Z4 first buyer SMG gearbox

[ivor]

Hello
Thank you for letting me join this forum.
You see i have for some years been interested in buying a Triumph TR6, but unfortunately my wife has not been so keen on that idea, but
now she's tired of me asking again and again she then suggested, what about a more modern 6 cylinder 2 seater.

So i am now looking for a Z4 and it has got to be the 3 litre. I know nooothing about these cars and BMW by the way. I have only driven and maintained Volvo cars so far.

I am looking for MY2003/2004. Are there some areas which are prone to rust?

Some models where equipped with the semi- automatic gear called SMG. Is SMG no go or do a car with SMG presents a higher value.

Thanks for any answer or advice

Michael

 

[The Gidfather]

Hi,
SMGs are quite rare as I understand it - it's basically a clutchless manual, although there is an auto option on the box. Mine is one and it's not too bad, comes with flappy paddles. Good with the 3.0i and it fair rockets along :evil:

Disclaimer: I have a 2003 3.0i SMG up for sale :wink: :wink:
Linky: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=117552

 

[skelters]

I'm not understanding this, "asking" thing you mention.

Have you considered trading the wife in for a younger model as that'd fix the issue.

 

[buzyg]

Wives are very useful creatures look after her she clearly knows her stuff. :wink:

As to knowing noubt about Z4's, you are looking in the right direction with the 30ltr engined cars. Best bang from your buck and you get to listen to that lovely 6 cilinder engine too. Worth noting as you are looking at E85s the 2.5 was also a straight 6, so don't rule them out if you spot a good one.

Enjoy the forum.

 

[GMANLAW]

I have owned both a TR6 and Z4 and whilst a TR6 at the right money will be an investment, driveability wise they are night and day.
Engineering and technology have come a long way since the 70's.......... BMW's 3ltr 6 pot is a peach

 

[parabolica]

I ended up with a 2003 SMG when I bought my first Z4 last year; I came from a fully auto 640i for reference. The SMG is very easy to get familiar with in manual mode - just like driving a manual but you don't move your left leg at all. Paddles are nice and easy to use around town and the car downshifts through the gears for you when you slow down/come to a stop, so very automatic-like in that regard. You can downshift yourself, and it's very engaging when in sport mode. I would avoid the fully-auto mode; the changes are sloppy and jerky - it was like driving my friend's old mid-90s Cavalier!

 

[kis]

Drive one. I much prefer the SMG to an auto (or manual for that matter).. but I guess thats dependant on driver and driving style.

I change the gears myself either using the paddles or the gearstick. If you're a select D option kind of guy and you'd want to 'leave the SMG in auto' mode and don't want to be shifting all the time, then (as mentioned) gear changes aren't as good. So prob better off with a full on auto box.