crazyarab 6 Report post Posted February 26, 2008 Hi All, Just thought I would pick everyones brain on what you think about the early model SMG transmissions? I read an old topgear review and from what they seem to say its a pretty wicked setup and basically just a "smart" manual transmission. Sure there is no clutch but human error is taken out of the equation and unlike auto/tiptronic you can even rev the car without engaging the 1st gear (if you want to launch). How reliable are they? For those that have driven it, does it "feel" good and is it quite responsive? Would you rather have SMG or MT? Finally, do you think that having SMG increases, decreases or is irrelevant to the sale value of the car? (in NZ obviously). Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1283 Report post Posted February 26, 2008 very complex system if it goes wrong $$$$, more weight to the car . will be quicker , but they are a pain around town driving . are you looking at that one on TM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted February 26, 2008 i havent driven one but have heard they are pretty harsh....would like to try one tho... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crazyarab 6 Report post Posted February 26, 2008 (edited) very complex system if it goes wrong $$$$, more weight to the car . will be quicker , but they are a pain around town driving . are you looking at that one on TM Hehe, you got me . Not a big fan of the color or the wheels and pretty unsure about the SMG but hey, I vowed that even if I found a pink M3 for a good deal I would get it lol. Aparently you can stick them in "E" mode where it's just like an auto so should be even better than manual around town..? Edited February 26, 2008 by crazyarab Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yuen 16 Report post Posted February 26, 2008 The 1999 Violet one eh? It looks like a good deal. I had similar thoughts about the transmission. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3 Cab 0 Report post Posted February 26, 2008 Hehe, you got me . Not a big fan of the color or the wheels and pretty unsure about the SMG but hey, I vowed that even if I found a pink M3 for a good deal I would get it lol. Aparently you can stick them in "E" mode where it's just like an auto so should be even better than manual around town..? I have a 1998 SMG and to be honest it takes a bit of getting used to. I dont find it to bad although a manual would be better but overall I have lived with it for 3 years cant see myself selling anytime soon. Its not harsh it just has a rather bad delay when changing but is at its best under load. Also there is still a big delay when in E mode and its rather sh*t in its gear selection. I have driven a lot of E46 M3's and that SMG is harsh depending on your shift setting. If its a good car the right spec and condition you can live with the SMG. My 2 cents Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites