Sometimes I read a review of the M5 and wonder honestly if I'm driving the same car. The negative SMG comments are about not knowing range of adjustments on the car, not about the transmission. I take exception to the authors' comments. :dunno:

 

SMG is not perfect but this was over the line

"SMG or six-speed stick, the M5 is still very quick, and the traditional 'box may be the savior from the seven-speed automated suckfest that is SMG."

I sense the author never took the time to master SMG.

 

On the SMG topic. As a person who has become well acquainted with the 'box (25k mi with this car alone), it works well, but there are much better out there. Every time I drive a modern ferrari F1, I am amazed at how much better it is. The italian's shift just as fast at redline without 6 shift modes, requires less throttle modulation for smooth "regular driving" shifts and have a flatter learning curve all around. SMGIII work well, esp. in S6, but not the all-arounder some other companies offer. Admittedly, the Ferrari's cost a hell-of-a-lot more than this car, but with BMW's R&D capabilities, come on! Its great, but not criticism proof.

 

 

A little off topic but my question concern gustavs video. Why do Ferrari and Lamborghini and even Lancer Evos have the paddles on the steering column rather should I say, Why does BMW have the paddles on the steering wheel itself rather than on the steering column like most sports cars. I actually like them on the steering wheel myself because when I driven others with F1 tranny its hard to shift on the steering wheel when turning, unless the centre console shifter is used. How does the actual F1 cars work?

 

No technical reason, just two different approaches. I guess the other makers feel that drivers can get disoriented with paddles on the wheels when making several fast, hard turns.

As regards the review, I do wish the shifts could be S6 fast with stability control still engaged. However, the comparison the author makes to DSG is a strange one as they are different (twin vs single clutch) and many of us love the thump you get changing at redline. Also, the writer seems to contradict themself in every paragraph. At least he noticed there's a "supercar engine" beneath the family sedan exterior.:thumbsup:

 

I consider the SMG III to be as close as you can get to a "race-gearbox", I LOVE the shifts at 8250 rpm in S6, in terms of brutality and speed, nothing compares to it! BMW never said that the gearbox would be as good as an automatic one, why complain? It´s only the new double clutch gearbox in the M3 that is faster btw. SMG III shifts at only 65 milliseconds, compare that to the Ferrari Enzo that shifts in 120 milliseconds.

I love the gearbox, it´s makes the car feel like a race car! Even Christian Von Koenigsegg said that he liked the SMG III more then the F1 gearbox that Ferrari has

 

After 85,000 miles (and a new tranny, clutch, pressure plate, hydraulic pump, and clutch position sensor), I've had a lot of experience.

The SMG is brilliant at speed. Nothing better on the track or when you really want to have fun on the roads. It's fine for driving around town.

SMG absolutely sucks at very low speeds or from a stop. I've spun the rear tires countless times backing up and switching into gear. Even though I routinely downshift into first whenever coming to a stop, the tranny is still rough, and occasionally I'll leave it in second as I'm slowing and it will 'autoshift' into first right when I hit the gas - WHAM!. This is clearly a 'stopgap' transmission that bridges the gap between the manual and a truly well functioning DSG that gives you the 'best of both worlds". The fact that BMW won't continue this tranny says it all.

All said, I still love the tranny, and wouldn't switch to a manual in this car for anything. The ability to downshift from 7th to 3rd witha few flicks of the paddle, the perfectly matching downshifts, and the brutality of the S6 shifts are addictive. My next track car will almost certainly be a DSG/PDK tranny. Not sure about the drive around town car though...

 

Good summary.

 

Never thought I would say this, but given the option of an SMG-type transmission (especially as they all continue to improve), it's quite unlikely I'll ever go back to a manual car again. Ever.