SMG or 6 speed?

[M52TUB28]

I currently own a e46 328i but am looking into purchasing a e46 m3 but I simply cant decide between SMG or 6speed trans. Who has what and which would you suggest is better?

[James]

What kind of driving do you plan on doing? Anything short of sitting in traffic 100% of the time - I vote for manual transmission.

[M52TUB28]

Is the 6speed faster then the SMG? And is the SMG 6gears or 5? Thanks.

[convertibleguy]

I have a E46 M3 with SMG and really love it. M3s with SMG have exactly the same ZF transmission (6 gears) as the manual trans but without the clutch pedal. Downshifting 4 gears in quick succession under heavy breaking while turning is sublime with SMG. 1-2 upshifts can be clunky. SMG is faster than manual shifting when you set it to the fastest setting. It's not perfect by any means but it's way better than the car mags indicate, especially after you get used to it.

If you don't do a lot of stop and go driving, you'll probably enjoy the 6 speed a little more

[Matthew C Smith]

If you have to ask, I would recommend driving both. Some people really don't care for the SMG.

[Nelson]

Drive both and see for yourself.

[convertibleguy]

The only issue with a quick test drive and SMG is that you won't necessarily learn to work around some of its idiosyncrasies (e.g. you may want to ease off the gas during a 1-2 shift). This is why the car mags don't like it, because they don't spend enough time using it. In Europe, I think there are a pretty high % of M3s that are outfitted with SMG.

Anyway, if you really love the art of manual shifting, go for the 6 speed. If you get tired of clutching because you live in a high traffic area, consider the SMG.

[BMWBOY]

I would go the SMG, last car was manual i am going to SMG.
Reason, I sit in traffic for 45min each morning & night.
I have driven both extensively, the SMG is great.

[MYTOYM3]

6 speed manual defenately unless u live in Atlanta where u will be in traffic all the damn time . I i never had a SMG and can't tell u much but.... as far as i know..if ur SMG brakes u will need a new tranny i guess.... 6 speed if the clutch gets fucked up u just replace the clutch.

[M52TUB28]

thanks for the help guys

[AlpinweissM3]

SMG is fun to drive but can be a disaster if something goes wrong it is expensive to fix. I vote 6sp

[TheTunerSource]

I like manual, because the parts will always be less expensive and you will always have active driving.

[Roybeamer]

I have had both SMG and 6 speed manual and never again will I go for the SMG. More fuel consumption than the manual and not as fun to drive in my opinion. The manual feels like your more in control of the car, and if you are into drifting then manual is far superior, in fact its very hard to drift with the smg setup. Once you get used to the smg its ok, however its never quite the same as the manual.

[omidarule]

Originally Posted by Roybeamer

I have had both SMG and 6 speed manual and never again will I go for the SMG. More fuel consumption than the manual and not as fun to drive in my opinion. The manual feels like your more in control of the car, and if you are into drifting then manual is far superior, in fact its very hard to drift with the smg setup. Once you get used to the smg its ok, however its never quite the same as the manual.

I am in the same status, dont know which to go for, SMG or Manual and I thougth kind of like Roybeamer i.e. what happens when you drift? say back of car goes a bit out of control and you need to clutch it to stop before is too late? How do you handle it with SMG?

I drove SMG for 5 minutes, havent driven manual yet. I cant say I didnt like SMG though...

[Zerolift]

Originally Posted by convertibleguy

I have a E46 M3 with SMG and really love it. M3s with SMG have exactly the same ZF transmission (6 gears) as the manual trans but without the clutch pedal. Downshifting 4 gears in quick succession under heavy breaking while turning is sublime with SMG. 1-2 upshifts can be clunky. SMG is faster than manual shifting when you set it to the fastest setting. It's not perfect by any means but it's way better than the car mags indicate, especially after you get used to it.

If you don't do a lot of stop and go driving, you'll probably enjoy the 6 speed a little more

The 6 speed gearboxes are Getrag and far stronger than any ZF i have ever seen. Same company as Supra and Skyline gearboxes.