[rogerxp]

I've never driven an SMG car (oh, except an M5, but that had a later version I think) but have owned essentially the same thing (automated manual) in my Maserati, the CambioCorsa gearbox, and can conclude that it was a pile of shite except on a very occassional journey. 9 times out of 10 it was jerky, harsh and unpredicatable compared to the 1 occassion where it was fluid, intuitive and added a new dimension to the experience. For that reason I'd be voting for a manual.

I would say that it depends on where and how you drive. If you spend most of your time on quiet country lanes than maybe the SMG would make sense as you can get the most out of it. If you spend any time whatsoever in traffic (stationary or just built up) then avoid it as it'll drive you mental over time.

The gearbox is the main reason why people tire and sell their M5s and M6s - is the M3s version any different.

I accept completely that I've never driven an SMG equipt E46 M3 so the above may be complete and utter nonsense however my E46 330i has a very sweet manual gearbox and so if it's shared with the M3 then I see no reason for consider an alternative.

I'd have loved to have got an E46 M3 'Vert instead of the 330i but couldn't stretch the budget. I'd get the 'vert over the coupe as I'm a huge soft-top fan (and the sun is shining... ).

Just my 2p

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

I've never driven an SMG car (oh, except an M5, but that had a later version I think) but have owned essentially the same thing (automated manual) in my Maserati, the CambioCorsa gearbox, and can conclude that it was a pile of shite except on a very occassional journey. 9 times out of 10 it was jerky, harsh and unpredicatable compared to the 1 occassion where it was fluid, intuitive and added a new dimension to the experience. For that reason I'd be voting for a manual.

This is basically what I found - it isn't consistent.

Matt

[///ajd]

I've no idea whether an E46 M3 SMG and a Maserati Cambiocorsa are in any way comparable - and its entirely possible they are quite different.

I owned my M3 for 6 months and drove it everyday. The SMG takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do it's great. It is entirely consistent within each of its programmed modes - but you do need time to learn them and how to adapt your use of throttle between up and down shifts for each of them. This may explain why those that have tried them for a few hours haven't got on with them or find them frustrating. The same I think applies to journalists of the day who preferred the manual.

For me, aspects of cars that take some mastering can make driving them more rewarding when you get it right.

Having said all that, there is perhaps potentially more to worry about with an SMG once it gets old/high mileage - I have no idea whether SMG boxes are fragile and prone to failure - but as with any new/different technology you'd have to say its a potential risk over a tried and trusted standard manual box.

PS Yes, Cinnamon is the tan like colour.

[dxb335d]

The first geb SMG was wank. SMG II was fine.

[mikem]

I ran an SMG cab in Laguna Seca Blue with matching leather for 3 yrs and found the gearbox superb, it never missed a beat even when having to cope with nearly twice the power it left the factory with.

If it was shite, then a lot more CSL`s would`ve had manual conversion`s by now.

[trixman]

I personally couldn't stand the SMG on my CSL.

It was consistent sure, but it simply does not give you the level of control you require. It 'nearly' does a good job of recreating a manual box, but then why not just have a manual box. Because that really is one.

To me it was unnecessary and another thing to break (which it felt like it was about to do all the time in anything above S4). I would have loved the CSL with a manual box.

[335DPOWER]

*** little update ****

So on the hunt for these and these are the ones which have caught my eye.

They are a long way apart so would be intrested in your opinions in to which one sounds the best buy?

1: carbon black,red imola smg2,nav full service history mostly bmw
5 owners from new inc demo (05) 2005 48,000mls £18,795

2:carbon black,red imola smg2,nav full bmw service history
2 owners from new (55) 2005 49,000mls £19,000

3:carbon black,red imola smg2,nav full bmw service history
2 owners from new 2nd owning it from 11 months old (04) 2004 53,000mls £16,895 just had inspection 2 at 50,000mls

I am thinking no3 is the best deal at price age,spec,milage ect what are your guys opinions on these?
Lee

[SiKkBaSs]

3 wins, unless there's anything different between an 04 plate and a 55 which I doubt...no brainer. Also has a full BMWSH with insp.2 which would be critical at that stage.

Pull the trigger already man before it gets away...

(obviously based on paper alone, would need pics for better evaluation)

[335DPOWER]

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

3 wins, unless there's anything different between an 04 plate and a 55 which I doubt...no brainer. Also has a full BMWSH with insp.2 which would be critical at that stage.

Pull the trigger already man before it gets away...

(obviously based on paper alone, would need pics for better evaluation)

Have been on phone as you were typing this going to view it tue with the intention of buying

The guy is away for the weekend with his family so has assured me that he will not sell the car before hand(I have first dibbige)
Sounds to good to be true

[SiKkBaSs]

Originally Posted by 335DPOWER

Have been on phone as you were typing this going to view it tue with the intention of buying

The guy is away for the weekend with his family so has assured me that he will not sell the car before hand(I have first dibbige)
Sounds to good to be true

You lucky facker. Real cheap for what it is, give it a good going over.

Good luck, bet you're slightly chuffed to bits.

[335DPOWER]

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

You lucky facker. Real cheap for what it is, give it a good going over.

Good luck, bet you're slightly chuffed to bits.

If it is as good as they say it is then it is a winner winner chicken dinner

I have my gdad going with me (has been a mechanic all his life and runs a body shop) so he is going to give it the once over and over and over


Hmmmm Thinking of it shall i keep the csl's for this?

[SiKkBaSs]

Originally Posted by 335DPOWER

Hmmmm Thinking of it shall i keep the csl's for this?

Yeh mate I would, it's black as well, so...WIN. Not a fan of the double spokes of the M3 rims tbh, prefer the CSLs.

Is it tinted already? You know me I'd black the sh*t out of it

It's an M3 as well so carries the "clout" with it too.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

Yeh mate I would, it's black as well, so...WIN. Not a fan of the double spokes of the M3 rims tbh, prefer the CSLs.

Is it tinted already? You know me I'd black the sh*t out of it

It's an M3 as well so carries the "clout" with it too.

I think all that black on an (no offence) old M3 would look chavtastic.

[SiKkBaSs]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

I think all that black on an (no offence) old M3 would look chavtastic.

Carlos how could you ever say something like that...

[dxb335d]

Carrera GT does not need tints. That M3 does look chavvy. A vert one even more so.

[peterg1965]

Has the M3 you are about to view had its 1200 service?
Love the Black / Red combo. I would have loved an E46 M3 but could not justify the running costs as a 10,000 mile a year daily driver.

Good luck with the viewing when you eventually get to see it!

[335DPOWER]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

I think all that black on an (no offence) old M3 would look chavtastic.

+1

Im with the dxb on this one although i love my blackige theme i dont think the e46 vert would pull it of very well (as the 35d did anyways)

will go standerdishy on this one (if i buy) and if i do end up keeping the wheels they will be re painted in the oem csl silver;

Originally Posted by peterg1965

Has the M3 you are about to view had its 1200 service?
Love the Black / Red combo. I would have loved an E46 M3 but could not justify the running costs as a 10,000 mile a year daily driver.

Good luck with the viewing when you eventually get to see it!

Yes was the second thing i ask'd after the inspection 1,2 and was carried out by the bmw main dealer

oh and i dont even realy cover 6000 pa so is not to bad for me

[SiKkBaSs]

Originally Posted by 335DPOWER

+1

Im with the dxb on this one although i love my blackige theme i dont think the e46 vert would pull it of very well (as the 35d did anyways)

will go standerdishy on this one (if i buy) and if i do end up keeping the wheels they will be re painted in the oem csl silver;

More like the wife/girlfriend doesn't want the black rims on there.

But yeh I agree black vert wouldn't be able to do black on black justice.

[Oli]

I would go and look at each car individually, and try and look at as many as possible. Cars like this are purchased on condition and history, not age and mileage. A well maintained higher mileage M3 will be a better prospect than a lower mileage neglected car.

Buy the car that feels right - Good luck

[335DPOWER]

Well after looking at about a hundred m3 verts,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

















I finaly bought a mint fully loaded,fully serviced m3 vert :happy anim: to say i am loving it is an understatement arrrrrrr that sound love it got to say that the harmon will go to waste

Full report with pictures to follow
Lee

P.S thanks for all your input and help guys

[///ajd]

Well done - note the grin does not wear off.

[335DPOWER]

Originally Posted by ///ajd

Well done - note the grin does not wear off.