330Ci SMG

[iluv2xlr8]

Does anyone know if the 2004 SMG 330s have an auto function where it shifts for you. I believe the M3s do however I can't find any information about the SMG in the 330s.

[big_sur]

yes it does

[convertibleguy]

I have a 2004 330 convertible with SMG and it does have an automatic mode. Both the manual and automatic mode have a normal or sport setting with the sport setting quickening the shift time a fair amount. I use the manual mode 99% of the time because it is so much fun.

Beware that the auto mode is nowhere as smooth as the selectronic automatic. You usually have to ease up on the gas during acceleration in lower gears otherwise you get a decent "thump" from the transmission. It's even that way when you use the manual mode. For the most part I use the manual mode and normal shift program and with a little dilligence, the shifts are pretty smooth.

In stop and go traffic in the automatic mode, the trans sometimes isn't sure if it wants to be in first or second so it might either hang in first or hunt around in second.

By the way, I've been getting great gas mileage around town and on the highway; a fair amount better than the 2001 cic I owned with an automatic.

If you want to use it mostly as an automatic, I'd drive it first. If you want to use it as a manual trans with occasional auto use, I'd recommend it.

[hammerfang]

after driving the car i'd have to agree that the SMG is really not smooth at all, if u r the slightest bit talented at driving stick u can shift smoother, maybe not faster, but definetly smoother.

[XiaoNio]

On a related note, I have a question about SMG. My friend says to drive it smoothly, you have to shift like when driving stick by first letting off the gas and then shifting gears. If you drive like this, will SMG be as smooth as an auto, or is SMG really not as smooth as either manual or auto? Also, can you drive like an auto ie. constant gas and still have smooth shifting?

[iluv2xlr8]

Originally Posted by convertibleguy

I have a 2004 330 convertible with SMG and it does have an automatic mode. Both the manual and automatic mode have a normal or sport setting with the sport setting quickening the shift time a fair amount. I use the manual mode 99% of the time because it is so much fun.

Beware that the auto mode is nowhere as smooth as the selectronic automatic. You usually have to ease up on the gas during acceleration in lower gears otherwise you get a decent "thump" from the transmission. It's even that way when you use the manual mode. For the most part I use the manual mode and normal shift program and with a little dilligence, the shifts are pretty smooth.

In stop and go traffic in the automatic mode, the trans sometimes isn't sure if it wants to be in first or second so it might either hang in first or hunt around in second.

By the way, I've been getting great gas mileage around town and on the highway; a fair amount better than the 2001 cic I owned with an automatic.

If you want to use it mostly as an automatic, I'd drive it first. If you want to use it as a manual trans with occasional auto use, I'd recommend it.

That is what I thought, however one of my friends who is interested in the 330 with SMG said he called BMW and they said that there is no "automatic" mode with SMG.

[hammerfang]

no there is an automatic mode, most likely the salesman was trying to be a dick and get him into an auto for the quick sale, because at the dealership i worked at all the SMG 3 series (5s and 6s too) were special ordered and took a few months to get, and no matter how u drive it, SMG really isn't that smooth, but i suggest that u drive it for urself and see if its tolerable for u.

[caracas_e30]

I work at a dealership here in MD and whenever i get to drive the 330 sport edition..the SMG one that is, i LOVE IT. Everything about the car seems more appealing than the stock 330. The sound is deeper, and the interior is more sportier from the steering wheel to the shifting. I have to agree that BMW's SMG setup is not crystal crisp and smooth at shifting but it is a lot of fun to drive. It DOES shift smoothly if you know how to shift it correctly. but once its on sport mode...its not cake. ITs rough because the shifting is much more abrupt and faster along with better throttle response. Every gear selected feels like it was dumped and your hear the infamous CLUNK in the rear....all SMG's do it in sport mode....

LISTEN CAREFULLY THOUGH: We always see pple bring in the SMG cars with problems with the system. First, you need to be patient with the motor and the differential. The fluids need to be worked up for a while before it is in optimal operating temperature. DO not put it in sport mode when the car was just started and is cold. The diff will break along with other SMG systems. Again, if your smooth then you sail smoothly for a long time.


carlos

[convertibleguy]

Originally Posted by XiaoNio

On a related note, I have a question about SMG. My friend says to drive it smoothly, you have to shift like when driving stick by first letting off the gas and then shifting gears. If you drive like this, will SMG be as smooth as an auto, or is SMG really not as smooth as either manual or auto? Also, can you drive like an auto ie. constant gas and still have smooth shifting?

SMG does work better if you let the gas at least some between shifts. The shifts to higher gears (3,4,5,6) are pretty smooth in normal mode with either no throttle or with light throttle but the 1-2 shifts are tough to get smooth even with no throttle, expecially in sport mode. You can't slip the clutch like you would with a true manual trans.

I must say that while full throttle shifts in sport mode are abrupt, there is something cool about winding up the six and having such a fast shift. I wish they had the M3 shift programs, I understand that there are even faster shifts available.

Don't expect the SMG to be as smooth as an automatic, it's just not that well developed yet but maybe they'll eventually make it as good as Audi's DSG.

[convertibleguy]

Originally Posted by caracas_e30

I work at a dealership here in MD and whenever i get to drive the 330 sport edition..the SMG one that is, i LOVE IT. Everything about the car seems more appealing than the stock 330. The sound is deeper, and the interior is more sportier from the steering wheel to the shifting. I have to agree that BMW's SMG setup is not crystal crisp and smooth at shifting but it is a lot of fun to drive. It DOES shift smoothly if you know how to shift it correctly. but once its on sport mode...its not cake. ITs rough because the shifting is much more abrupt and faster along with better throttle response. Every gear selected feels like it was dumped and your hear the infamous CLUNK in the rear....all SMG's do it in sport mode....

LISTEN CAREFULLY THOUGH: We always see pple bring in the SMG cars with problems with the system. First, you need to be patient with the motor and the differential. The fluids need to be worked up for a while before it is in optimal operating temperature. DO not put it in sport mode when the car was just started and is cold. The diff will break along with other SMG systems. Again, if your smooth then you sail smoothly for a long time.


carlos

Thanks for the warning about warm-up. Do work at VOB? Love the new showroom!

[caracas_e30]

yeahs i work at vob, its unbelievable what you see behind the scenes at dealerships