Discussion
In November 06, I "upgraded" from a 325sport saloon (52 plate) to an M3 (sep 04) with manual - I didn't really get on with SMG in test drives. But that maybe because my other car is an X5 4.4 auto which is a pretty smooth auto. My particular gripes were that I had to treat it with kid gloves to get a smooth change (perhaps due to total lack of experience with the thing, even tho it was on an auto setting I think) otherwise it was very jerky; and coming up to rounabouts on a slope, for example, it would roll backwards unless you applied brakes or power. It's difficult to describe the sensation but it is like driving a manual with someone else doing your clutch & stick work! I also read posts from people saying that parking could be a pain, tho' I didn't do any parking with the demo so couldn't say.
Anyway, certainly no regrets with the manual M3 - the clutch etc is miles better than in the 325 & you get good clean changes. The only time it is less than silky smooth in 1st gear is when started from (ice) cold; once up to operating temp it's flawless.
Anyway, certainly no regrets with the manual M3 - the clutch etc is miles better than in the 325 & you get good clean changes. The only time it is less than silky smooth in 1st gear is when started from (ice) cold; once up to operating temp it's flawless.
I went from the Audi TT 3.2 DSG to a manual M3 Coupe. Two reasons, the first I craved a manual car after almost 18 months of a semi-automatic. Secondly because I experienced a few problems with my DSG gearbox, luckily these were resolved inside the manufacturers warranty but would have been costly otherwise.
I just decided it was less to go wrong, that said the car is packing so much expensive technology I am kidding myself really! I can't speak from experience for the SMG, but going back has just accentuated how fast the DSG changed gear (much quicker than I can!).
I just decided it was less to go wrong, that said the car is packing so much expensive technology I am kidding myself really! I can't speak from experience for the SMG, but going back has just accentuated how fast the DSG changed gear (much quicker than I can!).
I've had my M3 SMG for 18 months and was initially very aprehensive about losing the manual 'box but thought I would give it a go! Absolutely no regrets, I love it. Changes are not as smooth as a tradtional auto because it is not an auto - there is no torque convertor but electro-hydraulic operated clutch and gearchange. The throttle blips on downchages when driving hard are pure F1 fantasy.
Takes a bit of getting used to but I wouldn't go back now but it is personal choice and I suppose you pays your money......
Try this link for more info but good luck with the search.
www.m3smg.com/
Takes a bit of getting used to but I wouldn't go back now but it is personal choice and I suppose you pays your money......
Try this link for more info but good luck with the search.
www.m3smg.com/
The 1200 mile running in service is a definite must. Without this any warranty is void and you may also have problems if any recall work is outstanding. Best to make sure you get one which is done.
It's not impossible that the service book is not stamped but BMW GB can tell you if the work has been done and if any recalls are outstanding if you give them the VIN of the car you are looking at.
IIRC you get a 500 mile tolerance ie up to 1700 miles then they don't want to know but I stand ready to be corrected on that one.
It's not impossible that the service book is not stamped but BMW GB can tell you if the work has been done and if any recalls are outstanding if you give them the VIN of the car you are looking at.
IIRC you get a 500 mile tolerance ie up to 1700 miles then they don't want to know but I stand ready to be corrected on that one.
andy dunn said:
does anyone know where to get illuminated door sill plates, heard of a forum in the states selling them but does anwhere in the uk do them?
Yes, check out www.blingbling.com ...
As many opinions as there are buyers. I am for the manual.
I have a manual, my father had an SMG. We all preferred the manual. I found the SMG the worst of both worlds. By comparison with a manual it was not as satisfying to drive well, and more difficult to drive smoothly (even when you thought you had learned just how to relax the throttle to get smooth up-changes, it would deliver an up-change with different timing so the smoothness went out the window). By comparison with an auto it was nowhere near as smooth or easy to use, and it did not provide the instantly available go with a constant shove. The vast number of settings available (5 shift speeds in auto, 6 in manual, and a choice of operation with the lever or the paddles) just made me think all the time that I must be in the wrong setting! My advice would be that if you don't want a manual you should consider a different car - perhaps a Merc AMG.
All this said, I am not that keen on the M3's manual transmission either - comparing the M3 with a 997 (which my father got to replace the M3 SMG) the biggest advantage of the Porsche is the gear change which feels nicer and is easier.
I have a manual, my father had an SMG. We all preferred the manual. I found the SMG the worst of both worlds. By comparison with a manual it was not as satisfying to drive well, and more difficult to drive smoothly (even when you thought you had learned just how to relax the throttle to get smooth up-changes, it would deliver an up-change with different timing so the smoothness went out the window). By comparison with an auto it was nowhere near as smooth or easy to use, and it did not provide the instantly available go with a constant shove. The vast number of settings available (5 shift speeds in auto, 6 in manual, and a choice of operation with the lever or the paddles) just made me think all the time that I must be in the wrong setting! My advice would be that if you don't want a manual you should consider a different car - perhaps a Merc AMG.
All this said, I am not that keen on the M3's manual transmission either - comparing the M3 with a 997 (which my father got to replace the M3 SMG) the biggest advantage of the Porsche is the gear change which feels nicer and is easier.
andy dunn said:
Tried the link for sill plates but found nothing, is there another link i missed. Thanks
I was having a bit of fun and invented the link - don't know where you can find the illuminated sill plates (though US Ebay would be my guess) but think they are just a little "bling"
waremark said:
As many opinions as there are buyers. I am for the manual.
I have a manual, my father had an SMG. We all preferred the manual. I found the SMG the worst of both worlds. By comparison with a manual it was not as satisfying to drive well, and more difficult to drive smoothly (even when you thought you had learned just how to relax the throttle to get smooth up-changes, it would deliver an up-change with different timing so the smoothness went out the window). By comparison with an auto it was nowhere near as smooth or easy to use, and it did not provide the instantly available go with a constant shove. The vast number of settings available (5 shift speeds in auto, 6 in manual, and a choice of operation with the lever or the paddles) just made me think all the time that I must be in the wrong setting! My advice would be that if you don't want a manual you should consider a different car - perhaps a Merc AMG.
All this said, I am not that keen on the M3's manual transmission either - comparing the M3 with a 997 (which my father got to replace the M3 SMG) the biggest advantage of the Porsche is the gear change which feels nicer and is easier.
I have a manual, my father had an SMG. We all preferred the manual. I found the SMG the worst of both worlds. By comparison with a manual it was not as satisfying to drive well, and more difficult to drive smoothly (even when you thought you had learned just how to relax the throttle to get smooth up-changes, it would deliver an up-change with different timing so the smoothness went out the window). By comparison with an auto it was nowhere near as smooth or easy to use, and it did not provide the instantly available go with a constant shove. The vast number of settings available (5 shift speeds in auto, 6 in manual, and a choice of operation with the lever or the paddles) just made me think all the time that I must be in the wrong setting! My advice would be that if you don't want a manual you should consider a different car - perhaps a Merc AMG.
All this said, I am not that keen on the M3's manual transmission either - comparing the M3 with a 997 (which my father got to replace the M3 SMG) the biggest advantage of the Porsche is the gear change which feels nicer and is easier.
Yep, the M3 manual gear change is major a disapointment to me, i've had better box's in a Ford, albeit they didn't have to contend with 340 odd ponies!
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff