[k.sidlosky]

I'm confused on how the tranny works in these. I don't really understand how they work and what you do. Do you always manuely change the gears or is it like most autos these days with tiptronic?
I might consider one so the girlfriend can drive it with out worrying about stalling.

 

[drz]

It can be set to act like an automatic.

Here is more stuff for yoru delight: HowStuffWorks "How Sequential Gearboxes Work"

 

[mtorque6]

or you can teach her stick!! jk lol, not gonna be one of those assholes

 

[witeshark]

Some, if not most, are shifted by "flappy paddles" (quote borrowed from Top Gear) on the the steering wheel. In any case, the dual clutch set up is heavier than a fully manual gear box, though not quite so much as a fully auto box.

 

[k.sidlosky]

She knows how to drive stick just not really good at it, shes still somewhat nervous about it. Its heavier than a regular auto? Chances are Ill get a stick for sure, but was considering the benefits of having the smg.

 

[witeshark]

They're a bit heavier than a regular manual, but a bit lighter than a fully auto.

 

[mtorque6]

Some, if not most, are shifted by "flappy paddles" (quote borrowed from Top Gear) on the the steering wheel. In any case, the dual clutch set up is heavier than a fully manual gear box, though not quite so much as a fully auto box.

SMG uses a dual clutch setup?? i know the e90 does, but does the e46 also?? because i donno if i missed it but was the car looking mentioned??

 

[Nick_318is]

My Understanding is that the SMG trans that BMW offers (e46 and earlier) were always clunky when in auto mode. I don't know what the setups are on the newer cars though. Just teach the GF how to drive a stick and make her practice.

 

[witeshark]

AFAIK, they are not necessarily dual clutch type. If you Google sequential manual gearbox, you'll find more info.

 

[nukeduster]

E46 M3 SMG uses the same s6s 420g transmission as the standard m3. Same clutch/flywheel too. It just has a computer and a hydraulic system to do the shifting and clutching for you.

I was damn tempted to try to use the SMG shifting mechanism and computers in my 6 speed swap on my car. Just too much custom electronics, too much down time for my liking - and thats SMG's true flaw.. a lot more parts to fail vs a std transmission depending on if you are buying used, and how long you keep cars.