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SMG Opinions?
Hi All,
Well, I'm ready to pull the trigger on a 2006 550i and I've heard differing opinions on the SMG vs Steptronic. I'm pretty much committed to an automatic-like transmission, so the decision is between these options. I am going to drive the SMG tomorrow and I'm sure to form my own opinions, but I'd like to hear others' thoughts, too.
Thanks
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I think that next time I would choose the SMG. Remember, its not anything like an automatic, its a manual with an "automatic" mode and no clutch. If you are looking for an automatic with a "manual" mode, the steptronic is the transmission for you.
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The test drive might discourage you from buying an SMG vehicle because its really clumsy at first. But get it anyway. I did and it took me a couple of weeks to retrain my hands and feet before I really started enjoying it. Now after 14 months and 14k miles, there is no doubt my next BMW will have to have it. Its so much better than an automatic - less weight, faster shifting, better mileage, etc. My favorite thing is passing - see an opening, press thumb, and stomp on it - almost simaltaneously.
Don't listen to the opinions of non-SMG owners speculating that you only need it for racing or the purist that won't give up his stick shift. I don't race but I still change gears, and this is a standard transmission, just without a clutch pedal. By the way, I live in Berkeley just across the Bay so we drive the same roads.
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Quote: The test drive might discourage you from buying an SMG vehicle because its really clumsy at first. But get it anyway. I did and it took me a couple of weeks to retrain my hands and feet before I really started enjoying it. Now after 14 months and 14k miles, there is no doubt my next BMW will have to have it. Its so much better than an automatic - less weight, faster shifting, better mileage, etc. My favorite thing is passing - see an opening, press thumb, and stomp on it - almost simaltaneously.
Don't listen to the opinions of non-SMG owners speculating that you only need it for racing or the purist that won't give up his stick shift. I don't race but I still change gears, and this is a standard transmission, just without a clutch pedal. By the way, I live in Berkeley just across the Bay so we drive the same roads. | I am a stick guy, and if you replace the stick shift systems in both my E30 and my Tubo with a good SMG system, I won't miss my clutch pedal.
I really miss the M3 SMG system.
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Quote: Hi All,
Well, I'm ready to pull the trigger on a 2006 550i and I've heard differing opinions on the SMG vs Steptronic. I'm pretty much committed to an automatic-like transmission, so the decision is between these options. I am going to drive the SMG tomorrow and I'm sure to form my own opinions, but I'd like to hear others' thoughts, too.
Thanks | In my opinion, you should get the automatic for sure. The SMG is fantastic but it's not a substitute for a true automatic. If you were considering the manual vs. the SMG, then by all means the SMG is a great choice but since you're "committed to an automatic-like transmission," you should clearly buy the steptronic...
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I'll weigh in here based on my experience with an '04 330Ci SMG. I do realize that there's a significant difference between the SMG mated to the V8 and the one on the I6.
We are getting ready to unload the 330 based solely on the fact that the SMG is a major pain. When it works it's a lot of fun, but when it doesn't it's painful. Here are the issues that I've observed first hand:
1) Slow shifts.
It's better in the "Sport" mode, but there is still a bit of a lag between requesting the shift and it actually coming true.
2) The automatic mode is worthless.
Yes, it will make shifting decisions for you, but they never seem to be timed correctly.
3) Stalls.
It's not supposed to do this, but we have had it stall from a rolling start on several occasions. We've had it in for service several times and they haven't been able to figure it out.
4) No "coasting"
I don't consider this a problem, but it's something to get used to. In an auto, when you take your foot off of the gas, you coast (since the engine is disconnected from the wheels at the torque converter). In a regular manual you can push in the clutch pedal to coast. In the SMG, short of putting it into neutral, there is no way to coast.
5) The SMG in the M cars is VERY different than the regular models.
I've driven an SMG M3 back to back with the 330Ci and I can say that the SMG in the M3 is much better behaved.
SMG has been discontinued on the 3 series (E46) and there are no plans to offer it on the E90. I'm willing to bet that the same will happen with the 5 series.
Again, this is just my experience, but I don't think that the SMG is a good choice if you are looking for something automatic-like.
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SMG Opinions?