After driving hi hp cars w/ both an auto and manual, I would go with the SMG. It is supposed to be the benchmark for F1 style shifting (no manual clutch trannies). I can tell you, after having the 6 speed manual, I would love to have the SMG transmission. BMW manual transmissions are silky smooth in the lower powered cars....(325/330/mini S/ect...), but in the M3 the shifts are long throw and notchy. The long throw is annoying but the notchy is to be expected with a high HP auto. Having said that, I believe the SMG would afford you all of the control of a manual with the slick shifting of an auto. Also as I said before, It's the benchmark for F1 style shifting in production autos.