SMG gearbox

[JimCosworth]

Hi, first post.

want to get an E85 3.0 probably pre facelift as I know how good they are but never actually owned one. Looking to do some road trips and maybe a track day or two.

I have done my research and know that SMG gearboxes have a bad reputation but I really like the sound of the sequential manual.

Are they really that bad on reliability? The thing that worries me would be the cost of repair if it goes wrong. I’ve seen a few nice looking examples all priced very reasonably with the SMG box so keen to know people’s thoughts.

Cheers in advance

 

[Zedebee]

I’ve not driven an SMG so don’t know what they are like, but have reports about being hard to fix when problems arise. You could get a full auto, which can be driven in sequential mode; and you can retrofit flappy paddles if that’s your thing.

 

[bigwinn]

Welcome buddy

The SMG gets a bad rap, from new I think, due to perceived reliability issues.

There are plenty on here who will disagree and promote the driving experience as very different and an acquired taste.

The box I think is a standard manual box. What’s different is the gear change

Patriot66

is an avid owner and advocate!

Good luck!

 

[JimCosworth]

Thanks, I think auto and retrofitting the paddles is probably the way to go. I think an SMG would be great on track but maybe not the best for everyday driving with the fear of large repair bills hanging over me. They are great value at the moment though - there’s a few low mileage ones on at the moment but I guess if they go wrong it could be a false economy.

 

[Rockhopper]

A lot of adverts call the standard five speed auto box an SGM - i think Autotrader often does this.

I've never driven a real SMG but I've heard they they were not that great even when new. Now at 20 years old when you add reliability into the mix I don't think I'd go near one.

 

[Zedebee]

Here’s one for sale with paddles already fitted. I confess, it’s mine
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2079482#p2079482

 

[photodrt]

I've had my 3.0i SMG for twelve years now and love the driving experience. Initially it takes a bit of getting used to but you soon get the hang of it. When I bought the car it broke down almost immediately, with pump failure, this is a relatively easy fix but was mis-diagnosed by a main dealer. About £3k later with just about every component replaced it has run without fault ever since. Admittedly the dealer was very good, owned up to their mistake and took a hit on some of the costs. Biggest issue now is finding a garage to fix or even maintain the system most won't touch it, a lot will look after M3's etc, but this is a different system SMG II as opposed to SMG I (or SSG). As I say I love the car and the SMG makes it a bit special but on balance if I was starting again I'd probably go for a manual. Which says it all really.

 

[JimCosworth]

Thanks, that’s really good to hear the viewpoint of someone with experience of owning and using and SMG for so long. I still like the sound of them and the fact they can achieve a 0-60 of only 5.3 secs but think I’ll look for a manual or auto just because of reliability fears.