[Magna]

It seems most people who haven driven the SMG M3 would say it's easier to go faster with SMG. With that line of thinking I suppose SMG is better than a traditional manual, but what type of transmission is more enjoyable to drive in your opinion?

I drove a SMG M3 for only 20 minutes, so I can't form opinion. I was only starting to get used to it, although I can say experiencing the M3 produce perfect rev match downshifts was nice.

Even if the SMG is the more enjoyable transmission, I feel that traditional manuals will be gone in 10 years, so I better order that before it's gone forever.

 

[Pinecone]

I own an SMG M3.

I love it. You can concentrate on driving, not shifting. And I have been driving performance manual transmission cars for over 30 years.

I didn't realise how much you think about shifting until you don't have to do that anymore. Little things, like before downshift to pass, what gear am I in, what movement to the next lowest gear. WIth SMG, you tap the left paddle and you are inthe next lower gear. It has to be experienced to be understood. And 20 minutes is not enough.

We did a Performance Center Delivery and then did a 1 week road trip putting 2500 miles on the car. First driving one at the Performance Center my wife and I agreed it was nice. But as we put the miles on the car, driving in everything from back roads, to interstates, to Orlando theme park traffic, we came to truely appreciate it.

And I still like traditional manual transmissions.

But I also like the SMG. I believe that either way you will be happy with the car. But go with what you feel is right, then don't second guess yourself, just enjoy it.

 

[SteveMD]

I own an SMG M3.

I love it. You can concentrate on driving, not shifting. And I have been driving performance manual transmission cars for over 30 years.
(snip)

I consider the SMG the most intriguing feature of the new M3.
Have you autocrossed your M3? As you probably noticed, there was a black '02 M3 in the NCC autocross on Saturday. Wonder if anyone talked to the owner about his experience autox'ing the SMG?

 

[Pinecone]

No. NOt enough miles on the car yet.

I did talk to the Black M3 owner, but before he ran.