ESS VT1 on E63 630i Manual

[Muzzman]

I've got a 630i with 60k miles on the clock, I really like it. Back in the day i wasn't too sure about the looks but they've grown on me..hence buying one.

I don't really fancy an M6, I hate the SMG gearbox, I had one in my E46 M3, I got it flashed with the CSL map and I still hated it, I had to sell the car.

The 630i has a manual gearbox which I know gets some stick for not being the best but I don't seem to have a problem with it and I enjoy the manual box.

I've been thinking about getting the Gen 3 ESS VT1 supercharger added, 100hp for £4500. Considering they weigh 1475kg and it will have 355hp i thought it might be a bit of a hoot for not much total outlay

Is that a daft idea?

FYI, this is a third car

Edited by Muzzman on Sunday 21st February 17:54

[MikeM6]

Daft I'm afraid.

The SMG3 is a great box once you learn how to get the most from it, but appreciate it isn't everyone's bag. You can manual swap an M6 for about £3.5k though....

Failing that, find a manual 650i and have 370hp. Can't be much more money than s 630i. Could even supercharge that I guess..

[Muzzman]

Is the SMG3 better than the one in the e46 M3? That was woeful.

I suppose I just need to try one.

Edited by Muzzman on Sunday 21st February 20:09

[MikeM6]

Muzzman said:

Is the SMG3 better than the one in the e46 M3 because that was woeful

It's the later generation of the box, I'm guess the E46 was SMG 2? This one is a 7 speed sequential box rather than an automated manual.

The main issue people have with them is the slow or jerky shifts, but mine is smooth when cruising or violent when shifting at 8k rpm plus. Often resetting the adaptations massively helps smooth out the changes, as well as knowing how the box is meant to be used.

It is no DTC or auto, but as a former die hard manual fan, I like this box. It doesn't fade into the background like an auto, but is quite fun to use.

But a manual swap removes it out of the equation. Now that is a nice recipe.

[Muzzman]

Yes e46 M3 is SMG2.

Sounds like the M6 might be the way to go after all.

Going to have to do a lot of research though, seems like if you get a lemon it's a whole world of trouble!

[VeeTenM]

Add warranty + enjoy