Is SMG worth it???

[M3Rider]

I think it is, cause in most next-gen BMW's, its gonna be standard or at least an option. From what I have read, its a great transmission only cons are the price and the weight which isn't even that significant. Any input on this would be great, especially from someone who can speak from experience. Powerm, I know you love your SMG

[Slvr e39]

Yep Rider,
You got me pinned, I think that SMG is the greatest tranny... I believe that it is completely worth the price and that the proformance makes up for that little weight difference. Pls if your like me and are trying to do a few things at once while drive (ie talking on the cell) you just push it sideways and it does everything for you. It is awsome to drive.... if you get an M3 that is deffinatly my reccomendation. If you have any questions just post...

[M3Rider]

Thx dude, I'm leaning towards the SMG for my M3 too :lol:

[TECH]

Be ready for the hydraulic pump to short out, which will pop a 40 amp fuse, and prevent you from even starting the car.

I prefer a regular stick.

[M3Rider]

Be ready for the hydraulic pump to short out, which will pop a 40 amp fuse, and prevent you from even starting the car.

Powerm, is this tru???

[Slvr e39]

I'm not expert I just own a 2003 M3 with SMG and I have done a little bit of research and I havn't ever heard of that happening or anything really going wrong with the system. Try both is my advice but I personally still recommend the SMG system.

[bigred318]

i dont know i really like the smg but i still think i would rather have the regular standard transmission but thats all ive driven, maybe if i drove smg i would love it too... anyone want to let me drive there car? with smg....

David

[roloson]

I have had the SMG for about 4 months. The transmission has worked as advertised. I grow up on sticks and have driven both a BMW and a Porsche stick. They are both wonderful transmissions but I prefer the SMG. My preference, maybe not yours. I think people need to remember that this was a tranny that was an all out race transmission technolodgy adapted to the street. It does at times behave with the manners of an all out racing part, so if you get it be prepared for that. Its not always smooth and its not always gentle, but if you want it to be, it's always fast. No bad shifts, and less oppourtunties for driving mistakes. Again that's why it is used in racing. Tech has experience and if he says it blows a fuse then it does, so I am going to have one on had if this applies to the build date of my 04. Unfortuntly its a tranny you have to live with for some time to really appericate. I am not takling hours, I am talking many days. I do also think with alot of options you really don't get much for you money, in the case of SMG I think you truley do. You can't make a wrong decision, you will have agreat car either way.

[TECH]

Not all the smg have the problem. Most likely, you can expect good service from the trans.
Eventually, something will go though.
I've seen a few pumps fry, and I've seen a few tranny's get stuck in gear, or not go in gear.

[KingScare]

In the M3's ?? Or the other non-m3 bmws??

[TECH]

Originally posted by KingScare@Jan 31 2004, 12:01 PM
In the M3's ?? Or the other non-m3 bmws??

M3

[Slvr e39]

Some of the things Tech has been talking about have been fixed in the second version (SMGII) and according to some other things I have read it is reliable for the most part. Im still in favor...

[M3Rider]

Only a test drive will prove its worthyness, but I'm leaning towards the SMG anyways. Hopefully it will deliver what I expect it to

[Slvr e39]

FYI Some people don't like it the very first time they try it because it does like everything else, take some time to get used to it. On the other hand I fell in love instantly, not only to the SMG but to the m3. I was originally going to get the a4 convertable with that special transmition they got. Just keep an open mind...

[M3Rider]

Very tru, but I no i'll love it :lol: