Thoughts on the SMG?

[Anonymous]

Read some of these replies closely since most of the people who don't like SMG have either never driven one or only have driven one for short distance. Beware of the false "experts!"

SMG is awesome! It does take a little time to learn to drive it as smoothly as you may like. You neither drive it like a manual nor an automatic. In the sport mode it shifts very quickly - faster than you could shift a manual transmission. I highly recommend SMG. My other BMW as well as my previous three BMW's all have/had manual transmissions and I prefer SMG for many reasons including; 1) quicker shifts, 2) automatic mode for easier city traffic driving, 3) shifting while both hands on the steering wheel, 4) up or down shifting with either the left or right paddle (unlike the M's).

I've driven the new 335i twin turbo a few hundred miles with an automatic transmission and paddle shifters. The shifting is very, very smooth although it's still an automatic. You still get the feeling of a manual transmission (not the exact right choice of words, maybe: you still have the feeling of total control...) with the SMG transmission.

If you like to smoke the tires, there is a mode where you can still do that although the computer drops the clutch for you!

 

[Jas667]

I do not like SMG. The idea is great but the actual box is awful IMO. It is good when really throwing the Z about and on full accelaration shifts but this is only useful about 10% of the time. Otherwise I found it very clunky and lurchy on changes. WHen in fully auto mode it is very annoying too. Coming up to a roundabout it will only click down a gear as you go to drive which is quite dangerous as the delay is pretty substantial when the road is busy and someone might be coming from the right

 

[usurp]

Well the car has been with me for over a day now and I figured out how to shift smoothly with SMG. When its on auto its kinda clunky but on manual its pretty smooth. The key is to remove your foot from the gas pedal, change gears and then hit the gas pedal enough to match the new engine speed. For me it reminded me of down shifting on my motorbike. My wife is actually enjoying driving the car in manual when she had previously complained the ride wasn't smooth in Auto.

 

[no fit state]

I bought a manual in the end.

Seems like (looking at the answers in this post) that it's found more fans in the US than it has in the UK.

 

[jsinghz]

I recently bought a 2004 Z4 with 37k miles. Ran into the following issue twice.

After driving for a while, in slow traffic, the car refused to go to any gear except neutral. After a few mins, it did shift and then next stop same issue. I turned it off, and let it sit for a few mins. Started and shifted fine. Seemed to be ok after that. Same problem a few days later.

Took it to the BMW dealer, he saw some Hydraulic codes, but they were not clear. He sent the codes to the factory and the recommendation was to update the software. All fluids etc. were ok. I just got it back, will see what happens.

Anyone else have this experience?

Thanks
JS

 

[captain caveman]

I had a E36 M3 with the smg box, it was great when it was working When it was working!
Lucky for me at the time it still had the bmw exstended warrantee becouse it was alway losing gears and the bills for the work were never under 4 figures.
Would i buy anther :lol: Run away as fast as you can :rofl:

But i expect the newer cars are much better these days.

 

[MartynFrancis]

Got to admit, I bought a 56 plate 3.0si with smg and I'm really enjoying it! Really smooth, and I love the laziness of full auto so you can just get on with driving!

 

[McDade]

I've got an SMG and so far so good. Gear changes at slow speed can be a little slow, but when in sports mode it's a dream

 

[bladeowner]

I recently bought a 2004 Z4 with 37k miles. Ran into the following issue twice.

After driving for a while, in slow traffic, the car refused to go to any gear except neutral. After a few mins, it did shift and then next stop same issue. I turned it off, and let it sit for a few mins. Started and shifted fine. Seemed to be ok after that. Same problem a few days later.

Took it to the BMW dealer, he saw some Hydraulic codes, but they were not clear. He sent the codes to the factory and the recommendation was to update the software. All fluids etc. were ok. I just got it back, will see what happens.

Anyone else have this experience?

Thanks
JS

The SMG gives these symptoms if a door is not closed properly. Probably not your problem but I thought I'd mention it.

 

[mac27040]

I have an 04 SMG or SSG whatever people want to call it and love it, it does take some time to get use to it and having driven manuals and autos it gives you the feel of a modern style sports car. Never had any issues with mine and its now on 113k with a supercharger strapped to it!!!

Paddles are good and the fact you can go up or down on both makes it easier around bends / round-abouts, have the more modern version of paddles on my F30 and still after 4 years cant get use to them.