I want a 330, but need help.

[mustang_fool]

So here is my dilemma. I have wanted a 330 for years and am now finally in a position to get one. I just can’t decide on a transmission. Although I know the ultimate is the 6 speed, but frankly my clutch skills are lacking, and I spend most of my driving in city stop and go traffic anyway. I know the automatic is good, for being a auto, but something doesn’t feel right about a true sports car like a BMW with a automatic. Enter the SMG… This little sequential manual seems like a godsend to me. Most of the benefits of stick without a clutch and when you want it, a tolerable automatic. The problem is, I have heard bad things about the SMG-I found in the 330s. So for all you out there with SMGs, give me the truth. Is it as bad as I have heard or is it just a few bad apples spoiling the bunch? If you could do it over and pick a different tranny would you? Same for those with automatics… are you satisfied or left wishing for more “sport” in your BMW? Thanks

[Ohrid]

Mate. Good choice on a 330. I have got the 6-speed manual, but i have also driven an automatic 330.
You are worried about the city driving, and the fact that you belive your skills in driving a manual isn't upto scratch. Wel, to be honest, it only takes a short drive to get used to the manual on a BMW and it is forgiving transmission! i love the feel of the shift, i really can't complain. The other issue u expressed with day-to-day driivng in the traffic. well thats the good thing about a manual tranny with the 330. Its got Tourqe!! and its more flexible than the number figures suggest. u can slap into third and troddle along at below 20mph no problem. and when u want to accelerate, just dab the throttle, and the car picks up without a hitch! its marvelous!! and third gear will stretch all they way to around 100mph.

With the automatic, i drove my boss's 330 automatic. the difference is that you can't feel the transmission shift! its unbelievably smooth! only the engine note, tells u otherwise! in normal driving, you wont notice much difference or anything at all. But, when u want to give it a bit, the manual just feels more RAW! its a feeling thats hard to explain.

with regards to the SMG, well i have not driven it, but here in australia, the 2 reputable, independant car magazines have NOT given it a good rap. The automatic mode is too jerky, and doesn't offer smooth shifts (i dont believe there is a proper SMG transmission on the market that ACTUALLY has good automatic mode). and the manual mode, you need (though not necessary) to still release the throttle to get a smooth shift, so it really does defeat the purpose of.


hope that helps. and sorry for that long reply

Naume

[Ohrid]

bump

[mustang_fool]

Thanks for the info. Ironicially a stick 330 seems to be just as hard to find as a SMG. I have found a SMG and will do a test drive and update you on my first hand opinion. I have never owned a stick (driven one once or twice for short flights) so I am naturally shying away from the 6 speed, but we shall see. I really don't want to invest my cash in the SMG or the Auto only to be disapointed.

[Ohrid]

No worries man. However it would be wrong of me to judge the SMG or comment on it since i haven't driven it myself.
On the other hand, my mate's uncle has an M3 CSL, and of course.. his is an SMG-II (they only come in SMG). Of course the CSL has almost 100kW (`130hp) over the 330, and is a demon to drive, his uncle said, that with the SMG, It feels like a go-kart mixed with an F1 driver. It's ammusing for the first couple of months. And even till now (1.5 years) each time he jumps in for a drive, he feels 'special' because the car is driven in a different way due to the SMG. It gives a feeling of a new dimension, like your in your on little world. BUT if that 'drive' or jurney is longer than 10minutes, it gets tideous!!! and loses its 'special' feeling' and as the longer the journey is, the more he wishes he went with a normal M3 with the 6-speed. Keep in mind that he is just shy of 50years old, and that he 'prefer' shifting himself with a clutch rather than let thie gizmos do the work. And also this is a M3, an not just an M3! its the limited edition CSL, which of course makes any driver feel like a hero!
If your read hreads from the E46Fanatics site, you'll notice that... between those numerous DDE/angel eyes, exhaust/intake questions.. there is atleast 3-4 new threads about ppl that have an auto 3-series, and do a complety transmision swap. NEVER have i heard the other way around.
YES, i understand, that maybe your clutch skills are fairly weak, and your scared to ruin your BMW, but in the long-term. YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED.

ahh shiet!! i started writing an essay again!! sorry brother. my bad


Naume

[mustang_fool]

Naume,

Don't worry dude, I like your essays. You are a man with a lot to say... That is good.

I think I am going to drive the SMG tomorrow... I'll let you know what I think. I just looked on line, and of the three BMW dealers in the Phoenix Area, not a single one has a used 330 (of any body style) with the 6 speed. Maybe all the guys with sticks are keeping theirs and the ones that got the automatics traded them in. I figure if I like the SMG, it is an easy transition... if not then I need to get serious about finding a 6 speed. I mean come on, if my mom can drive a stick (VW new beetle) why can't I. Just no laughing as I grind the gears on the way off the lot.

[Ohrid]

hehehe, no worries dude. thats a good way to do it. and your right. if your mom can drive it (my mum cant actually!) you'll learn it quickly.if u grind it, dont worry! the BMW gearboxes are built well, and wont have any long-term affect to your car. Enjoy ur joyride tomorow, and of course, let me know what you think.

Take care mate.

Naume