New SMG with paddle shifters and all that fancy mess.

[Shab]

So i hear the SMG on the new e90's (335) is supposed to be pretty amazing.
How are those of you with this option enjoying it?
Maybe one day in the distant future my hands will grace such nice paddles.
Same pleasure as full manual??

[jezzabel]

definitely not same pleasure.. nothing can match truly rowing your own gears and perfectly executed footwork. That said, the auto tranny in the new cars are definitely faster than ever.

[The HACK]

There's no SMG in the new 3 series.

[JoeA]

SMG is a manual transmission with an electronically controlled clutch (no torque converter). The 335i offers a steptronic (i.e. automatic transmission that can be shifted manually via paddles or shifter)

[Jhunter]

SMG is a manual transmission with an electronically controlled clutch (no torque converter). The 335i offers a steptronic (i.e. automatic transmission that can be shifted manually via paddles or shifter)

I was going to post this same reply. I drove a true SMG briefly once, it was awesome. I think it is the wave for future for performance cars

[JoeA]

I drove an M3 with SMG. It was pretty impressive from a performance perspective. The shift firmness (i.e. quickness) can be adjusted. It can happen so fast you feel a thump in your chest. My steptronic is not as quick shifting as an SMG, though MUCH quicker that they used to be. It even rev matches on downshifts. The steptronic is a little easier to live with as a daily commuter IMO, but I would still go for the SMG if they offered it.

[Blue330i2006]

definitely not same pleasure.. nothing can match truly rowing your own gears and perfectly executed footwork. That said, the auto tranny in the new cars are definitely faster than ever.


Not a SMG for us. But SMG is better b/c shifts faster!! we americans love the stick shift and that is why the M5 is coming to USA with a stick. ONLY TO USA. b/c the rest of the world knows that the SMG is faster/better. sorry guys. WHy do you think that 95% race cars are now AUTOS. NASCAR SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Blue330i2006]

I drove an M3 with SMG. It was pretty impressive from a performance perspective. The shift firmness (i.e. quickness) can be adjusted. It can happen so fast you feel a thump in your chest. My steptronic is not as quick shifting as an SMG, though MUCH quicker that they used to be. It even rev matches on downshifts. The steptronic is a little easier to live with as a daily commuter IMO, but I would still go for the SMG if they offered it.

+1000