Steptronic vs SMG

[coupe1]

Been using full auto gearboxes my whole life. Last car i had was a 2000 323ci auto which gave me many happy times. Sold it 2 years back for a SL500, which is a 5 speed auto. Thinking of the new M3 next year which will undoubtedly come with an SMG. Can the senior members here enlighten me on whether i will be able to use the SMG like the steptronic? I test drove a M3 SMG 2 years ago, and didnt much understand it. Salesperson told me there was a full auto mode, but i found it jerky and rough. Was told that the gearbox learns and gets smoother with use. Is that true? Anyone has any idea when the next coupe will be out? M3?

 

[Physicist]

Re: Steptronic vs SMG

Next M3 probably will be out in 2007

 

[Racebred]

Re: Steptronic vs SMG

more like you learn how to smoothen the gearchange.

the smg will never be as smooth as an auto gear. if you dont like anything that doesnt feel like an auto, dont ever waste your money on smg.

smg is basically a manual transmission without a clutch pedal. Instead of your left leg pressing down on the pedal, the computer guesses when you'll pretty much do it, and clutch in for you.

 

[TripleM]

Re: Steptronic vs SMG

Been using full auto gearboxes my whole life. Last car i had was a 2000 323ci auto which gave me many happy times. Sold it 2 years back for a SL500, which is a 5 speed auto. Thinking of the new M3 next year which will undoubtedly come with an SMG. Can the senior members here enlighten me on whether i will be able to use the SMG like the steptronic? I test drove a M3 SMG 2 years ago, and didnt much understand it. Salesperson told me there was a full auto mode, but i found it jerky and rough. Was told that the gearbox learns and gets smoother with use. Is that true? Anyone has any idea when the next coupe will be out? M3?

SMG is basically a manual transmission using hydraulic clutch.
The system allows for both driving in FULL Auto or SMG mode. So the answer is yes, u can drive the SMG like Steptronic mode in that sense.

The current SMG is called SMGII and it was launched first time on E46M3. It has 6 speeds.

* It has 5 modes for AUTO ( A1 to A5 ), being the higher the A selected, the faster the auto gear change whether up or down. If you select A1, the car will always start from Gear 2 but once u select A2 onwards...the car starts with Gear 1.

* It also has 6 modes for manual shiftings (using paddles or the gear lever, S1 to S6 selection)
The higher the S selected, the faster the gear change in these manual shifts.
This S6 allows gear changes in a stunning 60 miliseconds. One of the fastest ard. And it can only be activated if you disable the DSC. Else, max u can go w/o removing the DSC is S5 and that is pretty fast enough.

Jerkiness...
Yes it's jerky but only in low gears. Once you are used to driving the car with SMG system, you can actually drive the car quite smoothly. But be assured, it's a nice jerky feeling. That punchy sensation gives a strong sense of sportiness. I truly enjoy it. Some dont like it.

The Next E90 M3 is rumoured to be using SMGIII system like currently used in E60M5 or M6. It has 7speeds. Again it has Full Auto and Sequential Manual modes.

I believe the car will make its Frankfurt debut by end of next year and go on sale world wide in 2007.

Cheers

 

[m3magic]

Re: Steptronic vs SMG

SMG is a manual box with the computer controlled hydraulic clutch; you can either let the computer shift for you (in "Auto" mode), or you can shift yourself.

Regardless of how you try to control the shift, in "Auto" or "Manual", it will not be as smooth of a real auto-box such as Steptronic. After some getting used to and practice, you may come close to auto box.

Best is to test drive the current m3 or taxi with one of the bros here to get an idea. Perhaps by '07 with the new m3/SMG-III, the shift will get smoother, but it will still be a manual box at core.

 

[coupe1]

Re: Steptronic vs SMG

wow! appreciate the crash course in smg technology. I would be keen to take the left seat in an SMG bimmer while a senior bro here show off how an SMG gearbox can be used. A M3 would be nice.... U can try out my SL. Its got the 19" amg rims and air suspension.

 

[sammy]

Re: Steptronic vs SMG

I think the next SMG will be buttery smooth judging from Audi/VW's DSG and far far more satisfying than any traditional auto. Go test drive an Audi TT 3.2 DSG to check it out or the GTI

 

[stjmd]

Re: Steptronic vs SMG

BMWs new DSG gearbox will be out soon( a dual clutch Tiptronic thingy, dat changes gears fast).. it'll be known as the KSG... lookin forward to dat as i feel dat the SMG is way to jerky and prefer a manual to dat...

 

[adliz]

Re: Steptronic vs SMG

if i gather correctly, DSG (dual clutch) used on audis and vw have gear 1,3,5 and 2,4,6 on each clutch respectively.. meaning any subsequent gears, either upshifting / downshifting, is pre-engaged on the 'other' clutch, hence smoother and faster shifts..

the main argument with this approach is, what happen if u need to downshift 2 gears, say 6 to 4? some say it'd turn out to be slower than smg2? also, u'd need to change 2 clutch plates instead of one?

maybe anyone with gti dsg, tt 3.2 dsg, or dare i say, veyron can give feedback re this?