Noob Question On Smg

[alntht]

Edmunds states that the SMG is only available with the sport package on the 545i, but BMWUSA does not say that when building the car. So does it or doesn't it require the sport package. (The ultra low profile tires may not be a good idea around here if they are pretty suceptible to road damage as bmw says).

Is the SMG even a good idea?

Thanks!!

~alntht

[325isBaby]

SMG is Awesome in alot of ways, it really makes the car fun to drive and makes driving a whole different experience. SMG II has come along way since the debut of SMG. I give SMG my 100% approval.

[cassidym]

Originally posted by 325isBaby@Nov 11 2004, 02:34 PM
SMG is Awesome in alot of ways, it really makes the car fun to drive and makes driving a whole different experience. SMG II has come along way since the debut of SMG. I give SMG my 100% approval.

[snapback]228779[/snapback]

I just bought a 2005 545 six-speed. I considered SMG but, in the end, opted for a conventional stick. Here's why:

I test drove SMG on an M3 and a 530. It definitly is superior to steptronic and, if you had to buy an automatic-like car, this would be a pretty good compromise. All-in-all, the BMW engineers seemed to have done a good job imitating a manual transmission. For example, when you put SMG into 1st gear and let your foot off the brake, the car doesn not creep forward like an automatic. Rather, it doesn't start moving till you step on the gas. The thinking here is, I believe, that you wouldn't step on the gas till you took your foot off the clutch and SMG acts the same way. Also, you get a little bump between 1st and 2nd and between 2nd and 3rd but not in the higher gears, just like a manual.

But, for all that, it still didn't feel or shift like the six-speed. And, I was concerned that I'd slip it into the automatic mode the first traffic jam I came to (and we have a LOT of those here) and never take it out.

But, test drive it and, see what you think.

[mrogers]

I've yet to drive an SMG, but I've read a lot about it. I think I would choose the SMG because, as Motor Trend said in their review of the M5: "No matter how fast you think you can shift, this thing can do it faster." They went on to say that in addition, the fastest shifts most people can do are in small cars (with small transmissions) like a Miata, "...but this moves the equivalent of a Corvette's ironworks in a matter of milliseconds." 65 milliseconds per shift, to be precise. That means it shifts happen by the time your fingers leave the paddle. I would go for it because when I want to go fast, I want to have the fastest shifts possible. And because I wouldn't want my fiance, who has never driven a stick, to learn on my BMW

A real stick has its merits too, of course...but personally I think I'd prefer SMG.

Sorry I don't know the answer to your package question, but I would trust the actual BMW web site over Edmunds...after all, BMW is the one taking the orders, they've got to know what goes together.

[alntht]

Thanks for all the info about the SMG. My thought is the same as one of the replys..my wife is not good on a stick, and if she ever had to drive it, I'd want it to do everything automatically! I think I will trust BMWUSA over Edmunds, but just wanted to make sure...

I'm making some sort of long range plans, but I can't wait to get my new 545i one day...in Germany!!

~alntht

[BMWLotAttendant]

The only option for SMG in a 2004 5-series....would be a 525i or 530i.

Yes, it "requires ZSP"....and ZSP is the "Sports Package".

The SMG Transmission costs $1,500.
The Sports Package costs $3,300.
The Steptronic 6-speed Automatic Transmission costs $1,275 for the 525i and 530i. The Steptronic is Standard on the 545i.

Enjoy.

[Slvr e39]

All-in-all, the BMW engineers seemed to have done a good job imitating a manual transmission.

you put SMG into 1st gear and let your foot off the brake, the car doesn not creep forward like an automatic. Rather, it doesn't start moving till you step on the gas. The thinking here is, I believe, that you wouldn't step on the gas till you took your foot off the clutch and SMG acts the same way. Also, you get a little bump between 1st and 2nd and between 2nd and 3rd but not in the higher gears, just like a manual.

They actually didn't imitate a manual transmision, it is a manual transmission with an automatic clutch

It definitly is superior to steptronic

Dont even compare, steptronic is controlling an automatic tranny, SMG is a manual, I would say go for it.

well unless you wish to get a conventional manual...

[billB]

SMG ll which was upgraded from SMG (per 325is Baby above) is "technically" similar to the manual gearbox with six forward speeds. It is operated by two rocker switches on the steering wheel. As such you have the choice of how you want to shift gears. Thus it is shifting by these rocker switches which increase your active safety by keeping your hands on the steering wheel.

regards
billb