Thoughts on the SMG?

[no fit state]

Anybody here got it?

What's it like?

Thanks.

 

[Wondermike]

It was marketed in the UK as SSG (sequential sports gearbox).

It's based on the same SMG I as the E36 M3, so it's pretty old technology now, superseded by three later systems systems (SMG II, SMG III and M-DCT dual clutch transmission).

I'd give it a miss personally.

 

[no fit state]

It was marketed in the UK as SSG (sequential sports gearbox).

It's based on the same SMG I as the E36 M3, so it's pretty old technology now, superseded by three later systems systems (SMG II, SMG III and M-DCT dual clutch transmission).

I'd give it a miss personally.

Why give it miss, does it not work well?

The option to change gears normally is still there? Or does having this option cause problems with changing gears normally?

Is there still a clutch pedal?

 

[Wondermike]

It's an automated manual transmission, so there is no clutch. There are paddles so you can change gear when you want. There are SSG owners on here so I'm sure you'll get some positive feedback too, but for me it's old technology. I'd rather have a decent auto transmission.

Don't forget, when the Z4 was facelifted BMW dropped it completely so it couldn't have been that good.

To be offered in both models as of April '03 production, the Z4's SMG differs from the M3 unit in several respects:

In its Automated shift mode, labeled D , it offers a single shift mode vs. M3's five.
In its Manual mode, there are two shift programs vs. M3's six.
In contrast to the M3's program selector, a Dynamic Drive Control button on the console selects the Sport mode for manual shifting.
The Neutral position is labeled N instead of 0 3.
Thus the Z4 SMG is engineered for performance, convenience and (above all) driving pleasure in the context of these high-performance "regular" BMWs, as contrasted to the super-performance M3s with their exotic BMW M 333-hp engine.

Yet the fundamental concept is the same: electrohydraulic shifting applied to a 6-speed manual transmission and offering the driver a choice of automated or manual shifting. In D, shifts are programmed for "normal" driving, with the accent on a relaxed, unaggressive style - though the SMG automatically adapts its shift points to brisk driving. "We worked long and hard," says drivetrain engineer René Chlumsky, "to develop the appropriate characteristics for a sport roadster."
In M, basic operation is as with the M3 SMG: The driver shifts gears at will, either by tipping the shift lever or actuating shift "paddles" on the steering wheel. As in D, electronic controls and electrohydraulic action let off the accelerator, declutch, change gears, re-engage the clutch and "step on the gas" - all in a perfectly orchestrated sequence tailored to how gently or hard the driver is driving at the moment.

 

[Al Blue4.6l]

i test drove a car with it: i personally wouldnt consider it. for me it seemed like it had all the negatives of an auto along with all of the negatives of a manual with few of the positives of either.

 

[no fit state]

Ok.

Just to clarify, you can change gear with the stick just like a normal manual still? Or does it not respond in the same way?

 

[no fit state]

i test drove a car with it: i personally wouldnt consider it. for me it seemed like it had all the negatives of an auto along with all of the negatives of a manual with few of the positives of either.

What would you consider to be all the negatives of an Auto and Manual?

 

[Wondermike]

Ok.

Just to clarify, you can change gear with the stick just like a normal manual still? Or does it not respond in the same way?

This is a pic of the gearshift, it's like an auto box, you put it in "D" then either use the paddles or move the stick backwards and forwards to change gear.

 

[no fit state]

Ok.

Just to clarify, you can change gear with the stick just like a normal manual still? Or does it not respond in the same way?

This is a pic of the gearshift, it's like an auto box, you put it in "D" then either use the paddles or move the stick backwards and forwards to change gear.

I see, thanks

 

[no fit state]

Anybody who actually has this gearbox with their thoughts?

 

[pvr]

I had ordered it on my first Z4, and cancelled that option when I test drove the car. I found it very inconvenient and irritating at roundabouts as it always was in the wrong gear for me, and changing it before / during the roundabout just made it very jerky.

Best 1200 gbp I saved on that option

 

[GP20]

I had an '04 3.0i SMG for a bit more than a year. I bought that car to replace my previous 2.5i with steptronic so I've had experiences with both. If you're choosing between the SMG and the steptronic, AND you want to drive the Z4 like a sports car, it's a no brainer. Go with the SMG. It's 10 times more fun to drive than the steptronic. With the SMG, you get much more control of the car and a sense of driving the car instead of the car driving you. The computer actually shifts pretty quickly in sport mode, whereas there's always a delay when the steptronic changes a gear - some people don't mind this delay, but I find it unacceptable in a sports car.

I wouldn't worry about magazines or others talking about the jerkyness during shifting and taking off from a stop. Ask anyone that has owned the Z4's SMG, that issue goes away after 1 week when you're used to the transmission. The trick is to lift your gas pedal for a brief moment when you upshift - just like you would if you were to drive a true manual transmission. When you downshift, the computer automatically does the engine rev-match for you.

But if you're choosing between the SMG and a manual tranmission, get the manual transmission.

 

[mikedav]

As stated the 'SMG' in the Z4 is the 'SMG' system badged 'SSG' in the E46 330 Clubsport. I have driven that, and personally found it bloody awful. REALLY bad. When its trying to be a manual its jerky and vague - to get it even close to smooth you have to ease off the throttle in the most unnatural way. The paddles feel flimsy and to me are set up wrong (push forward for down or pull back for up.) When its trying to be an auto, its even worse, with notchy changes and lousy kick down response. Jump into a steptronic after that and its another world; silky smooth as an auto and, dare I say it, more fun in steptronic mode. IMO if you want a compromise, buy the steptronic - it does a better job. If you want a manual, get the manual...

Having said this, SMG II in the E46 M3 is a massive improvement. After driving the 330 SSG I wanted to dump it by the side of the road and set fire to it; after driving an E46 M3 SMG for the same period, I bought it. Much, much better, with paddles that work the right way (though this is a matter of opinion - pull back left paddle for a downshift, pull back right for an upshift), fantastic manual mode an an auto mode that, at the slowest change setting, just about passes as a smooth drive. Still not a perfect compromise between auto and manual, but if they had offered it in the Z4, I would recommend it.

I suspect SMG III and M-DCT are even bigger leaps forward to close that gap, but not tried either yet.

 

[cj10jeeper]

I created my own version that now having put a few hundred miles on it consider it to be the perfect compromise. Steptronic, sport button and paddle shift.

In full auto mode it's a dream of an auto box with either a 'lazy' steady mode or more racy 'sport' mode

Push the lever into manual and I have the 2 alternatives again, but the ability to change on either the lever or the paddles.

Why do do like it so much:
Motorway - stick it in drive and forget it for 100 miles
Traffic stick it in drive and crawl along with no clutch to mess with, no juddering SMG, etc. and we get a lot of that traffic in Birmingham
A to B quickly - sport mode and it goes like the clappers laying down traction smoothly and effectively with quicker but not jerky changes.
Roof off fun twisty road - sport and paddle shift for total control of gears and juddesless instant changes, engine braking and very close to the effects of a manual

Some will disagree - that's what boards are about.
Of course if you want a manual then nothing will ever substitute for it.
If you love autos then nothng betters them
SMG's on the Z4 - a jerky compromise that was dicontinued early in the models life. :thumbsdown:

 

[Wondermike]

...After driving the 330 SSG I wanted to dump it by the side of the road and set fire to it...

You really liked it then :lol:

...If you love autos then nothng betters them

SMG's on the Z4 - a jerky compromise that was dicontinued early in the models life. :thumbsdown:

:withstupid:

 

[OH FO SHO]

i like the smg... one of the reasons why i got a z4

its either hate it or love it... i recommend test driving one (if possibly) and see for your self

 

[usurp]

although its been less than 24 horus with my SMG Z4, I have to say I kinda like it. yeah its not as smooth as an Auto but with the upgraded exhaust the experience of sound mixed in with jerkiness gives the illusion that I am in a much faster car. Will post again here once I have some more experience with it. At least with an SMG none of your friends will nag you on why you didn't get a manual instead of an auto.

 

[Caddyshk]

Anybody here got it?

What's it like?

Thanks.

Here's my long winded response. I had SMG special ordered in a 2004 330I that I drove the hell out of, including 4 all out track days and never had a problem.

On 03's and early 04's SMG (SSG) had problems with the hydraulic pump failing (hence the slipping people have talked about). Other than that issue, the system is rock solid. On any used car, I would check the service records to ensure the pump has been replaced and, or the clutch/pressure plate due to the wear caused by the pump. The driving experience: In general I loved it - would have ordered a similar system for the Z4MC had it been available. Its great on the race track. In traffic it can be cumbersome due to the computer getting a little out of sync with the inputs you're giving it via the throttle and brake. You need to be conscious that you are driving a standard - how you manage the throttle in relation to how the computer is managing the clutch creates smoothness...

A - Auto mode - feels like someone driving the car that has never driven stick

M (manual) - R(regular) mode - shifts are slow and sluggish, however transfer of energy on the drivetrain is relatively smooth and your passengers will not be thrown about

M (manual) - S (sport) mode - shifts are rock solid and about as quick as most drivers would shift in sporty driving - tends to be harsh on passengers

M (manual) - SS (super sport) mode - shifts are race car quick, hard on the drivetrain and the system will upshift on its own just prior to hitting the rev limiter. This mode also has a launch control... Here's the scoop from a fellow who talked with the manufacturer:

Here is the answer from Dag from Germany. He has talked to Magneti Marelli:

I have a 325i with SSG, in Europe we call it SMG also. (Sequential manual
gearbox)
I have also tested the M3 with SMG made by Siemens.(And Ferrari 355 and 360
Modena with F1 shifting)
The system in the 325i and 330i is more intelligent, and better in everyday
use because of the ergonomics. It is developed by Magneti Marelli, by a guy
called Guiseppe Medico, the same guy also developed the F1 gearing for
Ferrari 360 Modena. He told me the system in BMW 325i and 330i is the latest
and most up to date system on the market. Magneti Marelli also developed
similar systems for the new Ferrari Enzo (look at the pictures and you will
see the logo from M.M. on the side of the Enzo), the 575 Maranello, the 355
and also the Ferrari F1 cars ! (The M.M. logo can be seen on Shumachers car
too...nice !)
The most important differences between M3 SMG and 325/330 SMG systems
is that with the M3 you have to use both hands for shifting, personally I
prefer to only use my right hand only for shifting. Sometimes I use my left
hand for both up and downshifts when my right hand is occupied with
something else. And sometimes when cruising I prefer to use the stick. Every
summer I go to the Nurburgring in Germany to race on the track, and my
experience there tells me that it is a clear benefit that the shifters
follows the steeringwheel. It is also a clear benefit that the gearbox
shifts automatically to the next gear when hitting the rev limiter. Then you
can focus on driving instead of shifting during acceleration. The M3 does
not have this feature, while the Formula 1 cars does !
Most people believe the M3 system shifts faster, but it does not. The
Magneti Marelli system does have a secret "Super sport" mode that is not
listed in the owners manual. I got this info directly from Magneti
Marinelli:
1.Turn off all the electronics (by pressing the DSP button for 4 seconds).
2.Press the sports button. 3.When the accelerator is pushed to the floor and
you let the gearbox do the upshifts automatically, you will experience Super
Sport shifting just as fast as the fastest program on the M3, very hard
racing shifting. The ordinary sport shifting is OK, but not even close to
the super sports mode. The M3 have 6 different levels, while the 325/330
system only have 3,regular, sport and supersport. Anyway I believe those
three are exactly the options you need.
You also have launch control and cruise mode, but I almost never use the
Cruise mode even if it works OK.

In closing - It's a great way to trick your wife into letting you get a manual car...

 

[mystik]

i have 2003 z4 with an smg tranny. it was manufactured in august. it was purchased brand new. it only has 35K miles to this day.

it never gives me problems.. i drive that car pretty hard, too. i put it in auto-mode when im just cruising around downtown miami or the suburbs. reason being.. good gas mileage and i started to get irritated with having to shift from 3rd to 2nd and 1st every ALL THE TIME. so.. auto-mode was convienent when just chillin'.

as soon as i get the mobility to get into the 4th, 5th, and 6th gears.. i just press the paddles (or shifter) and drive the car myself. on the highway... sports mode all the way. it's fun anywaise. when i get really lazy... i just leave it on auto-mode. i seldom do that though.. but.. only during the times im cruising around in the lower gears.

i will mention though.. the car did stall on me the other day. but.. from what i've been hearing.. it's only happened to others at the most.. 4 times in the time that they have had their cars. in other words.. it's no biggie.

and.. from what i know.. there is a clutch. it's just controlled by the computer.

i hope this shed some light into your question.

 

[Reach]

I have a 2005 3.0i SMG. Personally I can't see a lot of the criticisms of this drivetrain. Let me be the first to admit that it DOES NOT test drive well. You have to 'learn' it the same way you learned a stick the first time, but it only takes a week or so and you can't hurt it in the meantime. Once you've got it, its golden. The truth is you'll either want it or you'll dislike it. Its a rather polarizing option. However, for the speed racers out there who test drive it once and say "Its Jerky, and there are no solutions..." you're doing it wrong! I'd be happy to take someone for a low speed cruise and show you just how not-boggy and not-jerky you can drive it.

So, long and the short of it is: do some thinking. If you think you'll like it, test drive one. Try to drive it for an extended time, I took the first one out for an hour. I came back and did it again. The more I drove it, the more I realized I had to have one. You may find the same, or you may realize the auto or stick would be better for you. Just don't let the non-owner haters drag you down.

Regarding the stalling issue, thats an open issue that is not due to the SMG, but could rather more likely the vanos seal failure. Its an engine issue and happens to a small % of all tranny models.