the track quickly. However - neither transmission seems to edge out the other in terms of ultimate potential. It appears to depend on the complexity of the track and driver familiarity with the vehicle. The standard manual transmission does clearly provide some additional control of the shifting process, but requires substantial attention from the driver to gain that additional control.

With that said - very few people spend enough time on the track for track performance to dictate their buying decision (influence, maybe). The SMG does have a number of different shift 'programs' that determine the shift quickness/abruptness. It also seems that not all owners understand how to engage the different programs (i've heard there are at least 6), so be sure and test drive with someone who knows how to change programs - I assume all the dealers know..

Finally, I asked my service manager how the SMG's have held up and he claims they have been very robust. He also added that there has been one software revision since the introduction - I don't know if this is something that can be upgraded on early SMG's or if you must by a vehicle with the updated software... I suspect a friendly dealer could answer that for you and possibly even describe the update.

PS: I own an E36 M3 - so I haven't driven the SMG myself - this is all from conversations from E46 owners.

[DinanM3_S2]

What dealership in Eugene are you going to? Im a Portlander, and I'd avoid Delon BMW in Salem, too small. Go to Rassmussen or Kuni in Portland, you'll see better options and probably get a better deal...

[jmrev]

wouldnt the shifter on the steering wheel be much easier to drive? i mean that is why it was do for.