sequential or not sequential

[tvrchim]

That is the question guys, im selling my TVR and looking to buy a goog low mileage E36 M3 convertable. What are the pro`s and cons of the sequential gearbox, as quite a few have them fitted.

Steve.

[RobbieM-Evo]

I have had both

M3 Evo Coupe with SMG

Then

M3 3.0 Cab Manual

The SMG was fun at first but would not buy one again. When you get used to it you get fast smooth gear changes however I found myself looking down at the dash to see what gear im in but with the man you just know. It took a week or so to iron out jerkie changes. Drive both and see.

I'm saving at the mo for a E46 M3 and will get a manual over the SMG.

Good luck

Edited by RobbieM-Evo on Friday 25th May 11:45

[M3John]

Having driven both i'd have to say that both are very good. My current chariot is an SMG car and i really love it. I took it to the Nurburgring in mid April and thats where i found it really came into it's own. My only negative point would be that SMG has no mechanical sympathy where as in a `regular` box you can take it easy, so to speak.

Drive both and see how you get on.

M3J.

[tvrchim]

Thanks guy`s how do they compare on performance, are they the same quoted 0to60 time, and i presume the Evo model is still a 6 speed with smg.

Steve.

[fastandcurious]

I believe both 6 speed and SMG produce mid 5s 0-60 times on the Cab.

[Zod]

Don't buy an SMG E36. The got the SMG box right on the E46. On the E36, it was an unfinished experiment.

[fastandcurious]

When I bought both of my EVOs the idea of getting an SMG never even entered my head. I do agree that the E36 SMG box is not one of BMWs finest moments!

[tvrchim]

fastandcurious said:

When I bought both of my EVOs the idea of getting an SMG never even entered my head. I do agree that the E36 SMG box is not one of BMWs finest moments!

Ok that settles that then, manuel it is, thanks guys.
Any other issues with the convertable or E36 M3 in general, apart from the vanos, as that is pretty much documented.

Steve.

[Cactussed]

I test drove an E36 SMG today.
The auto mode seemed like it would be particularly useful in traffic.

My one question, does the shift speed increase significantly as the revs head towards the red line?
Its well timed at normal speeds but might be slow when giving it some beans?

Some experienced opinions would be helpful.

Also, are there any foibles with the smg I should be aware of? Can you reprogram the shift speeds?

Cheers

[M3 Mitch]

I would go for a proper stickshift. The SMG does bang the gears quickly when you want that, but then again it does this all the time.

In traffic "Iron Mike" slips the clutch for you at crawling-along speeds. "Iron Mike" is not so smart about conserving clutch wear.

If you want an autobox for heavy traffic, OK, fine, get a proper autobox - this will route you away from the M3 and from BMW in general IMHO. Better autobox in M-B or Porsche. Why BMW does not get the auto right is beyond me, but the US reputation on them is not good.

[paoloh]

Don't but SMG in an E36. not nice at all on a day to day basis. Much better in E46 IMO

[oola]

If the SMG pump goes which is pretty common on E36 M3's, it'll cost an uncomfortable amount.

MANUAL!