6 Speed (SMG) - Thoughts
- Thread starter jcrosi
- Start date
I can't speak for the SMG, I got the 6spd. While the Xi model doesn't offer the SMG as an option, if it did ... I probably wouldn't have gone with it. That's just my personal preference. The website says "This enables short, rapid gear changes through all six gears via the steering wheel paddles or selector lever, without the use of a clutch. (Requires Sport Package.)" The clutch is what I'd miss ... to me ... that's the whole point. Good luck, I hope someone can offer you s a good opinion on the SMG, I am curious to read it.
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The SMG on the 330 is different than the SMG II on the M3. After reading various BMW forums over the last few months, the general consensus appears to be to get a 330 with either manual or auto (depending on your personal preference). There's a big debate among M3 owners as to whether it's better to get the car with a manual or SMG.
My wife and I test drove two 330ci's, one with steptronic and one with SMG, and an M3 with SMG. The steptronic is nice and smooth, but, like all automatics, doesn't provide the type of control you need for a true sports car experience. The SMG on the 330 was nice, but the M3 with SMG II was intoxicating!
According to the following poll of M3 owners, most have SMG:
http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=25382&highlight=SMG
This site provides a comprehensive FAQ on the M3 SMG:
http://www.leo.nutz.de/BMW_SMG2FAQ.php
SMG is a totally different beast and it takes time and practice to learn how to efficiently drive a car with SMG. Best for you to read up on what to expect from SMG then go and test drive the car with both steptronic and SMG and then decide for yourself.
My wife and I test drove two 330ci's, one with steptronic and one with SMG, and an M3 with SMG. The steptronic is nice and smooth, but, like all automatics, doesn't provide the type of control you need for a true sports car experience. The SMG on the 330 was nice, but the M3 with SMG II was intoxicating!
According to the following poll of M3 owners, most have SMG:
http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=25382&highlight=SMG
This site provides a comprehensive FAQ on the M3 SMG:
http://www.leo.nutz.de/BMW_SMG2FAQ.php
SMG is a totally different beast and it takes time and practice to learn how to efficiently drive a car with SMG. Best for you to read up on what to expect from SMG then go and test drive the car with both steptronic and SMG and then decide for yourself.
