BMW - 2001-2006 E46 M3..who has one?

Craig 930 RS · 09-02-2008, 10:19 AM

2001-2006 BMW M3, seriously looking these.

Who has one?
Anyone with an SMG box?

gprsh924 · 09-02-2008, 10:26 AM

Technically it is my Dad's but I have driven it a good amount. Amazing car. Tons of power, especially at higher rpms. Unbelievably fun to drive. The sound is awesome. Also very easy to drive slowly and inconspicuously, but it just begs to flogged. Thus far we've been averaging about 17-19mpg in mixed driving but you can't help but take it up to about 100mph at least once an outing (goes for my dad too, not just me). He has the smg. It takes a little getting used to, but it does a great job when you push it. Plus it will rev match on downshifts so it can be pretty fun. The automatic mode is pretty nice too when you are sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. That being said, I would still take the 6-speed if it were my car. My favorite car in the world. It isn't the best at any one thing, but it is pretty damn good at just about everything.

We've only put about 4K miles on it so far (26k total) but no issues thus far. The scheduled maintenance can get pricey, but the free maintenance for 4 years and the cpo warranty should help. According to edmunds, it is actually one of the most reliable cars on the road. You won't believe once you take it up to 8,000 rpms a few times.

onewhippedpuppy · 09-02-2008, 10:27 AM

Avoid the early models with SMG1, they were rough and jerky. I'm not sure where the switchover happened, but SMG2 was supposed to be much better.

I test drove one for a BMW Club member from MN that wanted a impartial test drive, they're amazing cars. Firm but not rough ride, amazing body control, and a jewel of an engine. The way prices are dropping they're a real steal.

gprsh924 · 09-02-2008, 10:32 AM

Oh and the car in the pic you posted has aftermarket SMG paddles that are made out of aluminum. The stock paddles are about half that size and are made of plastic. They are still solid, but some people change them out so they are easier to find during spirited driving.

the · 09-02-2008, 11:09 AM

I don't like BMW's SMG gearbox, either the early or the late ones. IMO it is clunky and slow and just not quite "there" yet in design or refinement. As an automatic, it isn't as good as a real automatic, and as a manual, it's nowhere near a substitute for a real manual.

But you really have to just try one yourself and see if you like it.

MysticLlama · 09-02-2008, 11:16 AM

I've had my '02 SMG for about a year now, and still love it.

It just does everything pretty well. Quick enough to get out of the way, has the control of picking your shift points without sucking in traffic, decent-ish mileage, can fit four people reasonably, etc.

All e46s in the states are SMGIIs, the SMGIs were earlier.

I do think I might need a clutch soon at about 76k, but that's a lot better than a Ferrari F1 box. Some people get 100k+ per clutch on their M3s.

daepp · 09-02-2008, 11:38 AM

I've driven my brother's 04 SMG M3 convertible. He has the SMG - he bought the car used for a very good deal, but would not have opted for the SMG. It is very jerky in stop and go traffic (much has been written on this) but is supposed to be quite good if you really hammer it.

It took some getting used to, and the more I drove it I got to the point that I could make it a little less jerky, but why select one with SMG if you have the option of a manual? Esp. if it's a 3rd car.

Craig 930 RS · 09-02-2008, 11:40 AM

Great info - any more impressions, problems, experiences - fire away - !

gprsh924 · 09-02-2008, 01:52 PM

Even though I prefer the manual, I don't find the SMG to be terribly jerky or uncomfortable. You just have to commit to what you are doing. Indecision will bring on the dreaded buck. You really just have to drive one...its all personal preference. But I mean you really need to put some decent miles on it, not just a quick 5 minute test drive. And remember to drive it as if it is a true manual transmission, not an auto.

89911 · 09-02-2008, 01:57 PM

Spirited driving, track driving, or any other full out experience, SMG good. High traffic driving, driving others that want a gentle ride, SMG not good. I would take6 speed, but either way, that M3 is a great deal and I would take in any amounts over a 996 for the same price.

Craig 930 RS · 02:43 PM

Funny enough.....

I just drove one. 2003 Imola red with SMG, 59,000 miles. Owner drove it for a bit, then I did.
Nifty Sport control & a button which apparently acts as a 'firmness of shift control'.

I drove it on an onramp to I-405, was in 4th gear and downshifted to 2nd, gave it gas and ...nothing.
Softness and then the engine died. No restart, owner called a tow truck and my wife left work & picked me up.

Asking 24.8k -- was in accident which took out the hood, bumper, both fenders and fan shroud.
Ran into sand-filled traffic barrel

gprsh924 · 09-02-2008, 02:35 PM

Not the best advertisement. By the way, all the sport button does is remap the throttle response. It really makes the car almost undriveable as the pedal just becomes too touchy. Very hard to keep it smooth. It is fun though to be cruising at a constant speed and hit the sport button just to watch the revs and speed climb without you moving your foot.

daepp · 09-02-2008, 02:47 PM

I've driven the SMG several times - and one time up Hwy 1 to Morrow Bay.

It's certainly a personal preference, but I would never take an SMG over a 6 speed, all things being equal.

Plus, the more I think about it, how much more complex is the SMG over a standard? Repair costs, parts, wear and tear?

gprsh924 · 09-02-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daepp

I've driven the SMG several times - and one time up Hwy 1 to Morrow Bay.

It's certainly a personal preference, but I would never take an SMG over a 6 speed, all things being equal.

Plus, the more I think about it, how much more complex is the SMG over a standard? Repair costs, parts, wear and tear?

I agree. When my dad bought his, the transmission was like the 5th thing in terms of what he wanted in it and if he had found two equal cars, he probably would have picked manual, but he found this one and it was too good to pass up.

From everything I have read on the M3 forums, it seems like most issues with smg start to pop up in the 75K-100K mile range. Sometimes its a really simple fix that was causing huge errors. More often though, it is something massive (new clutch, entire smg assembly) and the fix runs in the multiple thousands of dollars range. Overall though, the smg is not significantly less reliable or tough than the conventional manual. ymmv

Craig 930 RS · 09-02-2008, 05:35 PM

Which M3 forum? Which might be the 'best' forum in your opinion?

Rot 911 · 09-02-2008, 05:47 PM

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=65 but be prepared for a bunch of 20 somethings and there stupid questions.

einreb · 09-02-2008, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt V

be prepared for a bunch of 20 somethings and there stupid questions.

Upside is that they won't notice poor grammar.

Rot 911 · 09-02-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by einreb

Upside is that they won't notice poor grammar.

Yeah, that two.

Oh Haha · 09-02-2008, 06:01 PM

I vote for Laguna Seca Blue for the car, Craig.

yeah, I know you didn't ask about colors but I have no experience with the gearboxes but that color is just incredible.

Craig 930 RS · 09-02-2008, 06:20 PM

" http://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=65 but be prepared for a bunch of 20 somethings and their stupid questions. "

So very true!