[Pinecone]

I plan on ordering an M3 Convertible in the coming weeks and am still undecided between the SMG and 6-speed manual. Any current owners or anyone else have any opinions on the SMG and if it is worth the extra cash? Also, how much performance will I lose?

I have a 2002 SMG Coupe. I also have a 2000 5 speed M Roadster (actually now my wife's car, but she let's me drive it ).

I love SMG. The more I drive it, the more I like it. The first time I drove it, I thought it was neat and I was not unhappy I had gotten it. But every mile since then, I come to appreciate it more. It may not be for everyone, but it IS right for me.

As to performance loss, yes, there is some versus a perfectly driven stick. BUT, it is much easier to drive the SMG perfectly every time versus the stick. And one slight bobble with the stick, and the SMG wins. Typical tests seem to put it as 0.1 - 0.3 seconds slower 0 to 60. Remember that all F1 cars use a similar systems as it makes for a winning combination.

As to the automatic/manual debate, those terms do not fit the SMG. It is neither, and it is both. The language has not caught up with the reality. It is similar to both, and not like either.

Best thing would be to try and find one to try out first. But it does take a couple of thousand miles to fuly appreciate it. A short test drive may not convince you, unless you really don't like it.

Do realize that there have been a few cases of those buying SMG that sold their cars to get a stick. There have been a lot more sticks sold to buy SMGs though.

 

[Pinecone]

I just finished a track weekend with SMG.

IT ROCKS. :thumbup:

You have much more time to work on threshold braking and proper turn in and your line without having to think about downshifting. I find in no way does it decrease my enjoyment of driving aat the limit, in fact it makes it better.

It was AWESOME, and VERY fast.

And for the poster who didn't like SMG since he had to click the paddle three times rather than clutch, rev mathc, 3rd, obviously hasn't tapped the paddle for a downshift in S5 or S6 at WOT. INSTANT downshifts and much faster than any human can do (or are you doing 80 ms shifts now?). :flipoff:

 

[Pinecone]

Supposedly a dual clutch unit.. with a seperate clutch for 1,3,5 and then 2, 4, 6 is being produced by a transmission supplier..I forgot who..its either Borg Warner or ZF.. [/B]

Not that I know of. Still a single clutch, same gearbox as the manual (actually same clutch also). Just computer control and hydraulic acutators.

You might have gotten confused with the mention of the dual mass flywheel.