Buying a e46 M3, SMG or Manual

M3.SA · #1 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 01:53 AM

Hi Guys,

Got my bro that was a scooby fan to join the M club

So hopefully soon we will be owning a neat e46 M3.
Unfortunately we cant get 1 with motorplan as its out of our price range.

Just have a few question,
Which is a better car to drive? SMG or manual...
Which one offers better fuel consumption.
Parts wise, is the clucth on the SMG much more expensive.

What to look out for when purchasing SMG?
Common problem on both car.

Thanx guys....

DomM3 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 03:45 AM

Hi,
only for race I would take the manuel gearbox, because the SMG
can be overheated on the track. We had some problem with the SMG gearbox.
Some gears was without function.

But for street and sometimes tracks the SMG is very good.
The clutch is the same like the manuel gearbox. Same ETK No.

The double clutch works perfectly. When you shift down, the sound is very nice.
The gearbox shift fast. You can choose the speed from the gearbox.
Launch control.

You have to look, there is an update for the SMG II.

Hope you understand my simple english.

Team CCD: Team CCD

M3.SA · #3 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 03:49 AM

English perfect

Anything to look out for when purchasing a SMG?

DomM3 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 04:03 AM

I'm in a M Forum in Germany.
M-Forum.de - Ein Treffpunkt und Diskussionsforum für alle BMW M Fahrzeugbesitzer

There are a lot of SMG drivers.
I didn't heard any problem with the SMG.

A lot of members did an update for the SMG II.
You can do thos by your BMW dealer.

I heard some problems from the SMG only from racecars.
Overheating etc.
They build a sequential gearbox in this car.

But for streets the SMG works perfectly.

M3.SA · #5 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 04:17 AM

From what i know the e46 only came in smg2 , did they come in smg1?
Whats the difference between the two?

DomM3 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 04:28 AM

The SMG I was in the M3 E36.
The SMG II is in the M3 E46.

For the first M3 E46 series there is an update for this SMG.
The latest M3 E46 series has the update in the car.

It depend on the year of building and car serial number.

M3.SA · #7 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 05:08 AM

Oh okay, by us we never got the e36 SMG.

So is it just a software update?

DomM3 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 05:18 AM

For E36 I don't know if there an update.

For M3 E46, yes.
They doing the update with the computer.

I don't know it in english exactly.

M3.SA · #9 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 05:39 AM

Cool thanx for all the info

CON-DOG · #10 (**permalink**) 01-31-2009, 09:46 AM

All I know is that Top Gear said that the SMG ruined the car, but I know some one that has one and they like it so. As for me I love the 6 speed.

MatthewRyan · #11 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009, 04:24 PM

I have an smg... and have always driven 6 speed. It was a tough choice for me, but after putting about 2500 miles on my car I am beginning to love it and am very happy with my choice. There is a learning curve to driving the smg well, just like learning to drive manual. The clutches are exactly the same except the clutch will wear much slower in the smg because the computer is shifting much more accurately every time. I have spoken with bmw techs and they say that they certainly haven't seen a more significant amount of problems with the smg over the 6 speed, although it can be costlier to fix. The SMG is said to be much better suited to the track. Dom said he experienced overheating, and I haven't come across this complaint but I'm sure it is worth looking into further if you are planning to race. I love a 6 speed as well, but the smg is freakin' fun once you get used to it. You really can't go wrong either way... hope this helps!

Jwah1234 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-04-2009, 05:36 PM

wait.... how was the smg in the e36??? ive heard of it, but i thought it was a swap from an e46?

does it look similar to the one in the e46?

and what about the e90/2? i know it has a double clutch trans (not the 6 speed), but is it a smg?

srry for so much questions

MatthewRyan · #13 (**permalink**) 02-04-2009, 08:37 PM

E36 SMG I

As for the E92, they now call it DCT (Double-Clutch Transmission)
But it's basically just their new version of SMG

DomM3 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 02:42 AM

M3 E36 has a SMG I. Da gear box is very slow.
When you shift up and down. Car has paddles on the steering wheel too.

M3 E46 has SMG II. It looks a li bit different. You can shift faster, you have a lauch control. Double clutch feeling is better.

New M3 has a DKG gear box. ( DKG = Doppelkupplungsgetriebe )
The next gear is pre inlaid.

///M_Kai · #15 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 11:09 AM

E46 M3s came with SMG II, a huge improvement from SMG I. From what I've heard the SMG I on E36s had a lot of electrical issues and was quite bridle.

The SMG II can take a lot of abuse, if someone's tracking their M3, and the SMG is overheating that would most likely mean the pump is on its way out.

Anyway, to stay on topic.

SMG is much more expensive to fix, a lot more electronics that could go wrong on them. I guess its really what your brother prefers. I bought a SMG because I got a killer deal on mine. I love the way it shifts and drives. But next time around I might go with a 6 speed.