SMG v. Manual
 

Does anyone prefer one over the other? Any input in general?

Well going with you other post about M3's, do NOT get a M3 with a SMG over the manual IMO. I had a 2003 M3 with 6spd, a friend had a 2004 with SMG...no comparison IMO as far as the "feel" and experience in the car goes.

i say go with the manual if you're going to own the car for awhile. Sure, SMG is cool for awhile, and it's a great showoff tool. But I'm sure with all the mechanical parts like the automated clutch and stuff, it's prone to error. Three pedals and a good shifter can bring much joy. Plus it's best to stick with the good ol' BMW tradition of manual trannys and inline sixes. A tradition that is sadly disappearing :(............

I like them both, for different reasons. We have an X5 steptronic, a 325xi manual, and a Z4 with the SMG. The Z4 is the toy car, so it has been fun having the SMG in it. Downshifts at 3000 rpm (with the double-clutching and throttle blip) are cool. The shifting has gotten ever smoother since we bought the car new. Some of that is driver training, and I think that is the big reason the magazines are down on the SMG, they never spent enough time with it to learn how to drive it properly.

I see people comparing the SMG to a manual, and when it is in auto mode, to an automatic. I don't think it is like either, it is a third type of transmission. The auto feature is not at all like an auto, since you need to be paying attention so you may as well shift it yourself with the paddles. In traffic the SMG is easier to drive than a stick.

I don't regret getting it, but the next car we are getting doesn't come with an SMG, so it will be a 6 speed manual.

I had an M3 Manual and changed it for an M3 SMG after 8 months...loved (and still do love) the SMG. So flexible and simple to use when you get used to using it. It takes perhaps 2 weeks to know which setting you prefer depending on your mood at the time.
Seen many reviews of the SMG from journalists who seem to slate it but until you've driven it for a couple of weeks, you really can't appreciate it

Just my thoughts

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Ok, I have M3 with SMG II & it does take a while to get used to, but I have never driven the M3 in 6 speed manual form so I can't give you a comparo. Now, I love driving manual tranny & my first car was a BMW was a 5-speed manual. However, after driving the M3 SMG for almost 3 years, I love it! There is nothing like it rev-matching when downshifting! :) Upshifts can be smooth once you master it. It is like mastering driving a manual for the first time. Now, I have a '04 M3 with the latest SMG design & software & it is much smoother & reliable than when it first came out in '02. In fact, in SoCal traffic, the SMG is great as well as sporty hi-speed driving. However, a short test-drive may not give you enough time for proper evaluation. IMHO, I am glad I got the SMG.