Soon I will be on the hunt for an E46 M3, due to injuries from my motorcycle accident I will be unable to drive manual for quite a lengthy period of time, therefore I've decided to go with my original love, the E46 M3, just with the SMG transmission.

I've read a lot on other forums regarding the transmission and there are several mixed opinions. Certain people have an innate hate for the transmission, others love it. I know its not very feasible to have an unbiased opinion however what issues are there with this transmission?

I'm going to be looking to purchase one within the years of '01 and '04 depending on price and options. Does BMW have a system which identifies how much life is left on the clutch like Ferrari or no?

 

I owned one for about 25k miles up until about 3 months ago. I had ZERO issues, and LOVED it to death. If you can find one that is CPO (2003.5 or 2004) then you will be in warranty, otherwise know that if SMG pump fails (which RARELY happens) it is quite expensive. Other than that the clutch wears like a traditional manual. There are a few other switches that can fail, but I think not very many people are having issues with them. LOVED mine.

Would buy another one.

 

The great software of SMG won't allow you to ruin the Engine too much even if you tried. For example, you can't just down shift to 1st gear from 5th and do crazy things. No burn outs or donuts which is A+. Essentially SMG cars have great engines and the SMG clutch lasts until 75K with harsh driving. A lot of people never get their clutch replaced.

Do a PPI to make sure, it's not something you can discover.

 

uhhhhhhh



Maybe for you...

Let me see if I can find those gifs...

 

Well I'm forbidden to walk or drive for the next six months so I'll be searching diligently and make sure that it does get a PPI regardless.

The issue with CPO's in my opinion is that it adds like an additional $5k to the price as well as an originally high price when it comes to the price tag in general opposed to private party. I'd almost prefer to replace it with my own funds.

 

It's possible, but you really have to be driving someone else's car to put your car into that type of abuse. Where as on the Manual, a little harsh launch with the clutch could easily spin your tires.

 

CPO covers very limited things. A lot of people forget that, and think it's as good as the Factory warranty. Also as you said, you'll be paying almost up to 3-5K extra.

What's Covered:


Engine
Automatic/Manual Transmission
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Steering
Brakes
ABS Brake System

Electrical
Air Conditioning/Heating System
Cooling System
Interior/Exterior
Fuel System
Final Drive Assembly, Propeller Shaft

 

I just picked up a 03 SMG and am quite impressed. For city driving or going on trips it's a blast. You can drive it in full auto during traffic jams, or put it in S5/6 Sequential when you want to have some fun. It works very well and has quite a bit of adjustability.

Place in manual mode, turn off traction control, and press SMG over to mode 6 for all the fun launches and burnouts you want.

 

Considering I'm mechanically inclined I won't have a problem to do most of the stuff. I'll leave the SMG up to the dealer but the rest of the stuff I think I can handle myself.

 

Just thought I'd throw in, if you want SMG, you are looking at 02+.
01 is only 6MT.

I'd look for a 2003.5 CPO if I were you.

 

I found a beautiful 2003 Phoenix Yellow with SMG, 33k miles, for $28k which I think is perfect, but I won't be in the actual market until 6-8 months from now... considering I'm not capable of driving or walking.

 

if you buy a phoenix yellow car you will have a really hard time selling it when the time comes. worst color ever...

as for SMG burnouts and whatnot, it is about control of the throttle, and your bravery



launch control works well too

 

Going to be keeping the car for a very long time so no worries about that, I'm probably going to just go with red or silver.

 

I found two ways to do some massive burn outs with SMG. One was just like getting Euro launch control. The other was by accident because I was bored at a stop light and stumbled upon it -basically tricked the computer into dropping the clutch at about 4-5K RPM's.

 

Damn son, you hit the lottery or something?