19inch Tires And Smg

[cpadpl]

I would appreciate any comments before I purchase my 2005 M3 next Monday.

1) Will 19inch tires increase my ground clearance at all over the 18inch? I'm thinking no, since the low profile tire on the 19 inch seems to put it just as close to the ground as the 18inch.

2) Other than looks, is there any particular reason to get the 19inch wheels?

3) From talking to a few BMW owners I can tell that the SMG versus manual topic is akin to a right to bear arms or abortion discussion, so I'm not trying to start any kind of feud, just trying to get some info for a $55k purchase. I have driven the SMG and do like it (in a different way) than a manual. I am still, however, leaning towards a manual, and to assist in my decision I am specifically interested in the realiability of the SMG transmission from those who own them. Any problems?

Thank you all for your time.

[97alpineM3]

I'm not a fan of SMG... as they have been prone to failure and production problems... I'm sure Slvr e39 can enlighten you a lot.. as his father has a new M3 with SMG tranny problems... PM him and he will be glad to help...

Good Luck.. and hope you like your new M...

Les

[Slvr e39]

Slvr here...LOL

Anyways, my dad did have some SMG problems when he bought it in for the recall fixes a couple weeks ago. But we just took it back in and had them fix everything because the clutch was releasing too fast and some other problems that just slowed down the car so much and made it act very weird. But don't let that scare you away from M3. I know Alpine may be against SMG but I think it is a great tranny. It really works amazing and is very quick. Actually, the technoly of that tranny is amazing and its shift speed is outta this world.

Note to Alpine: I know you love a manual, I do too, it it were my car I would get the 6speed option, but some people (my dad) cant drive stick all the time, especially if he is with a client or something. and let me tell you, SMG is the next best thing to stick. That tranny is amazing, go out and drive it, you will see

[Slvr e39]

oh yea, the style of the 19" wheels is amazing, I love how they look on our M3 and I'm sure you will. I really am not to fond of the 18's