I have heard the SMG gear box can be jerky, is this true?
2007-01-19 04:55:44 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ BMW
MANUAL.
Because the 2002 SMG transmission is the SECOND generation SMG, and had lots of issues.
These forums are GREAT for BMW info:
www.bimmerfest.com
www.roadfly.com
2007-01-20 10:09:24 · answer #1 · answered by kimberleenee 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should definitely go with the 6-speed manual. The SMG gear box on the 2002 models are the earlier ones and they are much less refined than the ones on the newer models. In fact, the current SMG that you find in 2006/7 BMWs is actually the third generation of SMG transmissions. One of my friends is on his second M3, the first one he had was SMG and he had a ton of problems with it, so the one he drives now is manual. Also, if you consider yourself an automotive "purist," manual is always the only way to go. If you are not however, and feel that you only like to drive sporty for a small part of the time, you might want to go with the SMG, simply because it has automatic modes. Either way, the M3 is a great car and you won't go wrong with either choice!
2007-01-19 20:57:42 · answer #2 · answered by Jared 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you plan on racing the car competitively, or driving on a track more than 50% of the time then SMG will be easier to use going through corners, shifting quickly, etc. If 90% of your driving is "drive it like you stole it", then you want SMG.
Manual is more reliable, allows you to coast, gives you a greater sense of control over the gear changing process, and gives tactile feedback about which gear you're in. I'm pretty sure I'll get better gas mileage without SMG. I've heard lots of people talk about how happy they are with SMG, but many more dislike it. The latest "Roundel" magazine has a few letters about it.
I haven't tried it myself yet, but I've red detailed descriptions. I think it's probably not jerky if you match your RPM's well.
2007-01-19 16:17:49 · answer #3 · answered by SoCalSkierGuy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretty much all the answers so far are completely false... here are a couple of quick facts to help out.
- e46 (2001-2006) M3s come with SMG II, the second generation of SMG. They are completely reliable and have had no issues.
- The gearbox in both SMG and 6MT cars is the same, a 6 speed Getrag. Gear ratios, everything, is the same. The only difference is the clutch (electro-hydraulic vs. manual).
- SMG performs exactly like the 6MT, only with faster (80 ms) shifts.
- SMG automatically rev-matches, making downshifts smoother (no double clutching)
What was said about tracking an SMG car is true. An SMG car is faster around the track. SMG technology originated in F1 racing (and is similar to Ferraris F1 gearbox). As for driving on the street, it comes down to your preference for your left foot. An SMG is jerky in automatic mode, but I never use it. The software is adaptive, meaning it "learns" your shift pattern, and in manual mode is as smooth as you make it. Note that the ultra high performance M3 CSL was available only in SMG, and initial M5 offerings were SMG only as well. Burnouts and launches are also possible with SMG. There are no downsides; the choice comes down to tradition vs performance.
2007-01-19 23:45:31 · answer #4 · answered by M3Owner 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Real sports cars have manual gearboxes, that SMG box is just a smartarsed gimmick, don't waste your money on it, too much complexity for very little gain, the unit is physically heavier too, stick with a straightforward manual box, the M3 is a stunning car, a drivers tool, don't blunt it!
2007-01-19 13:04:46 · answer #5 · answered by Mr Sarcastic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are doing a lot of urban driving, in the city or suburbs, where you do some manual shifting, but not a lot of long traffic light waiting, the 5 speed manual transmission is the way to go. Do you like being first in line at a traffic light? Do you like to go to an occasional autocross or for countryside cruising? Did you check out the new 6 speed manual transmission? I think it was first available in the 2005 M-3 model year. Look around, maybe there is one just sitting out there waiting for you to take it over.
2007-01-19 15:46:37 · answer #6 · answered by Phillip S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I must ask all of the smg haters, if manual is so much better than smg, why does bmw and ferrari use these type tranny's in their race cars?
simple answer is: they are better, better meaning faster.
2007-01-20 21:14:40 · answer #7 · answered by jay 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Manual all the way, the SMG takes away some of the driving pleasure and fun. ITs a drivers car - so go drive...
2007-01-20 08:19:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
my wifes m3 has a smg i love it, i would take smg over a manual any day.
2007-01-19 16:55:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go Manual always. It's much more fun to drive and you have a better feel for the car.
2007-01-19 13:04:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋