How does SMG work? Wha's it like?
01-04-2009, 04:02 PM
#1
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Hate to ask a stupid question but I am considering an M5 (used 07) and curently drive a 545i with 6 speed mnual. My wife doesn't care for the 6 speed. The only SMG I've driven was a 04 or so M3 and i didn't care for it but can't say I was driving it correctly. Thoughts?
01-04-2009, 04:53 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Alpine White 550i Sport, Cream Beige Interior, 6-Sp Manual - retired 9/2011
There's no real decision with the E60 M5.....SMG or nothing. You will love the SMG on this car....you have to drive it to see its real potential and benefits over the manual (which is a carry over tranny from the E39 M5).
Think of it as a manual tranny that utilizes a real clutch but with no actual foot clutching...the computer does it for you, at a speed which a human could never match. I loved the rev-matching on the downshifts best. The car will actually roll on you at stop signs & hills like a manual would but only if you leave your foot off the brake for a few seconds, however there is brake- assist just like on the manual (at least my 550i has it) to prevent you from drifting backward on a hill during the initial brake-to-accelerator transition.
Plus, the tranny has an "auto" mode that is useful for times when you might have one hand occupied and can't manually flip the shift lever or paddles. But, I see no other real use for this mode except maybe for stop-n-go rush hour driving.
From the FAQ section: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=2106
Think of it as a manual tranny that utilizes a real clutch but with no actual foot clutching...the computer does it for you, at a speed which a human could never match. I loved the rev-matching on the downshifts best. The car will actually roll on you at stop signs & hills like a manual would but only if you leave your foot off the brake for a few seconds, however there is brake- assist just like on the manual (at least my 550i has it) to prevent you from drifting backward on a hill during the initial brake-to-accelerator transition.
Plus, the tranny has an "auto" mode that is useful for times when you might have one hand occupied and can't manually flip the shift lever or paddles. But, I see no other real use for this mode except maybe for stop-n-go rush hour driving.
From the FAQ section: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=2106
01-04-2009, 05:28 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Silverstone II E60 M5 2012 E70 AW X5 50i Sport w/ LCI Aero Kit and Rocker Panels
As much as I believe a MT is "TRUE" driving, SMG is simply AWESOME!!! I LOVE IT!!!!
01-04-2009, 06:01 PM
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I put 70k miles on my 1st SMG (04 M3) and have 18k miles on my 08 M5. Once you know how to drive it, there is no going back to the clutch. It takes a little time to learn and then it is quick, double clutches, and you can be very smooth. Don't forget to reset the SMG every now and then.
01-05-2009, 08:16 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
It truly is the best of both worlds, my current loaner (still) has the paddles, and I've been having a bit TOO much fun with them!! 
01-05-2009, 07:03 PM
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My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Originally Posted by ssigarto' post='760327' date='Jan 5 2009, 10:28 PM
For the wife it can be driven like an automatic. Once you get used to and good with the SMG, you will hate the D modes.
01-06-2009, 12:32 AM
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My Ride: 2008 E60 M5/SMG (LCI)
Interlagos Blue/Black Merino
Aux input, sun protection glass, Bluetooth, Voice control
Originally Posted by ssigarto' post='760327' date='Jan 6 2009, 03:28 AM
For the wife it can be driven like an automatic. Once you get used to and good with the SMG, you will hate the D modes.
01-07-2009, 05:41 AM
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My Ride: 2007 Mercedes Benz e63 AMG
Rudy -
How are you liking the new sport automatic transmission in your new 550i? I know you were a huge fan of the SMG in your last car and just wondered if you miss it. I'm debating going from 6MT to auto in my next car, just for convenience sake.
Thoughts?
How are you liking the new sport automatic transmission in your new 550i? I know you were a huge fan of the SMG in your last car and just wondered if you miss it. I'm debating going from 6MT to auto in my next car, just for convenience sake.
Thoughts?