CSL SMG question

[sjm18]

Had a look at the E92 M3 at the weekend, and was very impressed. Wondering though if an E46 M3 CSL might be a better option (less likely to lose £15k in next year, and truer to the 'M' ethos in some ways).

I've read a few adverse comments about the SMG box though - in fact a lot of people seem to say it would be better with a manual. Are they really that bad? I would be driving the car pretty much every day to work so don't want anything too clunky around town. I recently sold a Maserati 4200 with the paddle shift and to be honest really enjoyed it.

Has anyone experienced both the Maserati Cambio Corsa AND the CSL SMG box? If so, can you offer any comparisons please?

[JKay]

TO be honest I quite like the SMG. Plenty of people hate it, but its one of things you've got to try for yourself, and either love or hate.

Not tried both gearboxes, but I'm thinking if you liked your paddleshift, then you may not mind the SMG so much

[oola]

sjm18 said:

Had a look at the E92 M3 at the weekend, and was very impressed. Wondering though if an E46 M3 CSL might be a better option (less likely to lose £15k in next year, and truer to the 'M' ethos in some ways).

I've read a few adverse comments about the SMG box though - in fact a lot of people seem to say it would be better with a manual. Are they really that bad? I would be driving the car pretty much every day to work so don't want anything too clunky around town. I recently sold a Maserati 4200 with the paddle shift and to be honest really enjoyed it.

Has anyone experienced both the Maserati Cambio Corsa AND the CSL SMG box? If so, can you offer any comparisons please?

Ask any CSL owner what they prefer and I bet more like the SMG than not. It's SMG 1 that had problems, not the SMG II in E46 M3 and the CSL.

Also ask yourself why so many people have cancelled or delayed orders on the new M3? Well, its because they're all waiting for the new gearbox.

[sjm18]

Fair point. When does the new M3 arrive with the new gearbox then? Is that this year?