Discussion
Still contemplating a Z4. Most secondhand 2.5s or 3.0s are equipped with the SMG.
Was discussing this with a paddle shift Ferrari-owning mate and was told that (obviously) a long test drive is a must, but it may take me months to fully get to grips with the technology and the driving style.
Before I take the plunge, I need to know whether they are more fun/involving to drive than a trad stick shift?
If there are any problems (driving or reliabilty) that I ought to be aware of?
Many of the more sporting BMWs on the forecourt of my local dealer have SMG, I'm just concerned that the previous owners may have tried, disliked and are reverting to manual.
Was discussing this with a paddle shift Ferrari-owning mate and was told that (obviously) a long test drive is a must, but it may take me months to fully get to grips with the technology and the driving style.
Before I take the plunge, I need to know whether they are more fun/involving to drive than a trad stick shift?
If there are any problems (driving or reliabilty) that I ought to be aware of?
Many of the more sporting BMWs on the forecourt of my local dealer have SMG, I'm just concerned that the previous owners may have tried, disliked and are reverting to manual.
Hi
I can only tell you of my findings with the SMG........
I have a 98 M3 Evo coupe with the SMG, It did take me a good 3-4 weeks getting use to it but I can tell you its worth the wait.... I love it! I use the auto function when in heavy traffic and man mode for booting it.... the SMG on the Z4's will be an updated version so should be even better! The thing you need to do is have a long test drive and see how you get on.....just think that the SMG gearbox is lighter....no clucth to replace....faster gear changes....etc etc
good luck
I can only tell you of my findings with the SMG........
I have a 98 M3 Evo coupe with the SMG, It did take me a good 3-4 weeks getting use to it but I can tell you its worth the wait.... I love it! I use the auto function when in heavy traffic and man mode for booting it.... the SMG on the Z4's will be an updated version so should be even better! The thing you need to do is have a long test drive and see how you get on.....just think that the SMG gearbox is lighter....no clucth to replace....faster gear changes....etc etc
good luck
Personal opinion here but wouldn't touch one with a barge pole! I test drove a z4 2.5 with SMG and didn't really think it was much cop. If you want auto then get a really proper autobox, if you want manual then get the proper jobbie and go manual.
It's the worst of both worlds without the best bits of either.
I ended up with a manual 2.5 which I got last weekend. It's blumin great!
PS I also believe that it's an inferior version to the SMG on the M3, etc. It's not actually SMG but SSG which isn't as good.
>> Edited by z4monster on Tuesday 22 February 22:08
It's the worst of both worlds without the best bits of either.
I ended up with a manual 2.5 which I got last weekend. It's blumin great!
PS I also believe that it's an inferior version to the SMG on the M3, etc. It's not actually SMG but SSG which isn't as good.
>> Edited by z4monster on Tuesday 22 February 22:08
I think the Z4 has proper SMG, but without the Drivelogic programmes. The SSG was indeed supposed to be crap. I think the main problem with non-M SMG is that the paddles are replaced by stupid push-pull thumb switches, so instead of pull left for down and right for up it is pull either side to change up, push either side to change down - competely unintuitive.
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