help with SMG

[mrigas]

I test drove a 2004 M3 with SMG today and have a few questions for those with experience with this auto.

1) are you able to get it to shift smootly in the automatic drive mode? in 15 minutes with this car it kept letting off the gas before it shifted each gear and it felt like a 15 year old learning how to drive a stick shift car
2) in the manual mode, i was able to get it to up and down shift easily and was able to play with the shift firmness control button and got the shifting down pretty good. Question here is where do you spend most of your time, in the auto mode around town or always like the manual mode unless in bumper to bumper traffic?
3) any other thoughts about the SMG vs standard 6 speed manual?

thanks

mike

[red330Iperfpkg]

just go 6 speed man. please.

[drz]

^^ I would listen to him. He's gone through two E46 M3's and one SMG M5 that they decided to sell.

SMG is a great concept, but I think they still havent refined it completely.

To address your questions:

1) No
2) Depends on the driver. I would stay on manual all the time.
3) 6-sp

[PhatCat]

6 spd FTW mrigas!

[///M Power]

1. It's always rough and has been criticized greatly for it's incompetency in auto mode.

2. Most people I knwo stick to the manual mdoe and rarely ever move to auto mode. It's not like theres a clutch pedal anyways.

3. Normally I would say 6 speed only. I'm a big manual only fan. But after racing and hearing my buddies e46 M3 SMG over and over again I can't get over how fast it shifts. The shifts can be mind bloing fast. This coupled with his headers, mid sections and titanium exhaust create a symphony that onyl be described as a step below Formula car sounding. I'm astonished at the shifts. it doesnt seem as fun and as i've driven it I never felt as in control as I should be. This is probably due to lack of experience with SMG. I say, if you really want SMG, go for it and dont let it hold you back.

[Rodeojoe]

Looked at both SMG and 6 speed when I purchased the 04, was told about the delay in the SMG when in the automatic mode.. ended up with the 6 speed and have been happy with it.

[EmPower]

SMG is tricky...I only drive in the manual mode (not the paddles!!!) and I love it. Went to auto once and it sucks...DONT EVER DRIVE IN AUTO AGAIN! Hint: dont take your foot off the gas before it shifts...why would you do that??