Prospective owner: jerky SMG around town - Page 3

HPizKing · 25th June 2012, 04:40

I think to tell anyone that is considering the car that they will be fine with it in D to be driven as a regular automatic is misleading IMO. It never will be. Everyone can beat around the bush and talk about the compromises but mine at least was just not very functional in that mode. Fortunately, when I had mine, it was purely for fun so I operated it like a manual, always shifting myself...and the car was great. I would have shot myself had I been forced to daily drive that thing.

Don't get me wrong...now that the car is gone, I totally miss the V10 from about 4k rpm up..and the sheer mechanical music from my RPI exhaust made...but not the tranny at all. That part of the car was just not well engineered. Compared to even the dumpy Steptronics in my P car Turbo and my Cayenne GT-S, the M was a terrible lurching sedan whenever it was in D. And compared to the tranny in my Nissan GT-R...well, no comparison at all really..apples and oranges. The new F10 has to be an awesome leap forward just from the standpoint of the double clutch tranny alone...can't wait to try one out. I just wish the V10 had been paired with a 7 sp double clutch at some point in its model life..wow, now that would have been a true Beast.

1hotm5 · 25th June 2012, 07:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by dparm

Right, I understand that it is really a traditional manual transmission underneath. It feels like one in the car, and perhaps that's why I was surprised -- I expected it to feel more like a slushbox.

I'll try your suggestions when I drive it again. Thanks.

I have seen some threads on here for reflashes -- I assume those make the shifts even faster rather than smoother?

A little of both actually. Both aftermarket and BMW reflashes help with the smoothness and the speed. Ask BMW if the DME and the SMG have the most recent version of software, if not maybe you can work that into your deal. If the cars you're looking at are out of warranty its a $250- $300 value. If you want the Euro spec. SMG program you have to go aftermarket. The aftermarket programs speed up the shifts,which many have equated to smoother shifting, plus you get the real launch control feature.

Another thing to try during the test drive is the SMG reset. If it has not been done in a while this can help smooth things out as well. After reaching any speed between 30 and 90 put the car in neutral and pull both shift paddles toward you at the same time. Hold for 3 to 4 seconds, release paddles and put car back into drive. The trans will automaticly select the proper gear for you. This resets the clutch slip sensor and results in smoother shifts.

dparm · 25th June 2012, 18:02

More good info, thanks.

The irony is that by shifting rather harshly, that's actually going to result in LONGER clutch life. Slipping the clutch more for a smooth ride wears it out quickly.

But agree with the above post: the motor and the rest of the car is a masterpiece. The SMG feels a bit out of place. But supposedly the 6MT is a mismatch as well? (per journalists and professional reviews)

ARZA · 25th June 2012, 20:32

Just go 6MT and dont worry about the SMG

dparm · 25th June 2012, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARZA

Just go 6MT and dont worry about the SMG

Been driving stick for the last 11 years. Lots of fun but aggravating in traffic. Maybe on a second or weekend car, but no more for my primary.

Fast.M5 · 25th June 2012, 21:32

I drive in S5 mode from the moment my car was warm. Shift around 4,000 - 4,500rpm for normal driving. I also have recently noticed that when I come to a dead stop and goto take off, there is a jerk and "clunk" noise. Doesnt happen all the time...maybe 1 out of 20 dead stops. Might be due to coming to a dead stop too quickly and gears not fully ramping down and syncing?

KILLZBUGZ · 26th June 2012, 02:54

This is how I get the bang: Come to dead stop, no foot on brake and then when ready to take off and depress gas pedal--> BANG. I now always keep the brake depressed and have no issues. I do notice the clunk sometimes when coming to a quick stop and then a quick go.

Next mod will be the Euro SMG tune but looking for someone local to perform the coding which seems like mission impossible in Sacramentoo

08e60M5SMG · 26th June 2012, 05:49

It seems to me as well that if you don't come to a complete stop then you get the jerk as well.

I always stop for an additional second or 2 to make sure I'm fully in first gear.

It can be annoying sometimes when a light is red and you are slowing down then it changes and you are stuck between gears.

I've found if I don't know how long the light has been red I shift from 2nd down to first gear in order to guarantee no lag or bang.

dparm · 26th June 2012, 06:18

Or just pop it into neutral as you come to a stop?

08e60M5SMG · 26th June 2012, 06:38

Yeah I do that as well.

I don't like it when I do that and the light suddenly changes, because it takes a few seconds to get back in gear.

Not that the length is bad or anything, but I like to make sure I'm definitely in gear before I accelarate again.

Get the car!

The pros definitely outweigh the cons.