M3 SMG?

[MattNM3E36]

Hi folks,

having been screwed by a bunch of scally's known as UK Vehicle Solutions (note to Ted: they are under investigation by the Police and Trading stndards, this is not idle gossip!).

I've been put off a new Boxster lease and decided to go back to my roots and get an M3.

Assuming I can get a used one on balloon finance (other than at BMW) my current thoughts are towards a high spec (pref alacantra interior/Sat Nav/Etc) 02' plate with mileage under 40k, FBMWSH and SMG with colour being down to Carbon Black/Mystic Blue or Silver (all of which I believe to be 'safe' colours that I also like).

Had a look at previous posts and got the idea of servicing costs, intervals and likely insurance, but wondering if there are any known issues with SMG at this age?(or any age!)

Not looking for the SMG/Manual debate as I intend to take out both back to back and make up my own mind.


Cheers folks!

[Zod]

I'm not aware of any SMG issues. There was a recall to replace a relay 18 moths or so ago and there have been some slipping clutches, but nothing major. Check out www.bm3w.com.

[fergy]

I test drove a SMG M3...lovelly, though make sure you drive it from cold as they are a bit tricky till they heat up..but worth it.

I also asked questions about SMG and was warned to be prepared to go back to the dealer regularly for re-programming, not an issue as dealer is 5 miles from house.

Unfortunately the wife talked some sense into me and I've ended up with a family wagon till my son is older....sigh... missing my 330Ci never mind the M3 I was intent on getting..

[Zod]

fergy said:

I also asked questions about SMG and was warned to be prepared to go back to the dealer regularly for re-programming, not an issue as dealer is 5 miles from house.

That's lobbocks.

[grant-kx-kid]

fergy said:

Unfortunately the wife talked some sense into me...

Never, Ever let that happen

[fixedwheelnut]

E36 SMG is horrible to drive
E46 SMG is better but I still prefer driving manuals
the CSL SMG is the only one I have enjoyed driving but that may just be because it was a CSL.
Personally I can't see the point of SMG unless you do track days.

[johnmcg]

As above - there was a recall on the SMG cars - a relay that powered the clutch was failing, and if it went, it was impossible to select a gear, so required a low loader to the dealer (he says from experience)

SMG v Manual = each to his own - SMG is wonderful if your work journey = quiet country roads, followed by slow plod in heavy traffic - just flick over to auto and have a rest!

[johnmcg]

oh, and the bit about "re-programming"? Never heard of that before, and never needed either of mine to be reprogrammed.....

[Zod]

johnmcg said:

As above - there was a recall on the SMG cars - a relay that powered the clutch was failing, and if it went, it was impossible to select a gear, so required a low loader to the dealer (he says from experience) SMG v Manual = each to his own - SMG is wonderful if your work journey = quiet country roads, followed by slow plod in heavy traffic - just flick over to auto and have a rest!

I never use the auto mode. I find it bloody awful.

[Nick P]

fixedwheelnut said:

E36 SMG is horrible to drive E46 SMG is better but I still prefer driving manuals the CSL SMG is the only one I have enjoyed driving but that may just be because it was a CSL. Personally I can't see the point of SMG unless you do track days.

must agree with that....i tried several e36's (including SMGs) before i plumped for a manual...i hated the SMG to be honest.

[Zod]

Nick P said:

fixedwheelnut said: E36 SMG is horrible to drive E46 SMG is better but I still prefer driving manuals the CSL SMG is the only one I have enjoyed driving but that may just be because it was a CSL. Personally I can't see the point of SMG unless you do track days. must agree with that....i tried several e36's (including SMGs) before i plumped for a manual...i hated the SMG to be honest.

E36 SMG is universally acknowledged to have been crap. E46 SMG II is very different.