Question, please help!

[rfeng]

Hi, I am planning to get the '05 330ci for next summer. I haven't order it yet, and I am still doing some research on it. It's going be my first BMW, so I am extremely excited!!

First of all, for the SMG transmission, can someone confirm if the 330ci uses SMG I or SMG II. I think it's SMGI, but want to confirm. Thanks!

Secondly, if there are anyone out there has a '04 330ci with SMG, can you post a picture of the interior especially where the shifter is? Thanks!!

 

[codex57]

SMG I I guess. It's not the M3's SMG II.

 

[rfeng]

What is the differences between SMG I and II anyway?

 

[Tom]

The SMG I was available in Europe for the E36 M3, whereas the SMG II is offered worldwide in the E46 M3. The SMG II found on the 3-Series is different from those found on the M3. If you want more information about the SMG check out this link.
http://www.bmwworld.com/models/config/m3_smg.htm

To answer your question, you do get the SMG II with the 3-Series. I believe the major difference is that you get less modes with a standard 3-Series over the M3.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

well hope your purchase goes good seeing that they answered the question

 

[codex57]

Just go test drive the car. I hear tons of complaints about the SMG shifter on the non-M3 cars. Pretty much no complaints from M3 SMG owners. Could be that the M3 owners are just so infatuated with their cars, everything is rosy. Or it could be a big difference. You gotta see for yourself I think in this situation.

 

[deutsch100]

Def. go test drive a 330ci with the SMG. Last week I picked up my 2004 330cic, but almost got an M3 with SMG. While on the lot, I test drove a 330ci with SMG. I hated it. In the M3 you have this super sweet sports car with amazing hp and torque, and the SMG felt cool (still a pain in the ass, but goes with an M3). In the 330 it feels out of place, and just takes away form the super smooth drving experience of the 3 series. Totally my opinion, but I am SO glad I got steptronic. In fact, I honestly 100% without any exxageration like the 330 over the M3 :-o

I HATE manual transmissions, but I would rather have the 6 speed manual over the SMG in a 330ci. Good Luck. You're gonna love the 330!!!

 

[Average Jae]

deutsch100, boooooooooo to you and 85% - 90% of the car buying public

i really think you have to be an enthusist to own and love the M3. not saying that you are not.. (since i dun know you) but for me, i can stand the "harsher" ride of the zhp set up, but i don't know if i can stand the stiff as hell m3 tuned ride day in and day out. but i know i'll fall in love with it, if i had one in my driveway the hell w/ stiff ride, the car's a rocket!!