The SMG debate is on...

[330ciSport]

OK, seems to be a bit of a split decision on the M3 and whether to go for SMG or manual. After 30 years of thinking that having no clutch was totally pish and for girlies only, I'm test driving a 2004 SMG on Saturday. Make the mind up time!

Interestingly, Autocar quotes the manual 0-60 as 4.8s where the SMG is at 5.2s. I always thought that the SMG'd cars were a bit quicker 0-60 as the 1st to 2nd gear change was quicker?

Any last minute views on the subject appreciated.

[Chaos]

I didn't like it. I suspect the 0-60 is quicker in a manual because you can decide when to change gear precisely and not have the car decide for you, that's only supposition though. Both of those said, I spoke to 2 people who have SMG cars and the first thing they both said was identical - "You have to use it for 6 months to get used to it". So maybe don't make up your mind 100% on Saturday, but honestly I decided I've always been very happy with a manual so why take 6 months to find out I regretted buying an smg - no point imo, but your mileage may vary (no pun intended).

[Afif]

http://sankeys.demon.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1364

^ some good info there for the guys who havent seen it ;)

[beemarman]

I didn't like it. I suspect the 0-60 is quicker in a manual because you can decide when to change gear precisely and not have the car decide for you, that's only supposition though. Both of those said, I spoke to 2 people who have SMG cars and the first thing they both said was identical - "You have to use it for 6 months to get used to it". So maybe don't make up your mind 100% on Saturday, but honestly I decided I've always been very happy with a manual so why take 6 months to find out I regretted buying an smg - no point imo, but your mileage may vary (no pun intended).


I have an SMG gearbox i don't think you need 6 months to get used to it more like 6 days. the SMG in the M3 is same as the 6 speed in the Manual M3 the only difference is the clutch is computer controlled no human can change gear as quick as an SMG in S5 mode. the SMG only changes gear when you want it does not change for you unless u have it in the auto mode. After driving the manual i decided to go for the SMG as i think it makes the car more fun to drive and also it easier in traffic.

check this site (http://www.leo.nutz.de/BMW.php) for more information. you cant jugde an smg just from a 20 mins test drive, it very jerky if you don't know how to drive it but when you do it :D

[peppernick]

If you like it, go for it. SMG2 is a brilliant gearbox.

SMG is definitely quicker for me but for those who can swap gears quick enough, it's just as fast.

However, SMG has less tuning potential ;)

[CA Automotive UK]

SMG = Slower than Manual Gearbox :)

manual is a REAL car ..more involvement and enjoyment IMHO

[330-Singh]

Admittedly I am not an M3 owner or an SMG owner...but I have driven the M3 with both options.

I have to admit the SMG was something I did fall in love with straight away! The manual I found could get tiresome in the traffic, which is a factor for me when I clock up so many miles so the SMG would give you the lazy option should you need it.

Thats my 2 pence worth

[mattj]

ive got smg and it was the main option that i really wanted on the car, i wouldnt want a manual m3. as others have said it really does take some getting used to, but once you do its awesome. even though the auto mode is not nice to drive it does help if you spend a lot of time in traffic. depending on your mood the adjustability of the shifts is very usefull- but the best thing is that the paddles look pretty trick-lol!

one thing i have found is that if your in mode 5 or 6 passengers think your being really rough will the gear changes but its just because the change is so vicious

you wont get the best out of it on a test drive but my vote is smg everytime.

[Mits]

I had exactly the same car as Matt and changed to a coupe just because it had smg :D

If the first time you drive smg you like it, then you've really answered your question. Some people just never get use to it, but once you do it has a lot more tricks up its sleeve.....launch control, shift speed, auto blip, auto mode....and those cool paddles, although i'll be changing the standard paddles to something very cool soon ;)

Only downside is the loss of tuning potential, but the loss of the clutch pedal does'nt make the M3 any less fun too drive and its certainly a lot easier in traffic and sweeping bends where your hands are on the wheel.

Roy and Nick :rolleyes: ...i'll convert them to smg one day :D [hiya

[paulm3]

i have had smg for 7 months now.. chose it over the manual. its really good. u will like it.. it fun and never get bored of it... my mates love it. and in auto mode its good in traffic.. get one ... u will not be disapointed

[Raja_SMGII]

Echo the comments about it being a personal taste. I think it clearly has its advatages for those who do a lot of city-driving and use their M3 as a daily-driver. The reason the MT is quicker to 60 is because you can rev the engine greater than 4800rpm[launch control] and then dump the clutch for a quicker get-away. In-gear acceleration using S5 or S6 has been found to be quicker than what 80-90% of manual drivers would possibly achieve. 80ms per shift I think, which is quicker than the 220ms the Ferrari 360 achieves with its paddle-shift.

I used to drive my bros E36 M3 Evo all the time and it as great a car it was - with superior steering-feel to the E46 - it was a 6MT and it got tiresome in London traffic quick! :p I find the SMG gearbox to be far more enjoyable allowing you to concentrate much more on your driving/steering :)

Oh and there are some aftermarket paddles if you want to be a little different:

http://www.smgpaddles.com/images/8.JPG

http://www.smgpaddles.com

Good luck with your choice - regardless, the E46 M3 is a great all rounder!

[Raja_SMGII]

wow - didn't realise what a HUGE sig-pic I have! :o Will change that soon!

[Mits]

Those paddles are nice but very expensive......i've heard on the grapevine SSDD will have much cheaper ones, option of carbon fibre, different materials and designs......coming soon i'm told ;)

[paulm3]

yeah, roy @ ca does some lovely carbon ones. theyre on the website

[peppernick]

Those Royal pedals are lovely. They are already a cheaper copy of the original Carrozeria pedals retailing at $475 a pair.