How reliable is the SMG on the E46 M3? Anybody?

[JamE55]

Went to my local dealer yesterday and saw a couple of brand spankin new E46 M3 both with SMG tranny. My question is how reliable are these SMG vs manual? Which one will last longer?

Thanks!

[RichP]

Were they in stock? I heard these things were a 12 months waiting list.

In terms of reliability, if we assume that the electronic and hydraulics of the system perform flawlessly (yeah right!) then the tranny should prob outlast a manual, as there is no human error /laziness. However, realistically it is anyones guess how reliable it will be; and time will tell. (SMG isnt totally new, so I am sure it would be a safe choice).

[JamE55]

Hey Rich!

Yes they are in stock! Actually one was a Titanium Silver Metallic and the other is a Laguna Seca Blue. The silver was a convertible with SMG and the LSB was a coupe. They sold the silver one already as of yesterday but the Blue is still there. They had probably special ordered these before to stock??

Thanks for the info Rich!

[M3F2000]

well BMW has had the SMG I in europe for about past 4 years on the E36 M3. the SMG II, from everything i read, is a big improvement on the original SMG. i would hope that BMW wouldn't put anything on the market unless it's been thoroughly tested. that may explain why the SMG I never made it to the states.

i hear that even MB is working on a semi-auto gearbox for some of their AMG models.

paul

[///Quik2Eat1]

Yes I had to special order mine, I hope it is worth everything that the hipe has given it b.c it was an extra 2500 dollars. Just letting you know I get my 2002 M3 in Feb

[RichP]

So..what M do you have on order?

LSB coupe..I just dont like that color! I bet its hot in south cali, but in the NE its too dreary for that color.

[JamE55]

Well according to the sales guy he said that this SMGII is worth every penny but not really sure if this guy is telling me this because i want to hear or if he is really telling the truth in any case it looks very impressive in person.

[JamE55]

Rich

Look at my sig and that'll tell you. And other than a Titanium Silver Metallic/ Gray Int, Bi-Xenon headlights, Harman sound and SMGII.

[RichP]

Sounds nice! (yes, I was referring to options )

[JamE55]

Thanks!

[Mr.Z3]

hey where in souther cali is this? maybe i can pick this one up

[JamE55]

Hey Z3

This is in Pacific BMW in Glendale. BTW there's a dealer markup of $10,000.00 on these E46 M3 with SMGII.

[Mr.Z3]

holy sh*t how do u get 10,000$ markup when the economy is slow. they must be crazy. o well, my neighbor picked his up although not smg for sticker price. but 10,000$ Pacific BMW

[JamE55]

exactly!

[Kevlar]

Originally posted by Mr.Z3
holy sh*t how do u get 10,000$ markup when the economy is slow. they must be crazy. o well, my neighbor picked his up although not smg for sticker price. but 10,000$ Pacific BMW

$15K markup here at South BMW...