|
|
08-26-2006, 06:45 PM | #1 |
Private First Class
4
Rep 105
Posts |
A question on the SMG
I am currently contemplating one of these new M3s (although, I won't be buying one until near the time for the '09 model) ... the only thing that I have a question with is with the SMG transmission. I kind-of don't want to walk into the dealership getting a test drive a year before I want to buy. I may try to do a test drive later on, but I just wanted to see what everyone thought of the SMG transmissions.
I enjoy manually shifting and, unlike most people I know, I have no problems with shifting during even rush-hour traffic. However, sometimes I like to have one hand free for various reasons (eg. for a drink), so a semi-automatic seems ideal for me... except I don't like the current automatic transmissions at all. SMG seems to be a bit different (with the fact that the shifts sound like they would be faster and stronger than an automatic). So can anyone give me an idea of what to expect? The main thing I am annoyed with on the automatics (at least, my '02 330xi) is the fact that it has a significant lag-time from the time I shift it to the time it actually shifts. Does the SMG have that problem? Speed wise, is it closer to delivering the 0-60 times of a manual than the regular automatics do? Any other note-worthy opinions? |
08-27-2006, 10:06 AM | #2 |
Registered
1
Rep 4
Posts |
The smg gearbox is actually a manual transmission with the clutch controlled by a computer. It is in no way automatic like. Even when you have it in automatic mode it still feels like you are banging out the gears yourself (except even faster). My cousin has a 04 M3 with smg and I fell in love with it, and I am a die hard manual driver too.
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-28-2006, 05:19 PM | #3 |
Registered
0
Rep 2
Posts |
I think that SMG offers the best of both worlds!
For comfort use the automatic 'D' mode and manual (flippers or handle) for 'agressive' driving (depending on the mode). Anyway, shifting will be carried out faster than human can do manually. I drive Z4-3.0 and hopefully in the near future, BMW will lounche an Z4M with SMG. Pleaease... |
Appreciate
0
|
08-30-2006, 10:38 PM | #5 |
Second Lieutenant
14
Rep 210
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-01-2006, 05:27 PM | #6 |
New Member
0
Rep 24
Posts |
The SMGII (currently on the e46 M3) is head and shoulders better than the steptronics. The shift times on the SMG are excellent, probably better than what most people can achieve on a MT. The SMG's weakness, at least in the SMGII version, has been the 1800 rpm limit on launch control, which has a negative impact off the line.
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-04-2006, 11:25 AM | #7 |
Registered
0
Rep 2
Posts |
SMG better than manual gearbox on track but for daily use manual gearbox is better than SMG because you're the drive logic.You can do everything that the drive logic can do such launch control,faster release clutch
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-12-2006, 03:59 AM | #9 |
Colonel
69
Rep 2,385
Posts |
yea i had the assumption that SMG was just an auto as well... but after driving my friends smg ///M ...feels like a manual to me... and wow......fell in love with it rite after.. very fun.. dont have to worry about stalling and easier for ppl who can't drive stick
__________________
E90 06 325. AW. BEIGE. CF WRAP. SMG KNOB. BLACKLINES. MTECH. HARTGE JAPAN REP LIP. ACS CF ROOF SPOILER. CSL TRUNK. KWV2. LE37.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|