SMG now available on 2006 330i

Snowman811 · 02-24-2006, 06:17 PM

I'm planning on ordering my 330i this weekend and have been calling around to get competitve prices. In this search, I've been telling everyone that I want a Manual and learned that the SMG transmission is now available. One guy sent me a pricing sheet with boxes highlighted for the 2006 330i and on there is the option for SMG transmission. When I called another dealer, I mentioned this and he said, "No, you mean the M3. The SMG is not available on the 330i. Wait, oh! Here it is... they just updated the software. Yeah, I guess you CAN order it."

No I need to make a decision, Manual or SMG. Sounds like some test driving is in store for me tomorrow.

Cheers

lux.sh · 02-24-2006, 06:19 PM

..............you are sh1tting me.. right?

ben1364 · 02-24-2006, 06:49 PM

The SMG operated transmission is much more complex than the regular manual. It is a nice system but not for everyone. I think that you are wise to test drive both to determine which is best for you.

deutsch100 · 02-24-2006, 06:53 PM

Yes, try the SMG before ordering it. Before the E90, I drove a 2005 M3 with SMG. While the SMG gives lighting fast shifts, it can be jerky and very tempermental.

Brunotheboxer · 02-24-2006, 06:56 PM

i agree, you should try the smg. i've heard that the smg is not very good in the auto mode. unless you need this for your wife i would get the manual.

paullo · 02-24-2006, 07:12 PM

I guess it pays to wait- we got our car months ago, when comfort access didn't exist, and neither did SMG... I'll be real pissed if BMW announces that iPod integration/support is only available in post September builds!

puck724 · 02-24-2006, 07:18 PM

^^ditto...ill almost not be surprised though...

Ghunger · 02-24-2006, 07:18 PM

Where's Fleet when you need him!!

hotsand5 · 02-24-2006, 07:35 PM

the SMG in the e46 M3 is different than the one offered on the e90 (the same SMG offered in the previous generation non M 3 series). The shifts are not going to be as "tight" and overall performance is tuned down. But who knows, maybe there will be a software update for this later, lol. Stick with a manual and save that money for some upgrades.

Snowman811 · 02-24-2006, 07:43 PM

This board is only as valuable as it members and I must say, you guys are great. Its the speed and candor with which everyone participates that really stands out for me. That's many words to simply say, Thanks.

JSpira · 02-24-2006, 07:50 PM

SMG is not available.

Quoting from a recent (within past 2 weeks) e-mail (to me) from a BMW exec.:

No change, no plans. No SMG in E90.

Please note that this is applicable worldwide, not just in US.

Snowman811 · 02-24-2006, 08:02 PM

I received it in writing today as Code 206, "6-Speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)" $1,425 invoice & $1,500 MSRP. Sent over from BMW of San Francisco.

JSpira · 02-24-2006, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowman811

I received it in writing today as Code 206, "6-Speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)" $1,425 invoice & $1,500 MSRP. Sent over from BMW of San Francisco.

It would be nice if this is right and he and I were wrong but my correspondent is a product manager and his note to me was only 2 weeks ago.

We'll see if the order gets accepted - let us know.

JB 330ci · 02-24-2006, 09:22 PM

SMG is the way to go.

It's only because of die-hard Americans why SMG and manual were offered in the M5. SMG will replace the manual in a couple more years. It's just better overall than a manual controlled by a human who is more prone to error than a computer.

Europe has already seen the light and realizes the usefulness of SMG. I think personally manual (human) operated transmissions will become rare within 10 years.

I'd be happy if this is in fact true.

Macfreak7 · 02-24-2006, 09:25 PM

I'd still get a manual.. love that third pedal baby!

Curt3s · 02-24-2006, 09:29 PM

Damn son.

SMG would be the shit. But I'll stick with the step.

shuzmaker · 02-24-2006, 09:30 PM

SMG + 335 =

lux.sh · 02-24-2006, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowman811

I received it in writing today as Code 206, "6-Speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)" $1,425 invoice & $1,500 MSRP. Sent over from BMW of San Francisco.

I just hope this isn't true. Im going to be reaaaaally mad.

Maybe I should put my car up in Autotrader soon.

PittWm · 02-24-2006, 11:40 PM

THey first cancelled it in Dec. 05 in the 330i option (I wanted it) and now they put it back, you are really shitting us!!!!

e90fanatic · 02-24-2006, 11:48 PM

i checked bmwusa.com and it isn't there.

Snowman811 · 02-25-2006, 12:21 AM

Maybe the dealer is using an old Code list? I'm just saying its listed on there as an option. Again, its Code 206 and $1,425 invoice.

I'm thinking a BMW Prod. Rep probably knows their sh*t better than a sales rep. Will know more after Sat.

I'm going manual either way.

Squawks · 02-25-2006, 01:02 AM

If you read up on SMG, the "jerkiness" only applies to amateur drivers.

The skilled, elitist can drive an SMG as smooth as an automatic. Apparently, some modulation of the throttle is needed to get perfect, jerkless shifting. SMG has a huge learning curve. I'm not saying I am an expert SMG driver - but these are just the words from other expert SMG drivers and friends.

02-24-2006, 06:17 PM	#1
Snowman811 Black Sapphire 330i 32 Rep 362 Posts Drives: Black Sapphire 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (1)	SMG now available on 2006 330i I'm planning on ordering my 330i this weekend and have been calling around to get competitve prices. In this search, I've been telling everyone that I want a Manual and learned that the SMG transmission is now available. One guy sent me a pricing sheet with boxes highlighted for the 2006 330i and on there is the option for SMG transmission. When I called another dealer, I mentioned this and he said, "No, you mean the M3. The SMG is not available on the 330i. Wait, oh! Here it is... they just updated the software. Yeah, I guess you CAN order it." No I need to make a decision, Manual or SMG. Sounds like some test driving is in store for me tomorrow. Cheers
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02-24-2006, 06:19 PM	#2
lux.sh missing two turbos. 581 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	..............you are sh1tting me.. right? __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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02-24-2006, 06:49 PM	#3
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	The SMG operated transmission is much more complex than the regular manual. It is a nice system but not for everyone. I think that you are wise to test drive both to determine which is best for you.
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02-24-2006, 06:53 PM	#4
deutsch100 Colonel 4030 Rep 2,428 Posts Drives: i7 60, XM, M3 Comp, 911 GTS Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Calabasas, CA iTrader: (0)	Yes, try the SMG before ordering it. Before the E90, I drove a 2005 M3 with SMG. While the SMG gives lighting fast shifts, it can be jerky and very tempermental.
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02-24-2006, 06:56 PM	#5
Brunotheboxer Colonel 373 Rep 2,984 Posts Drives: 2014 Shelby GT500. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston/Cape Cod iTrader: (0)	i agree, you should try the smg. i've heard that the smg is not very good in the auto mode. unless you need this for your wife i would get the manual.
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02-24-2006, 07:12 PM	#6
paullo Captain 30 Rep 686 Posts Drives: ThreeThreeFive Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	I guess it pays to wait- we got our car months ago, when comfort access didn't exist, and neither did SMG... I'll be real pissed if BMW announces that iPod integration/support is only available in post September builds! __________________ 2008 335i \| Sport \| Premium \| USB \| SSK \| æ \| Unsprung Diet 2006 330i \| Sport \| Premium \| Active Steering \| M-Sport Aero Kit \| Retired
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02-24-2006, 07:18 PM	#7
puck724 COLTS 4 LIFE!!! 99 Rep 1,746 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: california iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	^^ditto...ill almost not be surprised though... __________________ 2006 330i --sapphire black--black leather --alumminum trim --premium package --cold weather package --park distace control --automatic transmission --navigation with iDrive
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02-24-2006, 07:18 PM	#8
Ghunger Major 52 Rep 1,024 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Where's Fleet when you need him!! __________________ 330i Monaco Blue, Terra /w aluminum trim, SP, PP, CA, PDC, Nav, Folding Seats, Sat Prep European Delivery Blog Picture Gallery
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02-24-2006, 07:35 PM	#9
hotsand5 hotsand5 49 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i 6spd Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	the SMG in the e46 M3 is different than the one offered on the e90 (the same SMG offered in the previous generation non M 3 series). The shifts are not going to be as "tight" and overall performance is tuned down. But who knows, maybe there will be a software update for this later, lol. Stick with a manual and save that money for some upgrades. __________________ -2006 BMW 330i-Sapphire Black- Tera Leather-Aluminum trim- 6spd manual- Sport- Premium- Cold- Navigation- Euro. delivery -2005 Yamaha Warrior 1700 102cu"
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02-24-2006, 07:43 PM	#10
Snowman811 Black Sapphire 330i 32 Rep 362 Posts Drives: Black Sapphire 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (1)	This board is only as valuable as it members and I must say, you guys are great. Its the speed and candor with which everyone participates that really stands out for me. That's many words to simply say, Thanks.
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02-24-2006, 07:50 PM	#11
JSpira Freude am Fahren 339 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	Sorry but SMG is not available. Quoting from a recent (within past 2 weeks) e-mail (to me) from a BMW exec.: No change, no plans. No SMG in E90. Please note that this is applicable worldwide, not just in US. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
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02-24-2006, 08:02 PM	#12
Snowman811 Black Sapphire 330i 32 Rep 362 Posts Drives: Black Sapphire 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (1)	I received it in writing today as Code 206, "6-Speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)" $1,425 invoice & $1,500 MSRP. Sent over from BMW of San Francisco.
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02-24-2006, 09:22 PM	#14
JB 330ci Resident "Spook" 4 Rep 117 Posts Drives: 03 330ci, 08 335i, 08 A5, Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Baghdad, Iraq/ Columbus, GA iTrader: (0)	SMG is the way to go. It's only because of die-hard Americans why SMG and manual were offered in the M5. SMG will replace the manual in a couple more years. It's just better overall than a manual controlled by a human who is more prone to error than a computer. Europe has already seen the light and realizes the usefulness of SMG. I think personally manual (human) operated transmissions will become rare within 10 years. I'd be happy if this is in fact true.
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02-24-2006, 09:25 PM	#15
Macfreak7 Private First Class 3 Rep 135 Posts Drives: E90 330i MT Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Carlsbad iTrader: (0)	I'd still get a manual.. love that third pedal baby! __________________
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02-24-2006, 09:29 PM	#16
Curt3s In your rear view mirror making funny faces. 15 Rep 127 Posts Drives: '06 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: S.F. CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Damn son. SMG would be the shit. But I'll stick with the step. __________________ '06 325i - Premium - Sport - iDrive Navigation - Bluetooth Cradle - Sparkling Graphite - Grey Interior - Aluminum Trim (GT4 330 Pictured) "And with the amount of power he has in that BMW he is just leaving them behind right now."
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02-24-2006, 09:30 PM	#17
shuzmaker First Lieutenant 27 Rep 303 Posts Drives: e90 325iAS Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Garden State iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	SMG + 335 = __________________ . :: 325i :: JB :: ZSP :: Step :: BLK Dakota :: Hot Seats :: Tints :: Pilot A/S :: .
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02-24-2006, 11:40 PM	#19
PittWm Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 209 Posts Drives: 06 330i SP pack, Prem pack, CW Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Paducah KY, USA iTrader: (0)	THey first cancelled it in Dec. 05 in the 330i option (I wanted it) and now they put it back, you are really shitting us!!!!
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02-24-2006, 11:48 PM	#20
e90fanatic Absolute0 169 Rep 5,078 Posts Drives: Has a Roundel Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: TO/HK/NJ iTrader: (6)	i checked bmwusa.com and it isn't there. __________________ To procede or not to procede......
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02-25-2006, 12:21 AM	#21
Snowman811 Black Sapphire 330i 32 Rep 362 Posts Drives: Black Sapphire 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (1)	Maybe the dealer is using an old Code list? I'm just saying its listed on there as an option. Again, its Code 206 and $1,425 invoice. I'm thinking a BMW Prod. Rep probably knows their sh*t better than a sales rep. Will know more after Sat. I'm going manual either way.
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02-25-2006, 01:02 AM	#22
Squawks One of my two dachshunds: 53 Rep 663 Posts Drives: B6 A4 3.0 Quattro Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ithaca, NY iTrader: (0)	If you read up on SMG, the "jerkiness" only applies to amateur drivers. The skilled, elitist can drive an SMG as smooth as an automatic. Apparently, some modulation of the throttle is needed to get perfect, jerkless shifting. SMG has a huge learning curve. I'm not saying I am an expert SMG driver - but these are just the words from other expert SMG drivers and friends. __________________ I'm sorry about my outlandish behavior - there's too much blood in my alcohol system.
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