Need a little advice which might be a bit of a can of worms. I unfortunately had a bad accident on Sunday evening and my 2.5 manual is a write off. I really really fancy another Zed. But really would like a 3.0 auto smg. Anything I should look out for?
Advice on auto 3.0
- Thread starter MartynFrancis
- Start date
Look out for clutch wear with the smg. They dont wear overly fast but if/when replaced it has to be programmed in by bmw software. So probably not every garage can do that (but any garage that is somewhat specialized in bmw can).
The clutch is about the same price as the standard clutch.
The smg has an hydraulic pump which is said that they can break but that is I think mostly an issue with earlier 3 series models. The hydraulic pump is expensive so dont buy an smg with the warning light on.
Use an obd2 code reader before you buy the car. Dont buy one that has smg related error codes. Maybe take it to a specialist and have it read out with advanced diagnostic software (bmw specific software)
The clutch is about the same price as the standard clutch.
The smg has an hydraulic pump which is said that they can break but that is I think mostly an issue with earlier 3 series models. The hydraulic pump is expensive so dont buy an smg with the warning light on.
Use an obd2 code reader before you buy the car. Dont buy one that has smg related error codes. Maybe take it to a specialist and have it read out with advanced diagnostic software (bmw specific software)
Thankyou, it'd be my first auto that I've owned but I have always wanted and smg version. Would I be making a bad move? I'm in no rush whatsoever as I have to wait for the insurance to pay and have another car for the time being so I can hold out for the right one.
No its a good move. The smg has more driveline feel as there's no torque converter, and -regarding pre facelifts- the smg is of course a 6 speed (geared afaik the same as the manual) whereas the conventional automatic has a 5 speed.
It will be faster (more gears and a little bit lighter) and more economical on highway cruise.
It will be faster (more gears and a little bit lighter) and more economical on highway cruise.
Super, thanks bud. Last question (I think!) what would you say is a reasonable price for 03-06 smg on about 60-80k on the clock, I know that's a broad number possibly, but reasonable prices? I missed out on a stocker at £4900ish with 55k on the clock and I'm guessing that was cheap!
I have a SMG gearbox and love it ! Just to clarify SMG is NOT an auto. SMG means Sequential Manual Gearbox. It is the 6 speed manual 'H' gearbox with a clutch but NO clutch pedal. You select gears either with the stick or paddles. Electronics then activate hydraulics to work the clutch and select the chosen gear. It has a full auto mode also if you should desire. It takes a short while to learn how to use it properly and get the most from it but then it is superb. The harder you drive the faster it shifts, especially in Sport mode. My car is 2003 with 60k miles and I have owned mine for 18 months now with no issues at all. 
