From what I know, E-Gear and F1 transmission are almost the same. You initiate the gear change with the paddles on the steering wheel, and everything is done on its own. Also the down shifting is done automatically.

I have not driven in an M car yet, so am unsure about the BMW SMG. From what I could tell by looking at the shift knob, it is manual transmission without the clutch. You hit the knob down to gear up and hit the knob up to downshift, or use the paddles.

__________________
2011 ///X5 M (On Order)

2009 X5 4.8 M Sport Space Gray/Black Fully Loaded

2007 GMC Yukon XL Denali Loaded and Customised