What is BMW M3 SMG transmission?
SMG stands for Sequential Manual Gearbox. It’s actually the same manual gearbox that is found in the cars with a clutch pedal, but instead of having the clutch foot operated, it has the clutch electro-hydaulically operated via a pump and wired to computers.
What transmission does the E46 M3 have?
The transmission options for the M3 were a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed “SMG-II” automated manual transmission.
Is the BMW SMG transmission good?
There are no clear advantages to the SMG transmission. Everything it does, a traditional manual can do better, and only disconnects you from the driving experience – which is unfortunate, because the driving experience is kind of the whole point of owning one of these.
Can SMG drive like automatic?
In fact, few who have driven one have had the opportunity to drive one properly. While the SMG does feature an automatic mode, using it is a disservice not only to you, the driver, but to the car itself. These cars love to be flogged, and they repay that abuse in spades.
Is SMG automatic or manual?
SMG stands for Sequential Manual Gearbox. It’s essentially a transmission capable of functioning as an automatic, or functioning as a manual transmission. The innovation is that, when functioning as an automatic, the driver does not need to operate a clutch pedal, simply designate desired gear.
Is BMW SMG transmission manual?
First, note that the SMG system is not an automatic transmission than can be shifted manually – like BMW’s Steptronic or Porsche’s Tiptronic – it is a manual transmission with a clutch, but without a clutch pedal, that can change gears by itself in response to driver input.
Can you change SMG to manual?
The SMG to manual conversion process. Since the SMG transmission and the 6 speed transmission are internally identical all that is required to physically do this swap is to modify the bellhousing on the SMG transmission. Machining the bell housing accurately is critical so that the driver can easily find the gears.
What kind of transmission does a BMW M3 have?
E46 M3 SMG 2 Transmission In 1996, BMW M introduced a manual transmission that was capable of shifting gears automatically without the use of a conventional clutch pedal or mechanical shifter lever. The system was called the SMG I. Derived from Formula 1 racing technology; SMG stands for Sequential Manual Gearbox.
Can you convert an E46 M3 SMG to manual?
Manual E46 M3’s tend to be more desirable and cost quite a bit more than manual M3’s so often times owners can buy an E46 M3 SMG and have it converted to manual for about the same price as buying a true manual. The SMG to manual conversion process.
Are there any problems with the E46 M3?
The E46 M3 had a couple major issues, one of the lesser ones is the SMG gearbox. The hydraulic pump often fails resulting in a costly repair. If this happens to a car you own it often make sense to convert the car to a manual rather than fix the SMG unit.
Is the BMW E46 M3 the Ultimate Driving Machine?
The E46 M3 undoubtedly represented a high point for BMW. Functional but understated design, a tireless powertrain, and rewarding driving dynamics all backed up BMW’s promise to deliver the “Ultimate Driving Machine”.