[vrus]

Looking to pick up an M5 for a project car... Would like some input on the Pros/Cons of 6spd vs SMG...

Is there anything else in the car that is different when you opt for 6spd vs SMG ? Do they have stronger diffs or transmissions by selecting one or the other... what about longevity of the SMG clutches? Do they require alot of servicing?

I am trying to decide which way to go and would like some expert input before I pull the trigger.

Oh... is it worthwhile to grab a 2007 vs 2006? Any major improvements in the 2007 model?

I havent owned an M car since my 2001 E39 M5 so I am just trying to get up to speed on the current lineups.

Thanks in advance.

 

[G ///McGregor K]

Just FYI, there are no 6-speed '06's so that narrows the '06's out if you do choose the manual transmission

 

[Gustav]

Are you the vrus of mbworld fame

In anycase, welcome!

 

[vrus]

Hey Gustav! Thanks for the welcome... I am the same vrus from Mbworld.

I am looking at picking up a new project car and thought I would come join the board with all the info..

It's been quite a while since I've had an M car so I'm trying to learn again...

Are you the vrus of mbworld fame

In anycase, welcome!

 

[andrewsherman]

No other differences between 6sp or SMG. The were a few differences in options between the '06 and '07 (most notably the availability of a 6sp) but nothing that should affect a project car.

 

[matt cua]

I believe that 2006 had SMGII and 2007
had SMGIII and the six speed option.
If you want the better SMG, I believe you should go with the 2007.

 

[Ashok Arora]

Do they require alot of servicing?

hiha

 

[blkfast6]

Id get SMG great tranny if u ask me

 

[Bill Grant]

I believe that 2006 had SMGII and 2007
had SMGIII and the six speed option.
If you want the better SMG, I believe you should go with the 2007.

All M5s have the SMGIII. No difference between the 2006 and 2007 with regards to SMG.

 

[unfoundhorsepower]

whatever you do,......don't ask Ashok....Ashok has had experiences with the SMG's.........

 

[vrus]

Thanks Guys!

I am a 6spd guy through and through, but everyone I've talked to says to get the SMG because it is the quickest and most fun to drive.. Besides, I've never owned an SMG car before so I think I will try it on the M5 and see how it goes.

 

[matt cua]

I have a six speed E60 M5 and I love it!!!! You should test drive both.

 

[deknight]

If you do not heel toe then for sure SMG. If you do then at least test drive an SMG. I love the SMG so much quicker and easier.

 

[TimK]

I was set on getting the 6 speed even after test driving SMG twice. I was reading on this board how much people loved SMG so I got the dealer to let me drive an SMG M6 for several hours of an entire day (had it over 7 hours) and I fell in love with it. If you plan on testing them out give SMG plenty of time since it is so different than what you're used to.
Also reset SMG when you do test it since the car you'll be driving was likely driven by many others with different driving styles (if a demo) which could be confusing to the computer trying to adapt to a driving style. Good Luck.
BTW every board member thinks they made the right decision whether 6sp or SMG.

 

[Barry Lausch]

I was set on getting the 6 speed even after test driving SMG twice. I was reading on this board how much people loved SMG so I got the dealer to let me drive an SMG M6 for several hours of an entire day (had it over 7 hours) and I fell in love with it. If you plan on testing them out give SMG plenty of time since it is so different than what you're used to.
Also reset SMG when you do test it since the car you'll be driving was likely driven by many others with different driving styles (if a demo) which could be confusing to the computer trying to adapt to a driving style. Good Luck.
BTW every board member thinks they made the right decision whether 6sp or SMG.

Nope! Knew I made the wrong decision when i bought the six speed.........felt tired and old compared to SMG, that's a fact. :dunno:

 

[TimK]

Thanks for making me look dumb Barry! ouich
J/K. you're one of the few then. Most of the 6 sp owners are happy with their choice too. I wonder if they were to switch with SMG owner for a week how many would change their mind.

 

[Michael_s]

I was set on getting the 6 speed even after test driving SMG twice. I was reading on this board how much people loved SMG so I got the dealer to let me drive an SMG M6 for several hours of an entire day (had it over 7 hours) and I fell in love with it. If you plan on testing them out give SMG plenty of time since it is so different than what you're used to.
Also reset SMG when you do test it since the car you'll be driving was likely driven by many others with different driving styles (if a demo) which could be confusing to the computer trying to adapt to a driving style. Good Luck.
BTW every board member thinks they made the right decision whether 6sp or SMG.

I agree with you. I have a 6 speed M5 and SMG M3. Sometimes I love the SMG and sometimes I love the 6 speed. I happen to use the SMG M3 for my track car. SMG is brilliant on the track. I went 6 speed for the M5 which is my daily driver and I don't have a long commute. Mostly local driving and the SMG would drive me crazy most of the time since it's lights and stop signs. SMG is perfect for the track. Redline shifts at 8000 RPM are great.... My next car will be a dual clutch system of some kind. Not to offend the SMG lovers, but I don't think the SMG is the best transmission for daily driving unless you have a lot of highway miles to cover. It's just not smooth enough IMHO.

 

[Barry Lausch]

Thanks for making me look dumb Barry! ouich
J/K. you're one of the few then. Most of the 6 sp owners are happy with their choice too. I wonder if they were to switch with SMG owner for a week how many would change their mind.

It's not you my friend, sometimes I feel tired and old too. :3: As you know the SMG/6 speed debate will go on forever. i don't know that anyone is totally right or wrong, it's just a choice and personal preference. For a project car a six speed might be the best choice just for it's lack of sophistication.