What the hell does the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) do?

[Paper Tiger]

Is it a manual?
Or is it an automatic?
What the hell is it?

If I come out sounding sarcastic, I'm not, I really don't know...

I could never afford a BMW, so I never paid much attention to the new gadgets, but now that I can afford a M3, I'm eager to find out.

Also, if you guys had a choice between these cars, which would you pick?

1. 2004 Audi S4 (Brand New)
2. 2004 BMW 645 (New of course, if the price is around 60K.)
3. 2003 or 2004 BMW M3 (Brand New, either case.)

If I order a M3 now, will I be getting the 2003 model or the 2004 model?
When does the 2004 model come out?
One last question, what's new on the 2004 M3?

 

[Kirby]

SMG is a 'clutch pedaless' manual transmission. It has switches for shifting up or down. You flip the lever and the clutch is activated hydraulically. The gears are shifted, and the hydraulic clutch is released. Sequential means you can't shift from 4th to 2nd, you must shift thru 3rd. It has its origins in the Formula I race cars.

The 330 are Model Year 2004 since April. I Assume the M3 is also M.Y. 2004, but I could be wrong.

 

[codex57]

04 M3s are already out. I don't know when they came out, but they've been out for a while.

Test drive an SMG first before you buy it. By the middle of October, even the regular 3 series with sport package should have the SMG option. It's a bit tricky at first so try it to see if you like it. It sounds like a good compromise btw stick and auto, but it takes some getting used to.

As for which car, all those are excellent choices. I think it depends on your priority. Personally, I'd take the M3 b/c I'm young and want a 2 door sports car while I'm young enough to be able to get in and out easily (already have sports induced arthritis so the future don't look good) and no kids to stick in the back seat. Otherwise, the S4 is a sweet choice too. I'd take the 645 if I was interested in status b/c it's the most expensive. I'm not too fond of the rear end or the interior too much. Plus, I suspect it's gonna start at $65K and go up from there. If I was gonna blow that much on a coupe, I might as well go all out and go for a SL500.

 

[wileycoyote]

SMG - Includes Sequential (semi-automatic) and Automated (fully automatic) mode actuation of a 6-speed manual transmission and rear park distance control (PDC). Sequential mode requires driver input for sequential up- or downshifts, done with the floor console-mounted shift lever or steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. When a driver selects Automated mode, the transmission shifts automatically; no driver input is needed. There is no clutch pedal with this transmission, since the system automatically engages/disengages the clutch.

I have seen the future, and it is SMG. It shifts faster than any mortal. Simplifies shifting, while still providing the driver full gear selection control, allowing the driver to concentrate on other tasks. It allows my wife to drive while drinking her mocha-almond frapaciono. And if you get the European version, there is "launch control" feature which gives you the full Formula 1 race start experience (but you only get 3, then the computer disables the feature).

What's new for '04? I'm not sure, but I think just the price and a few cosmetic details.

 

[adamsonem]

There's one thing I've always wondered about SMG & SMG II. Since there's no clutch, in manual-mode, is it just like starting in an auto when you hit the accelerator? I think it would be easy to backpeddle in the learning experience from a manual clutch to no clutch manual.

 

[VANCE]

here is some good info...link

 

[Paper Tiger]

First off, I'd like to thank all of you who've helped me by answering my questions.

wileycoyote, with price aside, if you had to choose between the 2004 S4 and the 2004 M3, which would you pick?

I'm stomped... I can't make a decision, I was wondering if you can help me.
If you could tell me the reasons for your choice, it'll be awsome.
Thanks in advance.

 

[///M SPEED]

M3

I am a bit partial. I really like the Audi's though. I almost bought one instead of the bimmer, but I happy I went with the bimmer. If I had a choice between the S4 and M3 it wouldn't even be a contest to me. The M3 in a landslide.

 

[pydo82]

I dont think the 2004 m3's are out yet are they? If they are they werent out for too long right? I just bought my 2004 325ci about 3 weeks ago and i saw somw brand new m3's with the 04 3 series backlights and thought they were 04's but the dealers told me that the 04 m3's are not out yet, and that those were the 2003.5 m3's. Confused. Anyway...good choice on he m3. Damn i wish I had one. I dont really know much about the smg but personally I wouldnt get an m3 in anything other than 6 six speed WITH clutch. Traffic doesnt really bother me, in my manual, and I think the pleasure of driving it far outweighs any negatives.

 

[ooo000HITMAN000ooo]

www.bmwusa.com build a bmw and find out

 

[wileycoyote]

First off, I'd like to thank all of you who've helped me by answering my questions.

wileycoyote, with price aside, if you had to choose between the 2004 S4 and the 2004 M3, which would you pick?

I'm stomped... I can't make a decision, I was wondering if you can help me.
If you could tell me the reasons for your choice, it'll be awsome.
Thanks in advance.

It's a tought decision, but would choose the BMW M3. If you test drive them both back to back, you will find the M3 slightly more refined. It doesn't ride quite as harsh (both cars will rattle your fillings out on any surface other than glass) and the engine is more tractable (smoother without sudden, unexpected surges). With an SMG, the BMW is an easy daily driver as well as a formidable driving machine. In terms of performance the S4 is a better car because comfort is not a compromise Audi was willing to make.

If you want to read a really good comparison, check out this:

http://caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=6568

 

[junglestylz]

I personally would wait for the six to come out. Either that or I would save the money from getting a brand new M3 and pick up an E36 M3 (styling preferences I think), then dump the 15grand or so that you saved into the first years insurance and modifications.