SMG II

[chrisford]

I havce just test driven a new M3 with the SMG II gearbox. Seemed hugely better than the original SMG. In fact on the "aggressive" setting it seemed to me to be completely superior to the manual. Anyone had problems with it?

[dazren]

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=58485&f=72&h=0&hw=SMG

A quick serach of "SMG" on the BMW forum should give a number of threads to look at.

DAZ

[john_p]

No, it's great

It has a few little quirks, but once you get used to them, it's far better than a manual IMHO. Depends whether you regard changing gear yourself as 'a vital part of driving'.

[colingh]

Have to agree with john_p - SMGII is great! It is a big improvement over the original and with new software upgrade (Nov 2003) is even sharper. Downside - sometimes 2 to 1 change is a little slow...

[ascender]

It does take a while to get used to and its a real shame the dealers often don't know how to use it, but its the best option on my M3 and will be a real shame to lose it. I've driven some courtesy cars during M3 ownership and I've missed the SMG-II when I've been driving and manual and an auto - it really is the best of both worlds.



-Mike

[svenson]

smg ii is really the best of both worlds. i wouldn't want to miss it anymore. and in s6 mode (dsc switched off) the shifting in high rpm is a real back killer
however, i'm not really satisfied with the automatic modes (a1..a5), they shift too slow or in too high rpm. but noone is forced to use the aX programs, i don't like them and i don't use them.

[Simon Mason]

I find for normal use, setting 3/4 are spot on in SMG II. 1st to 2nd can be slow in this mode but at the end of the day, we have to remember, its got a clutch plate not a torque converter so its got to compromise. Its still not as good as an Aston Martin Vanquish but its now very close and at over 3 times cheaper will do.

[john_p]

I've been trying out A5 lately and it's actually not that bad, only problem being it holds 3rd a little too long at about 30-40mph when cruising in traffic .. but it downchanges nicely under braking and selects first properly at junctions. Give it a try!

[ChrisW.]

BMW changed the prefix on the later SMGII box, but I like the manual 5 setting --- and it's even better in sport.The 6 setting seems a bit harsh, lower settings too slow.
Honestly, I loved heel and toeing -- doing it "proper" --- but I have to say, when you are concentrating on your slip angles, being able to keep two hands on the wheel or just flicking the gear lever, is a real bonus.
And cruising up and down through the gears in town makes you sound a real hero!
So. maybe I am getting to like it.
Quirky it certainly is, but discovering how to minimise the clunks driving quickly and getting smooth down changes driving slowly around town is arguably more challenging than a simple manual.
In effect, I have exchanged heel and toeing at speed for the finer control required in town, and I have more time to concentrate on the dynamics of the car out on safe open roads.
An interesting exchange ?

>> Edited by ChrisW. on Friday 23 January 20:18