330CI [Auto or Manual] Questions

[Babyboii4Llife]

I have decided, from the last topic that I want a 330CI, and my parents seem to be all the way with me.

I'm planning on getting an 02 or 03 330CI, hoping that it'll have under 25,000 miles on it, and will be going for under 25k.

But, the question is should I get an auto or manual? My Dad, being very experience with manual seems to dislike it, and sways me against it. Though I do hear manual allows for more pick up at lower speeds, my Dad always says "What happens if the other guy misses a shift?" If manual ONLY always for better pick up at lesser speeds, then what is the point in getting a manual when compared to an automatic.

Also what is SMG I and SMG II? I know it had something to do with manuals.

Thanks

-Ari

 

[deutsch100]

Hey,

I have the steptronic automatic transmission in my 04 330ci. I love it. It has the crispest shifts, and are almost liquid smooth. Hitting the gear shift over to M allows you to shift manually if you like. If you do a lot of city and/or steep hill driving..I recommend the auto 100%. BMW auto trannies offer excellent gas mileage along with a near perfect shifting experience.

 

[codex57]

Manual is the best way to get full enjoyment out of a BMW. The BMW stick is wonderful. BMW and Honda seem to have the nicest sticks (with occasional good examples elsewhere like the Miata). If you get good at it, you get the fastest times with a manual. But, if you have a commute with lots of traffic or just don't plan on putting in the time to practice shifting, then maybe an auto is better. The BMW's auto is excellent as well. The Sport mode is almost telepathic.

SMG is a computer operated manual. SMG I is the original. SMG II is the updated version seen only on the M3 currently. SMG I doesn't get very good reviews and if you have lots of hills or traffic, the computer seems to burn out the clutch. Plus, it's a new electronic system. The Germans the past few years have NOT had a very good history of reliability with their electronics. Well, electronics has been BMW's weakness for many years now.

 

[Babyboii4Llife]

I see, well I know ALL my friends say to get a stick, heh and I agree with them, only problem is if my Dad gives me trouble, and if he does hey I ain't complaining I'm gettin a BMW 330CI lol!

-Ari

 

[codex57]

I understand where your dad's coming from. As you get older, if you're not a sports car fanatic, the convenience of an auto is very appealing. He's prolly just being practical for your sake. Being a dad basically. Since you're young, you're most certainly not gonna mind the manual at all. Prolly have a lot more fun. I'd try and go for the manual if possible unless your dad puts his foot down.

Once you get a manual tho, be careful. Practice a lot. If you misshift and blow the engine, you're gonna catch major hell from your dad. Just something to consider. That'll never happen with an auto.

 

[black330i]

SMG blows. Unless you're in a car that can do 0-60 in 4 seconds, what difference do a few hundreths of a second make? Get a normal manual transmission and enjoy. I saw a 330i with SMG the other day. Who needs an F1 transmission in a car with <230 horsepower?

my $0.02

 

[///M SPEED]

I know for a fact SMG II does not blow. SMG I maybe, but not the system that comes on the E46 M's......

 

[MrElussive]

First off, there is one important thing you should know. For regular driving, automatic is FASTER than manual. Automatic shifts quickly and smoothly and whenever I'm accelerating from a stop, I have mini-vans out-accelerating me. It's only when you get into those high rpm's, then manual is faster.
But with a manual it's not just about the performance or acceleration, it's about the "feel" of the car. The car is SO MUCH MORE alive with a manual transmission and it makes you soooo much more in tune with the vehicle.
I don't want to give you an opinion on which way to go. I think it's better to evaluate your driving style and make your decision that way. Personally, I really enjoy driving stick shift because of the points I mentioned above. Granted, for regular driving, automatic is smoother, faster, and more convenient, I am one who trule enjoys the driving experience every time and if you are this way as well, then I suggest go with a manual.

 

[Average Jae]

But with a manual it's not just about the performance or acceleration, it's about the "feel" of the car. The car is SO MUCH MORE alive with a manual transmission and it makes you soooo much more in tune with the vehicle.

i was just gonna say that, you are so much more in tune w/ your baby. w/ the manual, it does exactly what you want it to, when you want it to. (well once you get good enough.. ^^; i'm a hit and miss still.. i really need to drive my car on a more consistant basis..

big gripe about manuals is the traffic. i think it's barable, but i may not be in a few years, esp when i'm stuck in traffic, all drowsey, shifting becomes a huge pita.. otherwise i'm ok.

then there's the deal w/ getting a nice perf ride, only to mate it to an auto. not only does it take the fun out of it, it also saps some performance, thanks to the torque converter and other factors. not as bad as the RX-8 but then again, nothing in the world is as bad as that... (i still don't understand why in the world any self-respecting guy would get an auto RX-8.. but that's another matter.)

again as Mr. E said, find out your driving style, and see what'll fit. btw, i do love my manual..

 

[Dave8812]

Manual for sure. All that stepronic/SMG stuff seems a little weird to me.