First, the M5 SMG is more sophisticated than my Z4.

It is easy to learn the basics, but practice makes perfect. Anyone can drive it immediately, but it is driver practice that makes it very smooth. It simply isn't a manual or an automatic, it is a different animal.

IMO, that is the reason that the magazines are so down on the SMG, they have a series of new drivers, unfamiliar with it, and usually in a new car that hasn't been broken in yet. After 5000 km mine became much smoother, and in that time I learned how to best take advantage of it.

You can't stall it like you can a manual with a clutch. Having said that, there are times when mine has stalled, usually when cold, coming into my steep driveway, downshifting, and braking. Take any one of those out of the equation, and it wouldn't stall. I think mine has stalled three times in three years.

Theoretically you can't over rev with it, it protects you, but I wouldn't want to guarantee that. I am sure it is possible to do something silly enough to cost $$$.

I would buy another, but I also like my automatic and our 5 speed manual. I think certain transmissions fit certain cars and styles of driving.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue