How does SMG 1 differ from ordinary Steptronic?

[derin100]

Just wondering...how does the SMG I as fitted to the old E36 M3 differ from the ordinary Steptronic as fitted for example to my E39 5 Series?

Thanks

[M3John]

Hi Derin was good to talk to you last night.

I think the main differances are, and i'm sure somebody else will correct me if i'm wrong, the SMG is still a manual gearbox - clutch and everything. It just lacks the centralising spring to return to gearstick to netural.

Now i'm just shooting in the dark here as i've never driven one but the Steptronic box may still have a torque converter like a conventional ZF box.

I'm sure somebody else with a lot more knowlage will be along soon to enlighten you a bit more.

[derin100]

Thanks John!

Should have asked you when I was talking to you yesterday...but I've only thought of the question today!

[agent006]

Steptronic is automatic with manual control. SMG is manual with automatic control, it's a hydraulically operated manual gearbox.

[derin100]

Thanks Agent.

So what's the advantage of SMG performance-wise?...looses less via not having a torque convertor or something?

[M3John]

derin100 said:

Thanks Agent.

So what's the advantage of SMG performance-wise?...looses less via not having a torque convertor or something?

Quicker gear change. Anything from 1/10th of a second in my e36 M3 up to 65 milliseconds (i think ) in the latest generation e60 M5.

It's one of those Marmite subjects...and i really love it !.

I find it enables you to drive very very quickly but with much more ease than in pretty much any equalled perfoming manual car and it offers the best of both worlds. Performance is outstanding, and from a standing start, it revs out of 1st soooooo quickly and by the time you've shifted into second it's already in the next gear and revving hard by the time you've let go of the gearstick. No shift waiting time at all - just instant change.

[Zod]

Just a warning, but those who have experience of SMG1 and 2 say that SMG 1 is abysmal.

[M3John]

Zod said:

Just a warning, but those who have experience of SMG1 and 2 say that SMG 1 is abysmal.

Tempremental

SMG problems on boxing day ....

Edited by M3John on Thursday 4th January 15:27

[super2nd]

Has any1 tryed are found out anymore information on convertin a smg to straight manuel?????????

[derin100]

Zod said:

Just a warning, but those who have experience of SMG1 and 2 say that SMG 1 is abysmal.

What are the specific things people didn't/don't like?

Thanks

[BiggusLaddus]

derin100 said:

What are the specific things people didn't/don't like?

Thanks

How often ^^^^ that happens, is quite a biggie.