Why does clarkson slate the e46 smg m3?
Why does clarkson slate the e46 smg m3?
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pbickerd

Original Poster:

883 posts

184 months

Monday 21st February 2011
quotequote all
Hi all,

Was watching some old top gear last night. Clarkson was raving about the e46 m3 said it was an awesome car etc etc but then says 'but dont by the smg the gearbox is rubbish' or something along those lines.

Any idea what his issue is? Ive seen the smg recomended in general gassing in what car threads plenty of times.


300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

214 months

Monday 21st February 2011
quotequote all
pbickerd said:
Hi all,

Was watching some old top gear last night. Clarkson was raving about the e46 m3 said it was an awesome car etc etc but then says 'but dont by the smg the gearbox is rubbish' or something along those lines.

Any idea what his issue is? Ive seen the smg recomended in general gassing in what car threads plenty of times.
He praises it on track, see one of his DVD's where he races a 2002 with one.

I think the comment about the gearbox is in the same frame of mind of why he also doesn't like Ferrari fallpy paddle gearboxes.

I guess some of us just find a road car more fun with 3 pedals and a traditional H gate, or at least the option of.

smile

The Restorer

845 posts

252 months

Monday 21st February 2011
quotequote all
IMO...

If the gear change setting is set low, it takes too long to change between 1st and 2nd. If you set it too high you feel a thump every time you go through the higher gears.

If you persist and spend a couple of weeks\months you'll actually learn to find the right settings and driving style that will get rid of these "features" and thats when the SMG comes into it's own.

I don't think JC spends long enough with the car to get that though.

Nedz

2,439 posts

198 months

Monday 21st February 2011
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He's not just criticising the M3 smg,he dosen't like 'flappy paddle' gears on anything,although i think he is beginning to warm to some of the latsest DCT systems.He will probably always prefer a traditional manual box though.

Paul_M3

2,522 posts

209 months

Monday 21st February 2011
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Remember that comment was based on the early cars too.

The gearchange software was updated and improved as time went by.

groucho

12,134 posts

270 months

Monday 21st February 2011
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Do we worry what he thinks? That bird though???? Lordy!!!

Nedz

2,439 posts

198 months

Monday 21st February 2011
quotequote all
groucho said:
Do we worry what he thinks? That bird though???? Lordy!!!
Totally agree on both points there!!