Discussion
The SMG makes the car complete in my view. Far too many people without the ability to form their own opinions or worse yet, have driven "a mates car once wiv smg" will slate it. In truth it makes an already fantastic all round car that much more special. Stick it in S5, learn to lift off on lower speed gear changes and you will fall in love with it every single time you take it out for a blast.
Deniz.S said:
The SMG makes the car complete in my view. Far too many people without the ability to form their own opinions or worse yet, have driven "a mates car once wiv smg" will slate it. In truth it makes an already fantastic all round car that much more special. Stick it in S5, learn to lift off on lower speed gear changes and you will fall in love with it every single time you take it out for a blast.
Spot on 
i had a v6 clio not so long back great car. then got a manual m3 had it 2 weeks and sold it. just did not like it.then about a year later got a smg what a differance the smg is just great its so easy to drive what ever your mood.( nice slow drive out with misses or full on blast with mates.)
I've got the SMG in my M3 EVO and in traffic (I live in London), its simply unbeatable. People slate the SMG (esp the version 1) and to be fair, its not really any quicker than I could probably change gears myself, however I don't have the hassle of dealing with a clutch when sitting in a queue for 2 hours (like yesterday driving home). Its also mechanically sympathetic on changes which I like.
I suspect around a track it would be better in most hands as it removes an extra layer of difficulty although I haven't tracked mine, just the odd sideways on wet empty roundabouts. Great fun. For me, its the ease of an auto in traffic combined with the fun of being able to drive with the throttle in a manual.
Will be selling it soon to upgrade (discussing Fcars with the mrs)
but I've found it to be fabulous.
I suspect around a track it would be better in most hands as it removes an extra layer of difficulty although I haven't tracked mine, just the odd sideways on wet empty roundabouts. Great fun. For me, its the ease of an auto in traffic combined with the fun of being able to drive with the throttle in a manual.
Will be selling it soon to upgrade (discussing Fcars with the mrs)
but I've found it to be fabulous. Edited by Cactussed on Tuesday 25th March 11:57
Edited by Cactussed on Tuesday 25th March 11:58
I can't see how you could change gear quicker in a manual than smg.
SMG feels more rewarding once the car is up to full temperature.
However I test drove an smg from cold and it was not pleasant, yes the manual can also be jerky from cold but not like the SMG, you can feather the clutch and throttle in a manual, I could not in an SMG perhaps that's just me.
I wanted an SMG but after 4 months of searching for the colour combination I wanted SMG just did not come along.
I have a manual, I don't regret it and don't accept that I have it because I can't drive an SMG or I think that the earth is flat.
As has been said try it, drive both if you can, and buy what's best for you
SMG feels more rewarding once the car is up to full temperature.
However I test drove an smg from cold and it was not pleasant, yes the manual can also be jerky from cold but not like the SMG, you can feather the clutch and throttle in a manual, I could not in an SMG perhaps that's just me.
I wanted an SMG but after 4 months of searching for the colour combination I wanted SMG just did not come along.
I have a manual, I don't regret it and don't accept that I have it because I can't drive an SMG or I think that the earth is flat.
As has been said try it, drive both if you can, and buy what's best for you
CARBON M3 said:
MANUAL AS SMG NOT FOR ALL THINK OF RE SALE IVE A 54 PLATE CARBON BLACK 30.000MILES NOW FOR SALE £25000 FULLY LOADED MINT JUST HAD 4 BRAND NEW WHEELS FROM BMW FITTED.
Thanks for that. If you want a big shout-out for your BMW, try Annie Mac on Radio 1.Anyway, a question: can someone please explain the different modes on the E46 M3 SMG? I am now seriously considering one having said I'd have nothing but a manual and I'd like to learn a bit more before I take any test drives.
fastfreddy said:
CARBON M3 said:
MANUAL AS SMG NOT FOR ALL THINK OF RE SALE IVE A 54 PLATE CARBON BLACK 30.000MILES NOW FOR SALE £25000 FULLY LOADED MINT JUST HAD 4 BRAND NEW WHEELS FROM BMW FITTED.
Thanks for that. If you want a big shout-out for your BMW, try Annie Mac on Radio 1.Anyway, a question: can someone please explain the different modes on the E46 M3 SMG? I am now seriously considering one having said I'd have nothing but a manual and I'd like to learn a bit more before I take any test drives.
Edited by Vixpy1 on Wednesday 26th March 23:03
Vixpy1 said:
fastfreddy said:
CARBON M3 said:
MANUAL AS SMG NOT FOR ALL THINK OF RE SALE IVE A 54 PLATE CARBON BLACK 30.000MILES NOW FOR SALE £25000 FULLY LOADED MINT JUST HAD 4 BRAND NEW WHEELS FROM BMW FITTED.
Thanks for that. If you want a big shout-out for your BMW, try Annie Mac on Radio 1.Anyway, a question: can someone please explain the different modes on the E46 M3 SMG? I am now seriously considering one having said I'd have nothing but a manual and I'd like to learn a bit more before I take any test drives.
I've never driven a manual but currently own an SMG. It will make you feel like Michael Schumacher at times. It makes driving fast so much easier as it removes the complexity of changing gears. It really is like playing a Playstation. I did have a significant amount of work done under warranty though which might put you off. In fairness that was some 35k ago and it's been superb ever since. Although I don't turn the sport mode up to the max quite so much anymore!!
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