Should I buy a Manual or SMG Gearbox BMW M3?

Question

I am looking to replace my 2002 Lotus Elise Sports Tourer with a 2002 onwards BMW M3.

I understand there are two options for the M3 in the form of a manual gearbox and a SMG Paddleshift gearbox.

Does anyone have a preference or any advice relating to this topic?

Are there any known issues with either car?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I drive a 2005 SMG M3 and I couldn't be happier. None of the e46 cars (2001-2006) had issues with SMG.

The actual gearbox (Getrag) itself is the same, and so is performance. SMG is only an electrohydraulic clutch, so it allows ultra-fast shifts, making the SMG car faster anytime shifting is involved. SMG also rev-matches on downshifts (eliminating the need for double clutching), and provides different launch modes for drop clutch starts.

The choice comes down to personal preference. Classic gearbox vs F1 technology. Purist vs function.

In response to other answers - tinkypinkles, a 6MT feels sloppy and delayed compared to SMG, not the other way around. SMG shifts in 80 ms; the fastest drivers would be lucky to shift in 500.

zzycatch - your 3-point turn example makes zero sense - both 6MT and SMG will roll backwards on a steep grade. And why, if SMG is better on the track (and it is) would you NOT want it on the roads? So you can drive worse?

Sam S - you lost me. 2002+ M3s will all have SMG II; all the e46 M3s do. Only the e36s had SMG I. And SMG III is out right now, in the M5 and M6.

Answer 2

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RE:
Should I buy a Manual or SMG Gearbox BMW M3?
I am looking to replace my 2002 Lotus Elise Sports Tourer with a 2002 onwards BMW M3.

I understand there are two options for the M3 in the form of a manual gearbox and a SMG Paddleshift gearbox.

Does anyone have a preference or any advice relating to this topic?

Are there any known...

Answer 3

The SMG is so infinitely better than people make it out to be. Everyone speaks as if the SMG is a blight on BMW and driving. My only answer is this: Well, duh!

The predominant version of the SMG that people have, and thus, complain about is the SMG I. Well, with next years Motorsport vehicles, BMW will have the SMG III. Which as it's name implies is the third generation, currently we are in SMG II, the second generation. The SMG II has solved many of the original problems, performs better and does not deserve the bad rap it gets. If you want the ease of not having a clutch, go with the SMG. It is a good compromise between a stick and a automatic.

That being said. You should get the manual. Maybe I'm a purist or one the few "enlightened" but a manual is just so much better. Sure, its a pain, but its so much more beneficial. It's still very fast, though not as fast as the SMG, but is better for you car and makes the driving experience more visceral and well, fun.

If you get the M3 with SMG, make sure it is the SMG II. Those paddles still are cool...make sure it is an advanced version, not the original. My personal choice would be a manual because BMWs with manuals are how the original designers and drivers of BMW want. The advantages are immense, so much so, that I can't list them all here. My advice, go with the manual.

Answer 4

A pure sports car is always going to be a manual, SMG is a more complex system which provides lighting fast shifting and well more of a Formula 1 type driving style. There are certain functions that an automatic or manual wont offer, like sport and racing settings for the tranny as well as Launch Control which by the way isn't offer here in the states. So if you want to get techy then go for the SMG want to do the fancy footwork then a manual should do I hope this helps.

PS: I haven't heard of any problems with either tranny but an SMG would cost you more to repair than a manual because of the software and electronics that are embedded into the system.

Answer 5

Smg Gearbox

Answer 6

Go for the Manual. SMG makes driving simpler, but takes the driver participation partly out of the equation. SMG will allow you to out-shift anyone on the track however.

As for a response to the previous poster, most people can't afford the difference between an M3 and M5 which is probably around $35K.
Also, I've had BMW's that are over 160,000 miles and the transmissions are bulletproof. I've never had a BMW transmission die at 70,000 miles. And I drive my cars hard...so hard that new tires and brakes every 18,000 miles are the average.

Answer 7

Driven a SMG but not a manual 6spd yet, I like the lightning-fast shifts, but am not a fan of the trans. The one I test drove had 150K on it and I felt like I was about to drop the tranny out of the bottom of the car. If you're a driving enthusiast, always go for a manual. You need that clutch, you need engine braking, and most of all you need the control. Source: Buying an M3 in the next few days.

Answer 8

SMG is a nice and rarely available option, which I feel is the closest thing to a true manual car. BUT nothing beats a true 6 speed manual good ol fashion gearbox. If you really want to feel and control the cars engine, the 6 speed is untouchable.. SMG's are hard to find and will only stall on hills. I need a car that will stall out anywhere, as weird as taht sounds, it is the thrill of true Stick Cars.

Answer 9

First of all I can't understand while people buy the M3 and not the M5. The suspension is such that a visit to the dentist is often necessary and the cost difference is so slight that the bigger car makes a better choice. That being said, speak to any garage specialist - preferably independent so you'll get the truth and not the party line - and you'll hear that in both the gearboxes are inclined to self destruct after 70,000 miles. This is a very expensive experience and to be avoided wherever possible. I suggest you look into any car very carefully before you proceed. Like the well known Mercedes problems, the BMW recent model problems are now surfacing as manufacturers cut cost to maintain prices.

Answer 10

Even perfect SMGs still annoy some drivers (like myself) a three point turn on a steep surface just sucks. :(

For a track car, SMG might be better, but for normal driving, a manual is tough to beat.