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E46 M3 (2000-200?)

M3 SMG

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Topic: M3 SMG

M3Mad
unregistered

posted 09-05-2001 09:27 PM

Here is some more information for those of you interested in the SMG gearbox for the M3:

The eleven different modes on the gearbox adjust the time and the harshness with which the gearbox changes cogs. At its fastest, SMG can switch gears in 0.08 seconds - the fastest production gearbox ever. In other modes the gearchange is more relaxed, but still typically BMW, quite similar to the gear-change in other Bavarian products.

The system is almost an exact replica of the gearbox used in the Williams BMW Formula 1 engine, the main difference being the cost and durability of materials.

The price is between $2400/$2700 - even dealers seem uncertain at this moment.

Waiting lists are not huge at all. In many cases the wait is less than a manual M3 - coupe or convertible - as many people do not yet know about SMG.

As for clutch wear, this should not be a problem unless gear changing is erratic. SMG electronic clutches are as reliable as any other. Only severely harsh and probably incompetent treatment would cause excessive wear - don't forget BMW cover this under the scheduled maintenance. By the way, the additional $500 for upgrading to the 4year/50,000 Full Maintenance is definately worth it - this covers everything except tires.

BMW expect 80% of M3s sold to be equipped with SMG eventually - in the US, at least. For those of you concerned with potential retail value, this is approximately the same percentage of BMWs sold with leather seats. If a BMW does not have leather seats its value actually depreciates below Blue Book. This is not the ultimate reason why you should buy an M3 with SMG, but it cannot hurt.

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Frank
Administrator

Posts: 173
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 09-06-2001 08:51 AM

Good stuff M3Mad! Thanks for the info!

Interesting about the waiting list. Would seem that this will make the SMG's even more valueable for the intermediate term.

[This message has been edited by Frank (edited 09-06-2001).]

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