SMG Auto 2003 Help Needed Please

[M3ornot]

This is my first time here but I would really appreciate some help and guidance please.

I am meant to be purchasing my first M3 SMG Auto on Saturday, but to be honest the more I read the more fearful I am to buy First problem being that I am an automatic driver (please no comments on go learn Manual!!)

I have noticed on the forum that people consider the automatic mode of this car to be awful, is this most peoples view?? And why do you feel it is that bad. The company I am buying from raved at how good the auto mode is but then they would to sell.

I have a few fears of driving in SMG mode purely because I have driven an auto for years, the sportiest being a WRX Scooby, this fear is coming from what I have read with regards to how long it takes to get used to driving the SMG. Although I am hoping that it will bring a different dimension to driving for me rather than having to go through the hassle of sitting a manual test.

My husband is assuring me it will be a great car to drive but he is a manual driver so obviously does not have my concern.

Another question is that when we looked at the car the dealer mentioned that the SMG resevoir is weeping slightly, after reading up on this, could this signify a major problem at all.

Cheers for your help and sorry for going on - typical women

[AngryApples]

Hi,

is your driving lic for auto only?

If so, I dont believe you can drive an SMG on it

[Vixpy1]

AngryApples said:

Hi,

is your driving lic for auto only?

If so, I dont believe you can drive an SMG on it

Yes.. you can

[M3ornot]

Yes my licence is only auto, however after speaking to DVLA they confirmed that as long as there is no visible clutch pedal that I would have to use then I can drive it.

[Rawhide]

My girlfriend only has an auto licence. She drove the SMG in auto mode and was fine with it. She was really scared of going into manual mode but when she did it realised just how simple it was. It really take 30 seconds to learn. (might take longer to master)

All you have to remember is to upshift and remember the car will rollback on hills. There is hill start but it's easier just to be quick or use the handbrake.

[AngryApples]

I stand corrected!

[M3ornot]

I wasn't too sure either Angry Apples, Barons BMW were not definite and advised me to phone DVLA. The problem still comes to insurance though that the car is noted a manual - has no visible clutch though.

Anyhow i've decided to buy and will pick her up tomorrow, looking forward to the task of mastering the art of driving it

[AngryApples]

I was VERY apprehensive when I got mine, but just over a month in I'm loving it!

[Debs 1980]

Took the car out today and this evening and am much happier, getting the hang of it now

Gutted though cos I dinged the beautiful 19" rims on a uneven manhole cover, which has left me with two marks on what were immaculate alloys

Cheers guys for all your help on this much appreciated.

[M3J]

How refreshing to hear other women talk about falling in love with their M3. Had mine just over 12months, it's manual though, just didn't fancy the smg. Get my sport mode fix every day to and from work. What a fantastic car.

Long may you continue to enjoy it, go girl!

[thehos]

got my smg in jan 08, i dont think the auto mode is as bad as almost eveyone says, ok, its not as smooth as my dads 530d auto, but mines got 343bhp for the gearbox to contend with, get used to it and it can be quite a seamless gearchange

[aaronc]

I came from a manual to SMG and I prefer SMG.

There is so much more 'fun' factor and so much more going on, I never thought I'd like it this much. Using the paddles is fantastic on full chat.

[mat205125]

AngryApples said:

I was VERY apprehensive when I got mine, but just over a month in I'm loving it!

Told ya