AF Rookie needs help with M3 questions

[Nap11TL]

Hey folks,
I have a few questions I was hoping you could answer. I was thinking about financing an M3 coupe. I wanted to know from people who have owned or have known owners whats hot whats not. Can I turn off the traction control?? And turn off the speed limiter. How much of a pussy would I the car be if I got it in Automatic instead of manual.( I live in NYC and dealing with traffic in manual SUX!)If there is anything else you guys can think of that would help would be great. Thank you.

[LIGHTNING M3]

M3's only come with either a 6 speed or SMG-- no automatics!

Yes you can turn off the traction control, but the speed limiter is fixed and can not be turn off without doing a Dinan Software upgrade.

Great car! I have a 2003 and it never ceases to amaze me.

Good Luck!

[Nap11TL]

Thank you. I hear the SMG is the way to go. But not really sure. Everyone I have talked to says what you said that its such a great car. I'm happy the Traction control can be turned off. That was sumpin big to me. Thank you for your help. Is there anything else that is a must have option on the car??

[BlOOe46]

just one thing to point out --

dont be fooled, the SMG II is not an automatic, its a manual u can control like an automatic (or so ive been told)

well, to set it apart from an auto, it doesnt creep when u put it into drive, and u still pretty much do the shifting with the paddles, except everything is more refined and computer-controlled (along with the fact that there isnt a manual clutch)

also, in regards to ur questions on options, if it were me buying a new m3, i would definitely go for a stripper w/ only option being bi-xenon headlights (that is a must have, other lights seem like candle sticks compared to these) of course, i would probably go w/ the 6 speed, but id definitely want to test drive both transmissions before i made a definite decision

[Nap11TL]

I think I will try both out. Now I'm hearing that the SMG is a lil tricky and has like 10 ways to drive. Although it may be cool to try all the diff ways to drive. I have the manumatic on my TL now and don't mind it. But did have problems with the transmission. Although there was the silnet recall on the Tranny. I'm doubtful there will be such problems with BMW.