SMG Tranny Choice

[jdmlude2000]

Hey i was just curious what you guys think of the SMG Tranny. Some guys came in and they were debating with me if it was worth it or not. i say it is different then having a six speed other then when you feel lazy you dont have to shift but when you are ready to hit those windy roads or take a run between stop lights you can control the tranny with the same if not better control you can with a normal 6spd.

Just wondering what you guys think...

[CRISTIAN]

I really don't know how they work but I've heard they shift really fast and are quite good.

[TORQUE-DEMON]

They shift amazingly well (SMG & SMG II).
I test drove an M3, the dealer was trying to convince me to get one...
I still preffer the manual, but would recommend the SMG for most. I like Manuals, cuz I enjoy the heel and toe down shifting. The pleasure I get when I match the revs just right is really worth the bother of driving it in traffic. But with SMG it does it for you, and the shifts are more consistent, hence its the logical choice. (But what does logic have to do with speeding/racing in public roads any way )

[Verrückt]

Originally Posted by TORQUE-DEMON

They shift amazingly well (SMG & SMG II).
I test drove an M3, the dealer was trying to convince me to get one...
I still preffer the manual, but would recommend the SMG for most. I like Manuals, cuz I enjoy the heel and toe down shifting. The pleasure I get when I match the revs just right is really worth the bother of driving it in traffic. But with SMG it does it for you, and the shifts are more consistent, hence its the logical choice. (But what does logic have to do with speeding/racing in public roads any way )

I agree and it's certainly better than a torque converter based automatic. However, DSG is technically superior to SMG.

Most of the n00bs have no idea what SMG is or how it works so I wouldn't expect too many good responses here.

[new_formula_S2K]

i know what you mean but specifically does SMG mean sequential manumatic gearbox? i was i little confused but on Top Gear they hate all the paddle shifting cars like the Vaquish. They were raggin on it most of the time but i have never had the privaledge to drive one so i wouldnt know. i wish there were time when a car could just be either auto or manual. Like those times on backroads in the summer when you want to rip through gears or those times in the city where you are sick of clutching every second in traffic. I cant wait until somethhing like this is made, but paddle shifting is the closest thing to it. i wish it had like an option clutch pedal that could be used or like folded up or something when you didnt want to use it.

[TORQUE-DEMON]

There is something like that, I read about it a few years ago in England. But it didnt catch on since it cost like 50K Dollars !

I agree the DSG is technically superior, but I dont know about the driving dynamics, for exapmple using down shifting to reduce speed. Never tried it tho. I still believe they are on to something and it will be out soon !

[TORQUE-DEMON]

SMG stands for Sequential M (BMW Motorsport division) Gearbox.

ZF came up with an awesome Auto Tranny, proly the best one yet. And I think Top Gear would like it cuz of the angle ZF are taking. They dont say this is better than a manual, its an automatic (with a Torque converter) and it can do all the tricks those F1, cambiocorssica, SMG ect.... can do, but at the cost of an auto ! I dont know how they got it to blip the throttle on downshifting to match the revs just like the SMG and others. Plus its ALOT more civil, and comfortable in normal driving. I believe the new Aston AM V8 is using it, and the Supercharged Land Rover, Range Sport.

[thedguy]

Originally Posted by TORQUE-DEMON

SMG stands for Sequential M (BMW Motorsport division) Gearbox.

ZF came up with an awesome Auto Tranny, proly the best one yet. And I think Top Gear would like it cuz of the angle ZF are taking. They dont say this is better than a manual, its an automatic (with a Torque converter) and it can do all the tricks those F1, cambiocorssica, SMG ect.... can do, but at the cost of an auto ! I dont know how they got it to blip the throttle on downshifting to match the revs just like the SMG and others. Plus its ALOT more civil, and comfortable in normal driving. I believe the new Aston AM V8 is using it, and the Supercharged Land Rover, Range Sport.

Jeremy clarkson tested an Aston with DB9 with a SMG style gear box with a torque converter, and like it a lot compared to ones with a clutch, but he still perfered a regular manual I guess. I believe the "base" DB9 has the automatic based tranny, and the Vanquish still has the one with the clutch in it.

[zmefly]

I have never drive an m3 with the smg. But I hate the manumatic cars. But so Ive heard from my friend that works at the bimmer dealer they are rather good. But its always nice to have total control over the gearbox. I too love the feeling when you match the revs perfect on a heel toe downshift, once you can do that you really know your car well.