Hello all, I'm looking into buying a 2002-2003 BMW M3 with the SMG II tranny. Can anyone who ownes such a car tell me what it is like to drive (both in city and twisty back roads). Was it worth the extra money or should I pass? I thought that this would be a good spot to ask this question because I have seen that many of you do own M3's as well as Ferrari's. Any other info would help, thanks a lot.
You have come to the right place. I currently own a 355F1 Spyder and an 03 M3 conv. smg. My previous car was an 01 M3 6 speed. The SMG is not quite as involving as the 6 speed, but it is good. It shifts extremely fast. There is no way to shift that fast yourself. Downshifting is excellent also, however if you want to go from 6th to 3rd you have to go thru all the gears so it may actually take longer. In the city and traffic, there is no competition, the smg is very good. Not as smooth as an automatic, but pretty good. You can keep your hands on the wheel while shifting and cornering which is pretty cool. Overall, I like my smg better than 6 speed. I do miss dumping the clutch to smoke the tires though.
I have a 355 6 speed and an '03 M3 SMGII. Before that, I had an M Roadster 5 speed, so I can compare those two. Generally, I agree with Alan. SMG is definitely quicker. I've tracked the M3 and it is quick and effortless to shift (even if you're good with heel-and-toe downshifts, the SMG is super-quick, like 80ms, and requires no skill to execute perfect shifts). I also agree that it is less involving -- for pure driving "fun" I might chose the 6 speed. But if you want the best performance, go for the SMG. I have two points of difference with Alan. You can skip gears in downshift by double- or triple-clicking the SMG paddles in quick succession. At the Streets of Willow, I go from 4th directly to 2nd into the first turn without engaging 3rd gear. Also, there is a launch control mode you can access with the DSC turned off and that effectively dumps the clutch for you and gives you a little wheel spin. Not as much control as a regular 6 speed, but better than nothing... Overall, I like the SMG. A friend of mine just got an M3 and evaluated the 6-speed vs. SMG and went with the SMG, which he likes.
I have driven the 6spd, but not the SMG. But let me tell you that the 6spd was one tight gearbox. One of the best constructions i have ever felt yet. A pure drivers car. I'm sure the SMG is also finely crafted, but to get the ultimate feel of the inner workings of the car, to get the ultimate driving sensation, I would choose the 6spd. Although the SMG would be fun on a test drive!
I had a 330 5 spd....then a 2003 M3 SMG...now a X5 4.6 & 550. I thought the SMG was smooth and effortless..I wanted the option of going automatic at times...great shifting..excellent car..but i missed the fun of a stick....so the X5 gives me the automatic and the 550 gives me the stick! The only thing i didnt miss on the M3 was the harsh ride. If I get another M3 i'd get the stick to enjoy the shifting....just a slight nod to the stick. Bill
I don't know why the paddles don't stick out a smidge more on the M3. I have a 6spd. Love it. Would consider an SMG, and test drove one. It does make life easier, and you have to look at it like a video game I suppose. I like F1 on my 360. You will love the M3. Best car I own, or ever owned. Bigger thrill than about anything...esp in sport mode. Get heated seats...nice for a sore back. And the auto dimming mirror is a must.
Thanks so much guys. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do and these posts have helped me. I think that the SMG will be better because I drive a lot in traffic and it seems that the car is easier to live with in these conditions according to the posts. Thanks again, I will let you all know what happens.
I am JDB's friend who just got a new m3 SMG - I highly recommend. It shifts extremely quickly and is great to drive - very responsive. Also - I'm new to the forum - no ferrari yet - but plan to get one in the next few years. I'm hoping to be able to do some drives and track events in Southern CA with you guys even though I only have an M3. Mitchell
Mitchell, welcome to F-Chat! You definitely have to go on some of the drives. Hey, you should sign up for the track day at Willow Springs on May 21.
