I have an SMG , and I just love it ,.. The funny thing is that I never even try the auto mode, maybe a few seconds the very first day, but really I just think about it as a pure manual transmission, without the clutch, and faster and more efficient downshifts, and faster and more aggressive upshifts, with the added benefit of having stick and paddles to change gear, so you can actually be more efficient in tracking. It might not be as efficient as modern transmissions that are seamless smooth etc ,, but the truth is that I absolutely prefer this transmission, it is just a super manual without a clutch. I don't have that raw manual feeling with the newer transmissions, boring.... so I would consider a manual if I ever get a newer model.. SMG is just a manual on steroids, and never to be driven in auto NEVER.
Albert just curious are you aware that with an SMG gear box that you still need to let off the throttle before engaging a gear? For proper shifting and life time of the transmission.
@@EuroSpec39 Its good for the longevity of the transmission really. The Manual states you do not have to lift off throttle. Although that is true, for every day driving I would lift off. If I am trying to be as fast as I can I would do no lift shift. Also in a higher RPM there is a greater transmission oil pressure. So the Tranny favors that more when not lifting off throttle.
@@topspeedeurope it is because the SMG still uses a hydraulic clutch and the difference between engine speed and transmission speed can be non optimal if you stay on the gas mid shift. It’ll make the engine rev higher during the shift, and will make the clutch have to compensate for a larger difference in speeds. If similar enough to a manual, the gears themselves would not be damaged, rather the clutch.
this entire time I thought it was a fancy engine for a manual gear box but knowing this and that I can drive it as a automatic makes me happy to know I can actually drive this car I was kinda bummed because I thought it was manual this entire time and was confused why I could never find a automatic m3 but thanks now it makes sense and best way to drive it since you don't wanna go up or down with trouble just let the car do its thing
You should have talked about the S1-6 modes and mode 1 will start you at 2nd from the car stopped and 2-6 will do 1st gear. You can also go down to 3rd gear on the freeway or track to race in S4-6 but not less as it won't let you go lower than 4th. You can also reset the system holding both paddles + and minus at the same time.
This actually looks really fun. Im looking to get a m3 with the laguna seca blue color. “My favorite color btw” and I honestly might rather have a smg because im very new to maunal driving
SMG’s are great if you drive normally most of the time. If you like to step on it and zip around most of the time, SMG’s can become very unreliable. And they cost and arm and a leg to service, unless you can do it yourself of course.
Automated manual transmission. Gearbox is the same as the manual model. Only difference is that pneumatic oil pressure unit changes gears when you flick the gear lever. So yes there is a clutch.
meanwhile you can also convert the gearbox(smg) to a handshift doesn't cost that much, I can't tell you how expensive it is because I'm not from your country. So it might be expensive, or even cheaper than with me in Germany.
I’m a porter at BMW and someone brought in a E46 M3 bit older than yours lol. I wanted to park it and was confused by the gearbox lol never seen before and I’m not familiar with BMW older ones at least. Messed around with it a bit and figured it out lol but wanted to be familiar with it. Figured it was a sequential anyway
I will say, you had me about/up to the 03:00 point. You did us all owners of an E46, M3 the “continued” backlash within this inspired, race-oriented car of it’s remarkable features, both upside and minuses. HOLLAR!
I would consider a M3 with a SMG transmission, because of the ability to shift, without the computer interrupting my driving. Some transmissions are known to shift even though you are in "manual" mode. The only reason I would consider the SMG over a good old three pedal and stick setup is sitting in slow traffic and city driving.
I have an 03 mr2 spyder with a sequential manual, I've fallen in love with even with the sluggish shifting, an e46 m3 is definitely going to replace her, idc if it's a depreciating asset with lots of money to maintain, I just want a car that's fun for the weekends and makes me happy to drive
+lookingforatune Our audience spans many age groups. I have seen people mistake the pedals for each other and ask what to do since there is no clutch pedal. Thanks for watching!
A little late to see this video but I'm now 16 and this is what I want to but, found on for a good price, so this was super helpful. thank you for the video.
You are incorrect. I have an SMG. It is confusing. But when a "D" is showing you are in MANUAL MODE! You have to look closely. There is an tiny ARROW pointing to the right. This means if you push the spring loaded shifter to the right you will SWITCH to the auto shift "D" mode. And vice versa. VERY confusing at first. It seems backwards to also see an "S" (manual paddle shift mode) when the car is actually IN the auto shift "D" mode. I have owned my 2005 e46 M3 with SMG since 2008. NO problems with my SMG. But I did have the 12V pump motor dissembled and sprayed with brake clean (brushes dust) and then reassembled. No parts needed.
I had an E60 M5 with SMG, yes you can stall. If you are stopped and want to start rolling, if you don't give enough gas it stalls just like a manual, it did with me many times until I got the hang of it.
Probably a confusing conversion, but really i'd assume about 2k on parts at most. Manuals are far more expensive and difficult to find, because people actually want them. SMG to manual conversion could actually end being cheaper.
It does not blip the throttle for you. The sensation is more like if you would swallow in a gulping fashion as the gear downshifts. If you shift down at a higher RPM, the downshifts are smoother. From 2nd to 1st, the downshift is pretty jolting unless you compensate or just stop automatically and let the gears auto select to first in which you don't feel the change at all.
So it is possible to rev match--A fairly advanced move and not worth it in my mind. The tech in the car is ancient by today's comparisons and while clutch life can be lengthened out a bit, it is still negligible.
Yes! The M4 is actually a dual clutch transmission with automatic mode and manual mode. The shifts, however, are lightning fast! You will NOT be disappointed!
+FishFind3000 this is the shifter the car came with. The original icon used just shows plus and minus and is not helpful at all at showing which gear you are in. Thanks for watching!
+European Motors for the e46 m3 they only come with two shifters on for smg and one for stick. Both have a pic depicting the gearbox. The one you have isn't stock.
it's important when changing the gears to let off the gas in between, even when downshifting. if you shift without letting off the gas your transmission will start to wear
Jonathan Lambarena That's not true with the SMG transmission. The car has torque reduction built into the computer programming. It will automatically reduce the throttle during shifts. It's designed to drive like an automatic vehicle.
The funny thing with manual elitists is that they either never driven a car, or they actually suck ass at driving manual, biggest issue with the SMG is just the durability and cost of repair, otherwise it would be a pretty good transmisson.
anybody know what happens if you throw the smg into neutral while moving..lets say at highway speeds..you pop into neutral, you coast for a bit, lose some speed and then want to go back in gear...so you would have to move the shifter to the right. does the car keep the same gear as when you pulled into neutral and therefore it would be wise to rev match or does the car select a gear for you? just wondering how the smg operates in these conditions to see if an smg can be hypermiled with, theoretically.
+DavesLife100 No, a tiptronic is a standard automatic trans. This trans has a standard transmission clutch that disengages electronically similar to when your foot pushes in the clutch. Only, there is no foot pedal. The car is doing that motion for you. Standard autos do not have this clutch movement of a manual trans
+Hector Bruno driven in auto mode is not a great ride. The computer is just too slow to shift when it needs to. I do manual shifting with paddles or stick and it shifts fairly quickly. If driven in quickest shifting mode, the clutch lasts longer too. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching, Hector.
Yes it is clunky, but if your in manual and shift the car yourself all you have to do to make it silky smooth is lift your foot off the gas when you shift and that helps the car make a smoother shift. Otherwise the car has to cut the power change gears and put the power back on. Vs if you lift it just has to shift. Make the car do less work.
I'm a toe operator We see these type of cars including Mercedes Audi's all exotics Can't get in neutral electric shiters if don't run u screwed put the tow and drag them with skates
Its astonishing that people say manual coupes are worth more than smg convertibles........nearly double coupes and manuals built hence smg convertibles rarer DOH jog on
So just to be clear this car, when put into that automatic mode, drives just like any other normal automatic car with no manual shifting or anything else.
It's easy to use SMG just spray and pray
Hahaaa I like you
Thanks guy had to move my boss's m3 this morning this was very helpful!lol!!
+Ibert Shanka whoa, super glad you found my channel then. Glad it was moved without an issue. Thanks for your support!
Model what
Is it better to let off the gas while driving when you shifting or no🤷🏼♂️
I have an SMG , and I just love it ,.. The funny thing is that I never even try the auto mode, maybe a few seconds the very first day, but really I just think about it as a pure manual transmission, without the clutch, and faster and more efficient downshifts, and faster and more aggressive upshifts, with the added benefit of having stick and paddles to change gear, so you can actually be more efficient in tracking. It might not be as efficient as modern transmissions that are seamless smooth etc ,, but the truth is that I absolutely prefer this transmission, it is just a super manual without a clutch. I don't have that raw manual feeling with the newer transmissions, boring.... so I would consider a manual if I ever get a newer model.. SMG is just a manual on steroids, and never to be driven in auto NEVER.
Albert just curious are you aware that with an SMG gear box that you still need to let off the throttle before engaging a gear? For proper shifting and life time of the transmission.
@@topspeedeurope I never understood why
@@topspeedeurope i’ve heard both ways like you do and you don’t for some people i’m lost on what you’re supposed to do
@@EuroSpec39 Its good for the longevity of the transmission really. The Manual states you do not have to lift off throttle. Although that is true, for every day driving I would lift off. If I am trying to be as fast as I can I would do no lift shift. Also in a higher RPM there is a greater transmission oil pressure. So the Tranny favors that more when not lifting off throttle.
@@topspeedeurope it is because the SMG still uses a hydraulic clutch and the difference between engine speed and transmission speed can be non optimal if you stay on the gas mid shift. It’ll make the engine rev higher during the shift, and will make the clutch have to compensate for a larger difference in speeds. If similar enough to a manual, the gears themselves would not be damaged, rather the clutch.
Most wanted M3 here I come
Basically it’s an automatic that’s confused
Adam Chase 🤦🏾♂️😒
LMAOOOOOOOOOO IM DED
No Bcos you can do this on the new BMW’s and other major cars especially golfs
😂😂😂
It's an "automated" manual, with an electrohydraulic single-clutch.
Thank you so much for this video , I am now confident in buying my 2006 M3 E46 here in Arizona
this entire time I thought it was a fancy engine for a manual gear box but knowing this and that I can drive it as a automatic makes me happy to know I can actually drive this car I was kinda bummed because I thought it was manual this entire time and was confused why I could never find a automatic m3 but thanks now it makes sense and best way to drive it since you don't wanna go up or down with trouble just let the car do its thing
You should have talked about the S1-6 modes and mode 1 will start you at 2nd from the car stopped and 2-6 will do 1st gear. You can also go down to 3rd gear on the freeway or track to race in S4-6 but not less as it won't let you go lower than 4th. You can also reset the system holding both paddles + and minus at the same time.
+TheBlackdragon936 Thanks for the extra info! Im glad you put it on here so that others can read it and be informed. Thanks for watching!
6:02 "thank you much so guys" lol
+Blake Gibson Yoda inspired
I am visiting the e46 seller tomorrow and this really helped me, thanku so much dude
Thank you for detailed explanation.
+모터피디 MotorPD No problem!
This actually looks really fun. Im looking to get a m3 with the laguna seca blue color. “My favorite color btw” and I honestly might rather have a smg because im very new to maunal driving
SMG’s are great if you drive normally most of the time. If you like to step on it and zip around most of the time, SMG’s can become very unreliable. And they cost and arm and a leg to service, unless you can do it yourself of course.
Thank you !!! You are the only video I can find showing me how to drive in SMG transmission correctly.
Thanks buddy i just bought my m3 off my dad and he always used the automatic mode and I like to use the paddles because it feels like a supercar
Automated manual transmission. Gearbox is the same as the manual model. Only difference is that pneumatic oil pressure unit changes gears when you flick the gear lever. So yes there is a clutch.
The only thing stopping me from purchasing this is the cost to replace or repair this transmission. I’d imagine it’s INSANELY expensive
meanwhile you can also convert the gearbox(smg) to a handshift doesn't cost that much, I can't tell you how expensive it is because I'm not from your country. So it might be expensive, or even cheaper than with me in Germany.
I’m a porter at BMW and someone brought in a E46 M3 bit older than yours lol. I wanted to park it and was confused by the gearbox lol never seen before and I’m not familiar with BMW older ones at least. Messed around with it a bit and figured it out lol but wanted to be familiar with it. Figured it was a sequential anyway
honestly this is perfect for someone who's only driven automatic and wants to transition to manual and wants practice.
this video makes me understand finally the SMG, great job!
why am i watching this i have a regular manual
Very useful demo. Clearly presented.
Thanks so much for the support, Frank! Glad it was helpful!
I will say, you had me about/up to the 03:00 point. You did us all owners of an E46, M3 the “continued” backlash within this inspired, race-oriented car of it’s remarkable features, both upside and minuses. HOLLAR!
I would consider a M3 with a SMG transmission, because of the ability to shift, without the computer interrupting my driving. Some transmissions are known to shift even though you are in "manual" mode. The only reason I would consider the SMG over a good old three pedal and stick setup is sitting in slow traffic and city driving.
+Per-Martin Bjørk It is definitely easier for heavy traffic with the SMG, just have to finesse that throttle
@@magnumricknineg smg doesnt like strest traffic. Pump will die
Nice tutorial video very informative❤
This is smg is in the 2007 550i sport package also. Aggressive smg paired to a german v8.
I have an 03 mr2 spyder with a sequential manual, I've fallen in love with even with the sluggish shifting, an e46 m3 is definitely going to replace her, idc if it's a depreciating asset with lots of money to maintain, I just want a car that's fun for the weekends and makes me happy to drive
"This is the accelerator, this the brake" kidding right..
+lookingforatune Our audience spans many age groups. I have seen people mistake the pedals for each other and ask what to do since there is no clutch pedal. Thanks for watching!
i thought they were both accelerators and the brake is in the backseat
but where does the key go?
Brilliant video! Thank you
A little late to see this video but I'm now 16 and this is what I want to but, found on for a good price, so this was super helpful. thank you for the video.
+XBOXGAMER My pleasure!
Cool! I like it! I guess i'll get an SMG E46.
Great video. Looking at one today.
+M Schoenfuss Thanks, best of luck on your search
You are incorrect. I have an SMG. It is confusing. But when a "D" is showing you are in MANUAL MODE! You have to look closely. There is an tiny ARROW pointing to the right. This means if you push the spring loaded shifter to the right you will SWITCH to the auto shift "D" mode. And vice versa.
VERY confusing at first. It seems backwards to also see an "S" (manual paddle shift mode) when the car is actually IN the auto shift "D" mode.
I have owned my 2005 e46 M3 with SMG since 2008. NO problems with my SMG. But I did have the 12V pump motor dissembled and sprayed with brake clean (brushes dust) and then reassembled. No parts needed.
Great video helped a lot thanks
+MorningWood NO problem! Glad you enjoyed and thanks for the support!
+European Motors do you ride first gear
+Ruben Navarro Not really clear what you mean? Do you mean letting go of the accelerator when you shift?
Very useful thanks
I don't want to mess with your camera work.
Hmm sounds nice , what i dont like to a torque converter gearbox is that when i am in D and i take my foot off the brake pedal the car start moving
Wish I had that beautiful car :( have a long time to go to have a E46 M3 Smg >:
Even Tho I Know How To Drive Sequential I Still Watched The Video
+Im Rutherfandium Thanks for watching!
Very helpful
Thanks I'm in Jamaica
I’m a manual guy but the SMG has me interested.
Dude has a weird obsession with talking nonstop about the damn ebrake. Thats something that maybe only needed to be briefly mentioned about once.
GOD I WANT A '05 BMW M3 😩
Grizzlygaming88 why 05'
Neutral is LIT! sick
I live in downtown Los Angeles this car is nice its an M3 why do people complain about automatics
Thanks for the video. How to properly stop the car with SMG? Should it be turned off with smg in 1position, not N, correct?
It should be in n ofc
Can i change from manuell to auto mode while driving or got to stop to change to automatik
Sry for my englisch
Yes you can! I am able to do it on my M5
Great video, Thanks!
Im so glad he explained how the handbrake works fuckin hell
😂😂😂
i heard you can stall with an smg, how does that work?
I had an E60 M5 with SMG, yes you can stall. If you are stopped and want to start rolling, if you don't give enough gas it stalls just like a manual, it did with me many times until I got the hang of it.
Great video thanks for all the info
+di4m0ndgg|news No problem buddy! Thanks for watching.
Very good and explanatory video. Thank you!
+Tyler Olson So glad you enjoyed and liked the SMG video
+Tyler Olson No problemo!
So the car doesn't start crawling when you let go of the brake pedal? Like a DSG gearbox or a torque converter automatic gearbox?
Hey !! Great video !! What is the name of that shift knob ?? TIA
Is it worth it to buy an M3 e46?
+radja Kusmayadi If you like them yes. Im more of an M5 guy myself. M3 is small beans haha
Just learned about this from donut media.
I might buy an SMG, and then IMMEDIATELY change it to manual.
That's like a 15k job. Just let it be and buy a manual...
Probably a confusing conversion, but really i'd assume about 2k on parts at most. Manuals are far more expensive and difficult to find, because people actually want them. SMG to manual conversion could actually end being cheaper.
ZdMpiMp d it's not the 80s manuals are so old fashioned
And autos are so boring
ZdMpiMp d yeah I agree in a 1980s hahahaha
Thank you this helped a lot
+Nico Vasquez No problem Nico!
Its not a real manual by any means. They only offered it so that those who can't drive an actual stick can feel somewhat manly.
Justin Glaser no they made it because it was supposed to have shift times faster than humanly possible
k j exactly i just got a smg this guy is bullshit
Well done. Thanks.
I notice the brake pedal is not double-wide like it is on any other type of automatic transmission car.
now i see why the smg can be converted to manual
Tq for that,nice explaination mate..
My pleasure!
+TorQue WreNcH glad it helped
Read this comment as with an Australian accent
+Emile Papillon heya mate!
Thank you
Hi i want to ask a question , is it go to rew limiter in manual ?
Yes it does
When you down shift does it automatically throttle blip/rev match or would you have to rev match like a manual w/clutch
It does not blip the throttle for you. The sensation is more like if you would swallow in a gulping fashion as the gear downshifts. If you shift down at a higher RPM, the downshifts are smoother. From 2nd to 1st, the downshift is pretty jolting unless you compensate or just stop automatically and let the gears auto select to first in which you don't feel the change at all.
European Motors are those jerky downshifts bad for the trans? Or is it possible to do a mini rev match?
So it is possible to rev match--A fairly advanced move and not worth it in my mind. The tech in the car is ancient by today's comparisons and while clutch life can be lengthened out a bit, it is still negligible.
N54 Trigga cheap ecu software will give you the blip on the downshift like the csl
How did you manage to overcomplicate this
Getting an M4 with SMG and this helped out a lot, thank you. So a 2015 M4 will have the auto mode as well correct?
Yes! The M4 is actually a dual clutch transmission with automatic mode and manual mode. The shifts, however, are lightning fast! You will NOT be disappointed!
Thanks
Wish i have a bmw e46m3
Yess question, how to drift smg
Good vid
Seems like my 8 speed auto that you can change gears in the exact same way would be better?
This has got to be the stupidest thing I've seen this week -- a demo on how to use an SMG transmission in a PARKED CAR. Sheesh.
I want one E46 m3
If you had the original shifter it would be more helpful to have that ripoff ion on top to show where the gears are.
+FishFind3000 this is the shifter the car came with. The original icon used just shows plus and minus and is not helpful at all at showing which gear you are in. Thanks for watching!
+European Motors for the e46 m3 they only come with two shifters on for smg and one for stick. Both have a pic depicting the gearbox. The one you have isn't stock.
Thanks for the info! Like I said, this was the one the car came with from the previous owner so we kept it like it came.
dope vid
SMG = Stupid Manual Gear
AMG = Autistic Manual Gear
Just drive plain manual with a clutch.
It's slower in new cars
Does it changes gears automatically when you're in red line ? Normal atm gearbox changes gears and that is so annoying when you're sideways!
Erko Pihlak no it does not upshift
it's important when changing the gears to let off the gas in between, even when downshifting. if you shift without letting off the gas your transmission will start to wear
Jonathan Lambarena That's not true with the SMG transmission. The car has torque reduction built into the computer programming. It will automatically reduce the throttle during shifts. It's designed to drive like an automatic vehicle.
Ryan Crisp correct
What is the name of that shift knob ?? TIA
It works the same as a dct from the newer m cars
The things he said haha, awesome.
The funny thing with manual elitists is that they either never driven a car, or they actually suck ass at driving manual, biggest issue with the SMG is just the durability and cost of repair, otherwise it would be a pretty good transmisson.
anybody know what happens if you throw the smg into neutral while moving..lets say at highway speeds..you pop into neutral, you coast for a bit, lose some speed and then want to go back in gear...so you would have to move the shifter to the right. does the car keep the same gear as when you pulled into neutral and therefore it would be wise to rev match or does the car select a gear for you? just wondering how the smg operates in these conditions to see if an smg can be hypermiled with, theoretically.
G Corry car goes into normal gear for the speed it's at.
Yes can be hyper-miled like any other manual.
Which one is much better smg or 6speed? I heard smg transmission is nt good
short throw six speed!!
It's all about paddle shifters these days and long may it continue
So it's like a trip tronic transmission?
+DavesLife100 No, a tiptronic is a standard automatic trans. This trans has a standard transmission clutch that disengages electronically similar to when your foot pushes in the clutch. Only, there is no foot pedal. The car is doing that motion for you. Standard autos do not have this clutch movement of a manual trans
Only 2 pedals huh what, realy wow I didnt know that
so this works exactly like dual clutch, but have only 1 clutch? cool..
I heard that the SMG transmission can be clunky while driving normally as in the in the street, is that true or is that a lie?
+Hector Bruno driven in auto mode is not a great ride. The computer is just too slow to shift when it needs to. I do manual shifting with paddles or stick and it shifts fairly quickly. If driven in quickest shifting mode, the clutch lasts longer too. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching, Hector.
Yes it is clunky, but if your in manual and shift the car yourself all you have to do to make it silky smooth is lift your foot off the gas when you shift and that helps the car make a smoother shift. Otherwise the car has to cut the power change gears and put the power back on. Vs if you lift it just has to shift. Make the car do less work.
Not if you let off the gas at 3k rpm when it's about to shift.
how do you put in in neutral without starting the car for towing purpose?
I'm a toe operator We see these type of cars including Mercedes Audi's all exotics Can't get in neutral electric shiters if don't run u screwed put the tow and drag them with skates
What function has the button down the gear knob
Its astonishing that people say manual coupes are worth more than smg convertibles........nearly double coupes and manuals built hence smg convertibles rarer DOH jog on
There are a LOT of SMG convertibles in my country and the guys who have the manual coupes don't want to sell and very rare.
This comment didn't age well
So just to be clear this car, when put into that automatic mode, drives just like any other normal automatic car with no manual shifting or anything else.
For the most part, give or take, yes. Thanks for watching buddy!
European Motors no problem, great video btw!
Lucas Massaro mostly. Car won't move unless you give it gas.
Freightliner transmission
How much is this please
I want one.
Hi
Are this tipe of gearbox problematics and expensive to mantein!
Yes don’t get one