Smg???

DRWWE · Jan 20, 2005

Would someone please describe the sequential manual gearbox to me. I know there are paddles near the wheel to change grears. Is there a clutch? Is this just a steptronic in manual with controls by the wheel? Is there an automatic mode?

[driving2]

Militant-Grunt · Jan 20, 2005

The SMG box basically works as a clutchless manual gear box. The transmission is always ready to set the next or previous gear so the shifts are extreamely fast. I know that it has 6 different modes of how spontaneous you want the shifts you want to be. Im not sure that there is an automatic tho. I think Tom knows the answer to that he has an M3..

Kirby · Jan 20, 2005

It's actually has a clutch, but no clutch pedal. The computer actuates the clutch mechanism for you.

DRWWE · Jan 21, 2005

I'm just considering a new car (645) and am considering the SMG vs Steptronic. I hate using a clutch.

[driving2]

codex57 · Jan 21, 2005

Where in NorCal are you? If you're in SF and all those hills, I prolly wouldn't suggest the SMG.

///M SPEED · Jan 21, 2005

codex57 said:

SMG II is fine on hills. It is easier to use than a 3-pedal manual on hills. Seattle has as many if not more than SF and I have no problems at all. It works great. And if you do have problems it comes with Hill Assist if you want to use that. It helps on hill starts from a stop.

Beekbmwm3 · Jan 21, 2005

DRWWE said:

I love the SMG and I have a 04 E46 M3. This is no physical clutch pedal. Plus, you can shift using the paddles on the wheel or the stick (pushing up and down for + and -). There are also four speeds of shifts for your driving pleasure, and a fifth can be added if you remove the DSC. Lastly, there is an automatic mode, great for traffic and lazy driving. Enjoy the car, whenever you get it and whatever you choose!

[cheers]

DRWWE · Jan 24, 2005

Thanks for the information. I tend to spend a long time planning a purchase like this and it may take me a couple of years to make up my mind. I love my 2002 530ia but drool over the 645's. Not sure about the current 5's. They would both be adequate size and power for my taste.

SMG is an option and I was thinking it would make driving sportier but get me away from clutches (which I hate). I need to take a test drive.

Codex57, I live in NORTHERN California. Redding. Love it here. Lots of open road, flat as well as serious mountains without the bay area traffic. I lived in San Francisco for six years before moving up here. I got sick of sitting in heavy traffic. The only drawback here is I have to drive a long way to get to a dealer for warranty service.

[hihi]

///M SPEED · Jan 25, 2005

Beekbmwm3 said:

Actually in manual mode there are 5 normal drivelogic modes and a 6th when you remove DSC. In Automatic mode there are 5 drivelogic modes and no option for the 6th. Just wanted to point this out...

codex57 · Jan 25, 2005

I read reports that SMGII (M3) is better than SMGI (non-M cars). Stuff about smelling burning clutch after a day or so tackling real hilly urban environments. For Redding, even SMGI should be great. But, I'd still hesitate to recommend SMG for durability reasons if you live in the real hilly parts of SF. I mean, there are hills in SF and there are HILLS. If you live near those monsters next to UCSF, man, with that traffic and those seemingly 80 degree inclines, hell, I'd suggest just get an auto. You practically need Hill Descent Control to go down those things. It's crazy when I see cars parked sideways on those streets. They all look like the slightest touch is gonna make them roll over.

///M SPEED · Jan 25, 2005

codex57 said:

I live in Seattle and we have hills as big if not bigger than SF. I have no problems with SMG II on hills. It is easier than a 3-pedal clutch for sure. Even if it does present a problem for some there is Hill assist on these cars.

All you have to do is depress the "left" shift paddle on the wheel and hold for about 3-4 seconds. (While the brakes are depressed at a stop on a hill) and the RPM's will rise to about 1500rpm. Once the light turns green all you need to do is release the brake and press the gas. It acts just like using the E-brake (I hate using the E-brake and I never do even in a manual). The RPM's will only rise for a short while and if you do not go it will automatically return to idle speed.

codex57 · Jan 25, 2005

There's hill assist? On the regular SMG's or just on the SMGII's?

///M SPEED · Jan 25, 2005

Not sure on the SMG I, but I know there is (and I believe it was first introduced on SMG II) on the SMG II. It works very well when I have tried it...

MrElussive · Jan 26, 2005

///M SPEED said:

I didn't know that, I thought the DriveLogic modes were just for when driving in automatic mode. Why would you need to choose from different DriveLogic modes in manual mode? How do the modes differe? Because I know when I'm driving, if I'm driving hard, I'll let the clutch out fast for those high rpm shifts, and not so fast for the regular shifts (the speed depends upon rpm's). I'm confused.

codex57 · Jan 26, 2005

In manual mode, I believe the shifts get harder and quicker as you go up the different Drivelogic modes. Basically, just like the automatic mode, cept you decide when to change the gears.

///M SPEED · Jan 26, 2005

codex57 said:

Pretty much as you described. The lower the mode (I.E. M1, M2, M3/A1, A2, A3) the less harsh the shift and the higher the mode the more precise and faster the shift. The lower modes are OK, but they tend to be a little bit herky jerky while some (who drive with me) think the higher mode gives them a small whip lash motion.

MrElussive · Jan 26, 2005

See, that's what's so weird. If you put it in the more aggressive DriveLogic mode, but you decide to upshift at 3K rpm, who needs a faster and harder shift? If you upshift at 6K, you're driving hard. If you upshift at 3K, you're not. The system should just perform a faster shift based on engine rpm's, the way you would in a real manual, rather than selecting among different modes.
I love SMG but all the different modes seem to make it not worth dealing with. I think if the SMG had no auto mode at all and no DriveLogic settings, it would be a much more convincing transmission (for the enthusiasts), and it should eliminate the noobs who only get the M3 w/SMG just to say "I drive an M3." Of course, I'm just speaking out of my ass, so wtf do I know.

///M SPEED · Jan 26, 2005

Hehe @ Emile... I always leave mine in the manual setting on Mode 5. The only reason to use the lower modes is basically to make it "more streetable" however, I don't fine Mode 5 to be harsh at all. I hardly ever mess with the drivelogic settings unless a passenger is jerking back and forth or just to play... It really is a nice feature to be able to change settings depending on feel/mood...

PhatBimmer · Jan 26, 2005

I really want an M3 with SMGII, does that make me a poser

. I do want a manual 6-speed 330i but man the combo of SMGII and M3 power is just tantalizing to me !!

MrElussive · Jan 28, 2005

Yeah, the SMG transmission is amazing performance-wise. If I were getting an M3 to use on autocrossing and racing and shit, I would go M3 Competition Package w/SMG.

Smg???

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