Advice on semi-auto in coupe.

[the gill]

Hello all

I think I've narrowed my next car down to a Z4 Coupe or an XKR (MY 2004 or 2005). Can anyone let me know what the semi-auto gearbox in the Z4 Coupe is like. I've seen the paddle shifters on the steering and wondered if this worked well.

I'm usually a committed manual driver but the XKR is an auto (and the Merc box is supposed to be great) so should I check out the auto in the Z4 as well or just stick with the manual? Not test driven either car yet - I like to check out all the options before I go hunting for the right car.

Cheers

 

[Wondermike]

The auto in the Z4 is a modern 6 speed ZF 'box and would certainly be my choice. The paddles could probably be better arranged ie. left-down and right-up instead of push-pull on both sides but apart from that...

 

[Kaide]

The auto in the Z4 is a modern 6 speed ZF 'box and would certainly be my choice. The paddles could probably be better arranged ie. left-down and right-up instead of push-pull on both sides but apart from that...

I'm guessing, but if they're hall switches, you can rewire that...

 

[Shipkiller]

Jeeper installed paddle shifters on his Zed. Wait for him to chime in with his take.

 

[the gill]

thanks, never having tried a semi-auto are they pretty much like a manual (i.e. you can set the box so you can control up and downshifts with the paddles)or will the box always have some control?

 

[Hunter]

I have a SMG gearbox in my Z and befor it i had the SMG gearbox in my M3. I love how versitile they are. all the comfort of a auto and all the feel and controllof a manual. I love it!!!!

 

[Wondermike]

SMG is different to the auto in the coupe though. TBH it's not a semi-auto, it is a full auto but with additional paddles. I would more describe the SMG like Hunter's car as semi-auto, as it is a robotised manual, and one is far more likely to drive it "manually" than with a traditional auto 'box.