Any objective comparison of 6MT versus SMG? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

bavarian · 8th February 2009, 17:37

I have done an extensive search of this forum but could not find any driver experience comparing the 6 speed MT to the SMG, preferably by someone who has owned both. It appears that the used manual cars have far lower resale value. I apologize if this has already been discussed, but would appreciate the links...

Dylan Thomas · 8th February 2009, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by bavarian

I have done an extensive search of this forum but could not find any driver experience comparing the 6 speed MT to the SMG, preferably by someone who has owned both. It appears that the used manual cars have far lower resale value. I apologize if this has already been discussed, but would appreciate the links...

Read the comparisons in these issues of C&D:

01/06 - M5 SMG

02/07 - M5 6-speed

MJTSUB · 9th February 2009, 06:34

I had a SMG M6 and currently drive a manual M5. I miss the lighting fast shifts of the SMG and perfect downshifts. I also like the auto mode in bumper to bumper traffic. However I do like the quick blip of the throttle before engaging first gear from a stop and feeling more connected with the car in the manual form. My gas mileage is the same between both transmissions even though I no longer have the 7th gear and higher gearing. I lease my cars so for me the cost of maintenance doesnt bother me but if I were holding on to the car for post warranty time I would probably lean toward the manual transmission as I wouldnt want to be holding the checkbook for SMG repairs. As far as resale is concerned though I think SMG equipped cars are holding its value better and they probably appeal to a larger audience.

Gustav · 25th February 2009, 04:32

Thanks for the post. What made you do the switch to manual from SMG?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJTSUB

I had a SMG M6 and currently drive a manual M5. I miss the lighting fast shifts of the SMG and perfect downshifts. I also like the auto mode in bumper to bumper traffic. However I do like the quick blip of the throttle before engaging first gear from a stop and feeling more connected with the car in the manual form. My gas mileage is the same between both transmissions even though I no longer have the 7th gear and higher gearing. I lease my cars so for me the cost of maintenance doesnt bother me but if I were holding on to the car for post warranty time I would probably lean toward the manual transmission as I wouldnt want to be holding the checkbook for SMG repairs. As far as resale is concerned though I think SMG equipped cars are holding its value better and they probably appeal to a larger audience.

keith58 · 26th February 2009, 04:27

I have both transmissions as well- an 06 SMG and now my 08 6MT. The 6MT is definitely more traditional and smoother around town and in traffic. You feel like you are driving the same way you always drove. The SMG is far superior in fast shifts, matching revs and allowing the car to perform. All in all, I love both cars and would consider either transmission in my next M. Unless the next M5 is a twin turbo, low revving dog then I might get a Jaguar XF-R...

bbigman2000 · 26th February 2009, 17:23

Interesting comments Gents, we dont have the Manual Box option in the UK, I was never a big fan of the SMG in my CSL but the SMG3 in the M5 seems pretty dam good, I think the next M5 will have twin turbo's on the V10 which in a way might be a shame as all M cars have always been naturally aspirated motors, but we shall see.

keith58 · 26th February 2009, 18:43

Twin turbos on the v10 would be extremely cool! I was thinking that they might just overboost the same engine in the new 7 and next 5 series. If it turns out to be a V8 I'm thinking the M3 convertible or a Jag- maybe an XKR assuming I am still employed and not bankrupt in the coming depression...

I was think a little more about SMG. I don't drive hard very often but now and then, with my 6MT, I get this occasional perfect shift when my foot is coming off the clutch and the revs are building and everything is linked together. With the SMG that's almost 100% of the time...

bbigman2000 · 26th February 2009, 18:52

Fingers crossed then Keith, I see they have put the twin turbo V8 in the 7 series already.

I dont like the sound of that for an M Car, as you say I may have to re look at the M3 if that
Happens.

Im not sure what industry you are in, but good luck, Im in the Security Business and things thankfully
are going well.

andrewsherman · 26th February 2009, 19:07

Member Barry Lausch had a SMG, then a 6MT and then back to the SMG. Obviously, after having both, he preferred SMG.

AlpWhiteM5Beast · 26th February 2009, 20:49

Im not an expert in cars but my dream was always the SMG concept. While you dont get the launches they way you want them, you dont get to "feel" the transmission's gears and you dont get to play with the clutch, this transmission is close to perfect (dont bring up the Automatic mode issue, only your chic, wife, lover, mistress, will use it, OK that starbuck's morning drive)

SMG (PDK, DKG, etc...) are the ultimate at precision, speed and ease of use you can afford... And for our heavy cars, it could not be better.

"6MT" is a thing of the past, unless you're a muscle car kinda guy, which I am, and I wouldnt hesitate to get me a Mustang, Camaro, even a Z06, as long as they were built no later than 2005.

This is almost 2010 for production cars and if you're getting a 100K+ car with more than 500HP, the fastest way to get to the end of the 1320 is not a MT but a SMG alike.