What about the E39 M5? Considered by many to be one of the best modern cars ever built.

 

Maybe the newer M cars with the SMG 7 speed offering, BUT in the E46 M3, the SMG was clunky/lifeless and inferior to the 6speed

6 speed gets my vote, and im sure TC will be fully defeatable!

 

Martin I agree but the M3 is not a heavy *** sedan or GT like the M5/6 are...they are wonderful cars with great engines but they belong with an F1 tranny not a 6MT

 

Ok i totally agree regarding the M5/M6, i loved the SMG after a good drive in both, but by his topic i was assuming he was asking about the new M3 coming out, my apologies

 

No Hernando chimed in and got involved saying he was picking up a M6 6MT , the original topic was M6 6SP OR SMG and thats where all this started so both along the same lines.

 

My bad, I should have clarified, I was referring to the upcoming M3. I totally agree with you regarding the M5/6 though.

 

I think its all preference... but for me, 6 speed all the way! Love to do all that shifting driving up the local mountains especially when no other cars around!

 

shifting is indeed great unless u have a heavy traffic commute. then it is just torture...

 

Why do you guys think a heavy sedan is better suited for SMG? If anything, SMG would work better on a sports car as its benefits could be felt on the track.

I prefer a traditional 6-speed though, regardless of the car as it's simply more fun to drive.

 

Have any of you driven VW's DSG tranny? It's miles ahead of SMG and this is what the new M3 is getting (though they're calling it DCT). Here's a quick article regarding dual clutch transmissions:
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=88902&lk=fs

 

I have. I agree 100%, it was miles ahead of the SMG in my E46 M3.

 

I honestly think that 6-Speed would be so much more fun. Then again, I have never driven it.

 

dude, you need to buy a car already!!!!!!!!!
Are you going to the Concorso tomorrow?

 

Thanks for reminding me. No, I am waiting until September when I turn in my 745.

 

LOL. i was trying to say that a smaller car like an m3 i think should have a manual, its more raw in its intention that an m5/m6 which are bigger and a manual mated to those cars is not as the cars were built. the m5 and m6 were made with the smg in mind and was done so accordingly and 6 speed was only because dedicated enthusiasts wanted it that way. i would say that a car weighing in at close to 4000 lbs or above wouldnt be much fun as a manual anyway. that should clear it up.