New buyer s advice about SMG

R

rirhill

Member
Hello
I am looking to buy a Z4 SMG.
I would like to ask are they rare?
What are the common problems to check for?

Also would like to know what the standard radios and speakers like? Is it easy to get a Carver system retrofitted. What are the upgrade options and costs?
Would appreciate any comments?

Thanks
Ian
 
dunno how rare they are but some owners are on her...

I find the standard radio system fine for my needs others dont... try it and see?

welcome to the forum and happy hunting :D
 
Hi Ian...

no idea on the SMG... I actually enjoy the radio with 6 speakers - while I am sure I'll be berated I don't actually think I'd notice the difference that much... maybe while I'm sitting in the garage after fitting it, but on the move with road / wind noise? Personally I just added an iPod connection.

Not sure what you were after with the SMG but you may want to consider an auto... there's a thread on here about them and they generally seem rated, with little real world loss in performance. Good luck with the search!
 
I've got the SMG, decent system once you get used to it - prefer it over Auto & Manual.

Quite rare, compared to manual anyway!

Few issues - pumps and relays can go. Mine had a new pump, relay and clutch under warranty about 6 months back now as it was juddering and not selecting gears when engine off. Buy one AUC or private with a warranty and you'll be fine!
 
I had SMG also (i presume this means auto with paddle shift?) it was on an 06 2.5si
I really liked it - could really drive the car both ways - i.e. lazy auto or stick it in SPORT and drive it hard yet control the gears
 
jamiez said:
I had SMG also (i presume this means auto with paddle shift?) it was on an 06 2.5si
I really liked it - could really drive the car both ways - i.e. lazy auto or stick it in SPORT and drive it hard yet control the gears
Click to expand...

From your description that's not SMG. They started fitting paddle shifts to auto in the final years

Ian
In terms of SMG - never owned one, but I'd say they are a bit like Marmite - love or hate. My only comment would be that BMW did not run it for long on the Zed so it can't have been much of a success. I've heard lots of complaints about juddery driving, but understand a modified driving style can overcome it.
 
Give it a go and see, make sure you try it for more than 2 minutes!

Remember that it's still a manual box, so when shifting up lift off the throttle slightly before going back on - it takes a bit of practise but becomes natural after a while as per a manual.
 
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