E46 SMG questions and is it a daily driver!?
Discussion
I am considering changing my 320d Sport for an E46 M3 SMG. However I wanted to ask a few questions of guys running them on here first:
1.) How does the SMG cope with daily use? Is it smooth or jerky?
2.) What is the difference between SMG and SMGII?
3.) Does the SMG have a full auto option?
4.) What MPG do owners see in daily use (I have varied journeys, some short distance, some long and motorways etc)?
5.) Are there any must have options to look out for?
6.) What are the main issues/problems to look out for?
7.) Is the standard M3 the same as the CSL in that the 1200 mile running service is crucial?
Thanks in advance
1.) How does the SMG cope with daily use? Is it smooth or jerky?
2.) What is the difference between SMG and SMGII?
3.) Does the SMG have a full auto option?
4.) What MPG do owners see in daily use (I have varied journeys, some short distance, some long and motorways etc)?
5.) Are there any must have options to look out for?
6.) What are the main issues/problems to look out for?
7.) Is the standard M3 the same as the CSL in that the 1200 mile running service is crucial?
Thanks in advance
BlueNGT said:
I am considering changing my 320d Sport for an E46 M3 SMG. However I wanted to ask a few questions of guys running them on here first:
1.) How does the SMG cope with daily use? Is it smooth or jerky?
4.) What MPG do owners see in daily use (I have varied journeys, some short distance, some long and motorways etc)?
1.) How does the SMG cope with daily use? Is it smooth or jerky?
AngryApples said:
- Smoothness varies depending on Program selected (1-6 - 6 is only allowed with "sport" button on and traction control off!)
I find it fine in everything but traffic james when it can be a PITA, but the good outweighs the bad IMHO
2.) What is the difference between SMG and SMGII? I find it fine in everything but traffic james when it can be a PITA, but the good outweighs the bad IMHO
AngryApples said:
SMG was the E36 M3 version
3.) Does the SMG have a full auto option? AngryApples said:
Yes, you just knock the selector to the right to switch between sequential manual and 'drive'
4.) What MPG do owners see in daily use (I have varied journeys, some short distance, some long and motorways etc)?
AngryApples said:
- I cover 90% motorway at 26-27MPG, for town work around 23MPG when gentle
5.) Are there any must have options to look out for? AngryApples said:
- IMHO - SatNav (crap, but helps resale!), HK Stereo (if you can get one with Intravee iPod connection (aftermarket) pre fitted thats a real bonus)
6.) What are the main issues/problems to look out for? AngryApples said:
- I'll leave this for someone with more technical knowledge!
7.) Is the standard M3 the same as the CSL in that the 1200 mile running service is crucial? AngryApples said:
- YES, DO NOT buy without it!
I would add to the above (and opinions will vary here) that if I were buying now I would not put that much weight on Full BMW dealer history
In other words, I value servicing by a good independent BMW specialist over main dealer as they are in most cases far better at servicing and if you find a indy that is also an 'M' specialist, all the better!
Is it a daily driver?
I got mine last April with 43k on the clock, I commute most days 230 miles up and down the M4/M5 and now have 102k on the clock - in that time she has not skipped a beat (touch (er......) wood!)
Thanks in advanceI would add to the above (and opinions will vary here) that if I were buying now I would not put that much weight on Full BMW dealer history
In other words, I value servicing by a good independent BMW specialist over main dealer as they are in most cases far better at servicing and if you find a indy that is also an 'M' specialist, all the better!
Is it a daily driver?
I got mine last April with 43k on the clock, I commute most days 230 miles up and down the M4/M5 and now have 102k on the clock - in that time she has not skipped a beat (touch (er......) wood!)
AngryApples said:
You're welcome chap!
Yes, it's all fine. I'll just add that SMG really comes into it's own when hammering it across country, it's a delight then with downshift blips and the drama of the cogs slamming home. Take it or leave it for 'normal driving' and leave it when it comes to snow/ice, it's a nightmare (but then I just leave it on the drive).
Oh, and if you drive across France for eight hours, make sure to put it in neutral before leaning over the passenger seat to speak to a ferry check-in booth person. I accidentally pressed on the accelerator with my right foot. Only the handbrake and a minor panic stopped me ploughing through the barrier
She was quite hot too, quite embarrassing.
Oh, and if you drive across France for eight hours, make sure to put it in neutral before leaning over the passenger seat to speak to a ferry check-in booth person. I accidentally pressed on the accelerator with my right foot. Only the handbrake and a minor panic stopped me ploughing through the barrier
She was quite hot too, quite embarrassing.
BlueNGT said:
I am considering changing my 320d Sport for an E46 M3 SMG. However I wanted to ask a few questions of guys running them on here first:
1.) How does the SMG cope with daily use? Is it smooth or jerky?
2.) What is the difference between SMG and SMGII?
3.) Does the SMG have a full auto option?
4.) What MPG do owners see in daily use (I have varied journeys, some short distance, some long and motorways etc)?
5.) Are there any must have options to look out for?
6.) What are the main issues/problems to look out for?
7.) Is the standard M3 the same as the CSL in that the 1200 mile running service is crucial?
Thanks in advance
I went from an e46 330d to e46 M3 SMG.1.) How does the SMG cope with daily use? Is it smooth or jerky?
2.) What is the difference between SMG and SMGII?
3.) Does the SMG have a full auto option?
4.) What MPG do owners see in daily use (I have varied journeys, some short distance, some long and motorways etc)?
5.) Are there any must have options to look out for?
6.) What are the main issues/problems to look out for?
7.) Is the standard M3 the same as the CSL in that the 1200 mile running service is crucial?
Thanks in advance
1) Fine - I used mine as a daily for 12 months. SMG is actually advantageous for its auto mode when you're crawling along the M25. It can be driven very smoothly.
2) The e46 M3 only came with SMG II. SMG I was in the e36 Evo. SMG II is more reliable and a smoother/better system.
3) Yes.
4) I am averaging almost bang on 25.0mpg.
5) The must haves for me were sat nav, SMG, 19" alloys.
6) I'll let someone else cover this off.
7) Yes.
Thanks for the replies so far guys. All sounds good!
As for technical stuff I've heard of Catalytic converters failing. Also wondered if the front wishbones and bushes were prone to failing like on the M-sport E46's (I've had to change the bushes once and lower arms, which of course included the bushes again, on my 320d).
I am not too scarred of mileage on a car so long as its backed up by good,comprehensive services and bills.
It will be a daily driver.
As for technical stuff I've heard of Catalytic converters failing. Also wondered if the front wishbones and bushes were prone to failing like on the M-sport E46's (I've had to change the bushes once and lower arms, which of course included the bushes again, on my 320d).
I am not too scarred of mileage on a car so long as its backed up by good,comprehensive services and bills.
It will be a daily driver.
The one major disadvantage of having an E46 with SMG gearbox is that you will find yourself driving far more aggressively and generally unnecessarily to get the best out of the box. Whilst I really do like the character of the SMG equipped M3 for 9/10 ths type stuff I would choose a manual next time around.
I test drove an E92 M3 recently with the modern equivalent and it was a totally different affair all together - but that is another thread
. Good luck with whatever you decide to do 
I test drove an E92 M3 recently with the modern equivalent and it was a totally different affair all together - but that is another thread
. Good luck with whatever you decide to do GTWayne said:
The one major disadvantage of having an E46 with SMG gearbox is that you will find yourself driving far more aggressively and generally unnecessarily to get the best out of the box. Whilst I really do like the character of the SMG equipped M3 for 9/10 ths type stuff I would choose a manual next time around.
I test drove an E92 M3 recently with the modern equivalent and it was a totally different affair all together - but that is another thread. Good luck with whatever you decide to do
I dont do Manuals for daily driving anymore - switched to Auto's/DSG/SMG/Tiptronic etc 10years ago and have not missed a Manual at all.I test drove an E92 M3 recently with the modern equivalent and it was a totally different affair all together - but that is another thread
. Good luck with whatever you decide to do I expect the E92 to be much improved but there is also the additional £20k to £30k in purchase price to factor in
Angry Apples has covered all of the main points well, and the "what to look for" question is best answered with the search function. There are dozens of threads on E46 buying on here.
I am very pleased that I took the educated gamble, and chose to buy an SMG equipped car. It really is good fun when pressing on, and makes every empty country lane a real blast. My only discomfort with the SMG system is in stop start urban traffic, and I still occasionally get caught out at junctions when the car is trying to change into first at the same time that I see a gap.
From the OPs questions, it sounds like he might be looking to use the car quite a lot in an urban environment. The auto mode isn't as smooth or controlled as a proper fluid flywheel auto shifter, and I only ever use it when I need a free hand to support the takeaway sat on the passenger seat
I'd advise the OP to try both systems, and choose for themselves, however would personally take a manual car if I was slogging through stop start traffic quite a lot.
I am very pleased that I took the educated gamble, and chose to buy an SMG equipped car. It really is good fun when pressing on, and makes every empty country lane a real blast. My only discomfort with the SMG system is in stop start urban traffic, and I still occasionally get caught out at junctions when the car is trying to change into first at the same time that I see a gap.
From the OPs questions, it sounds like he might be looking to use the car quite a lot in an urban environment. The auto mode isn't as smooth or controlled as a proper fluid flywheel auto shifter, and I only ever use it when I need a free hand to support the takeaway sat on the passenger seat
I'd advise the OP to try both systems, and choose for themselves, however would personally take a manual car if I was slogging through stop start traffic quite a lot.
mat205125 said:
Angry Apples has covered all of the main points well, and the "what to look for" question is best answered with the search function. There are dozens of threads on E46 buying on here.
I am very pleased that I took the educated gamble, and chose to buy an SMG equipped car. It really is good fun when pressing on, and makes every empty country lane a real blast. My only discomfort with the SMG system is in stop start urban traffic, and I still occasionally get caught out at junctions when the car is trying to change into first at the same time that I see a gap.
From the OPs questions, it sounds like he might be looking to use the car quite a lot in an urban environment. The auto mode isn't as smooth or controlled as a proper fluid flywheel auto shifter, and I only ever use it when I need a free hand to support the takeaway sat on the passenger seat
I'd advise the OP to try both systems, and choose for themselves, however would personally take a manual car if I was slogging through stop start traffic quite a lot.
My driving varies quiet a lot but can consist of some Motorway work which of course always means a traffic jam or two.I am very pleased that I took the educated gamble, and chose to buy an SMG equipped car. It really is good fun when pressing on, and makes every empty country lane a real blast. My only discomfort with the SMG system is in stop start urban traffic, and I still occasionally get caught out at junctions when the car is trying to change into first at the same time that I see a gap.
From the OPs questions, it sounds like he might be looking to use the car quite a lot in an urban environment. The auto mode isn't as smooth or controlled as a proper fluid flywheel auto shifter, and I only ever use it when I need a free hand to support the takeaway sat on the passenger seat
I'd advise the OP to try both systems, and choose for themselves, however would personally take a manual car if I was slogging through stop start traffic quite a lot.
I wouldnt consider a Manual at all - will never buy another Manual for daily driving...no point in my eyes (just my opinion). I used to own a 964RS CS and cars like that (weekend/track) are the only ones I would have Manual now.
I am impressed by the MPG people are reporting. I get a combined 38mpg out of the 320d no matter how you drive!!
BlueNGT said:
I dont do Manuals for daily driving anymore - switched to Auto's/DSG/SMG/Tiptronic etc 10years ago and have not missed a Manual at all.
Fair does but I really do believe that M cars should ONLY have a manual gearbox as the character of the car requires it although the SMG is a close second. I don't think there is any alternative to either of these boxes in the E46 M3 by way of say steptronic or tiptronic type auto box is there?BlueNGT said:
I expect the E92 to be much improved but there is also the additional £20k to £30k in purchase price to factor in
As I said, another thread rb5230 said:
are people really getting 25 mpg? my friends 330ci manual sits consistantly at 23mpg, even with the average reset when filling up and another friend never got above 20mog average in his e46 m3 and usually got high teens.
The difference in economy between an M and a 330 will be marginal IMO.I've averaged over 25mpg since I bought my E46 M3 2 years ago according to the computer. That is commuting, fun, motorway cruising, and track miles. Taking off a "factor for error" in the speedo and computer allowance, and that is more like 23-24mpg.
Put the cruise control on at 70mph on an empty motorway, and 30-32mpg is possible.
For purely town driving, the SMG II is still too uncivilised to make smooth progress IMO.
I find the worse trait is the refusal to change into 1st until the car is almost at a standstill (in Auto mode) unless the shift programme is set at SP6; the trade-off then is the car's refusal to change up a gear unless you hit 4k rpm
Ergo, in the default SP3 setting, I too often find that I'll be creeping up to a junction, spot a gap and... the car bogs down as 2nd gear is still engaged. I can't imagine it does too much for the clutch either.
Also, I find the box can be quite jerky at lower speeds - particularly when down-shifting, which again is particularly irksome when such abruptness can be ironed out with a proper manual and would never happen in an auto anyway.
When pressing on of course, the box is great fun, but it sounds to me like the OP would be better off with a paddle-shift automatic.
I find the worse trait is the refusal to change into 1st until the car is almost at a standstill (in Auto mode) unless the shift programme is set at SP6; the trade-off then is the car's refusal to change up a gear unless you hit 4k rpm
Ergo, in the default SP3 setting, I too often find that I'll be creeping up to a junction, spot a gap and... the car bogs down as 2nd gear is still engaged. I can't imagine it does too much for the clutch either.
Also, I find the box can be quite jerky at lower speeds - particularly when down-shifting, which again is particularly irksome when such abruptness can be ironed out with a proper manual and would never happen in an auto anyway.
When pressing on of course, the box is great fun, but it sounds to me like the OP would be better off with a paddle-shift automatic.
jontysafe said:
Hey GP! Bet you wish you kept the Z4 now! Mind you that wasn't much smoother in town!
You and I both went different directions post Z. Am loving the M6. You fallen for the CSL?
You and I both went different directions post Z. Am loving the M6. You fallen for the CSL?
I don't regret punting the Zed and indeed, I love the SMG... just not in town
Unsurprisingly however, the CSL doesn't lend itself particularly well to the weekly shop, so the gearbox's performance in town is not really an issue for me.
I've got a new arrival which will take care of that...
Which is?? Come on do tell. I keep looking at this for the weekends:
http://www.sovereigncarsales.co.uk/Replicas_gridpo...
Isn`t going to happen though as apparently I`m getting married........
Apologies for thread heist
http://www.sovereigncarsales.co.uk/Replicas_gridpo...
Isn`t going to happen though as apparently I`m getting married........
Apologies for thread heist
Just to add a note on the "is it a daily driver?" point.
I'm no fanboy BMW worshipper. In fact, I find the badge snobbery with the brand most objectionable. I would say, however, that an E36 or E46 M3, or an E39 M5 represent the very definition of a high performance car that can be used every day for family duties, and also for weekend fun whilst remaining sensibly economical and affordable to run.
I can't think of another car that so successfully strikes a compromise that suits my needs better.
I'm no fanboy BMW worshipper. In fact, I find the badge snobbery with the brand most objectionable. I would say, however, that an E36 or E46 M3, or an E39 M5 represent the very definition of a high performance car that can be used every day for family duties, and also for weekend fun whilst remaining sensibly economical and affordable to run.
I can't think of another car that so successfully strikes a compromise that suits my needs better.
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