It's the Persian Jetta.

I think you're confused; this is baby poo yellow (aka Phoenix Yellow)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1375752488.jpg

The only time at look at the lcd display is when I start the car to make sure it's in neutral. When I'm driving I never look at it to see what gear I'm in. As for going from 2nd to 5th that is possible in the SMG as well. I go from 2nd to 4th all the time. Just click paddle twice or tap shifter twice. Same with down shifting.
Most people who have the (BMW) SMG long term love it.

As for the OP, go to a BMW club cruise day and talk to SMG owners. As you are already aware after your test drive they are not as bad as the uneducated make them out to be. I'm in my mid 40's now and have always had manual performance cars but I reckon I'm pretty sold on the SMG thing as everybody can probably gather. They're just a very versatile option.

You're right, this one puts the "turd" in "mustard".

Did you perhaps mean puts the "tard" in mustard? SmileWavy

FWIW, I own a Dakar Yellow E36 M3, (same color as the E46 widebody is considering) and now think it is the most unique color that BMW offers; it looks absolutely right. Did I ever think I'd want a yellow car? Nope.

Heck, I never wanted a red car, but that color seems to work pretty well on my E30 that I've owned for 14 years.

As far as the SMG goes, I've only ridden in one at a DE at Buttonwillow years ago. Judging by the driver's (an instructor) comments, I probably wouldn't choose one over a 6MT.

Avus Blue, Silverstone, Estoril Blue, Laguna Seca Blue, Carbon Black, Sparkling Graphite. Those are E46 colors to lust over.

Mine is Topaz Blue (Not Mine) but should have some BBS LM's for it shortly so will pretty much look the same.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1375790559.jpg

I'd love to find one in Laguna Seca Blue. This one was a 6MT.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8053/164ve.jpg

I forgot Topaz Blue, that's another good one. BMW has some great blues, and their cars look good in them.

Hold out for the 6 MT in a good color and get thee to an accupuncturist for the sciatica.

Buy it, drive it like a manual.

Don't use auto ever. It sucks.

Don't listen to anyone that hasn't at a minimum borrowed one for at least a week if not more. I've had mine 4-5 years now.

Don't listen to anyone that compares it to an F1 box in a Ferrari or Maserati, they are programmed entirely different and have an entirely different feel. Also, the gearing in reverse trashes clutches. I like how they launch, but you can feel the clutch eating your $$ as you pull away from every stop.

SMGI is most definitely also not the same thing.

105k on mine, no issues yet, first clutch, I do fluid changes, but like said before, it's the same gearbox, just with a robotic clutch and shifter.

The issues the cars do have, subframe, windows, cooling system, etc. you already had with the other car anyhow.

Laguna Seca is prettier. :)

Also, if you get the SMG, read up on how it works, and experiment with it. You can get it to modulate the clutch how you want by knowing what it's thinking / how it's programmed / why it does what it does. For instance, it'll only blip the throttle on downshifts if you're braking *really* hard, unless you give it a touch of gas at the same time.

All in all, it's fun, it's better in traffic, and it's proven to be almost as reliable. I say almost because there are of course a couple more parts that can possibly break and do on occasion.

I've arranged for the yellow M3 to have a pre-purchase inspection tomorrow, but then I'm surfing the boards tonight and I find this 6MT for sale.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1375932230.jpg

The LS blue looks great. Are they hard to find with MT?

I hope the yellow car turns out a turd. ;)

Seriously though - keep us posted - whatever you end up with will be fun to partake in electronically!

G

Hellrot Red? I like the BBS wheels on the yellow car, the yellow not so much but that's just me. One little thing to consider, yellow can be a love it/hate it color. I had several interested lookers on my Speed Yellow Boxster that couldn't get past the color. It took a little longer to sell because I had to find someone that really liked yellow. Frankly red isn't my favorite either, but there's a reason dealers call it resale red.

That looks great, Thom!

I'm more receptive to different colors like yellow. My wife would hate me if I bought a car in that color.

I love the yellow, most of my friends hate it, my wife thinks it's "OK." Conversely, she doesn't like Laguna Seca Blue. The seller is trying to play the "super-valuable-rare-color-won't-last-long" angle.

There are a couple of Phoenix Yellow cars that have been languishing on the market for months. That color is an acquired taste.

Digging the red. Mine is Sliver and I think I have red envy.

There was a fantastic condition, super low miles, one owner, 6MT, Phoenix Yellow E46 M3 on 6speedonline for a LONG time. It's a car that should have sold quickly as it was well priced, but damn that's an ugly color.

You got that right...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1375974681.jpg