SMG or Full Manual?
10-07-2005, 06:59 AM
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Originally Posted by SleepR' date='Oct 7 2005, 05:58 AM
Explains why BMW is offering SMG as a no-cost option on 550i Sports 
[quote name='eugeneloke' date='Oct 7 2005, 06:32 AM']the SMG still has some unsorted problems
[quote name='eugeneloke' date='Oct 7 2005, 06:32 AM']the SMG still has some unsorted problems[snapback]180821[/snapback]
[snapback]180831[/snapback]
[/quote]Explains why I am scared to get it.
10-07-2005, 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by markt540i' date='Oct 7 2005, 09:59 AM
[quote name='SleepR' date='Oct 7 2005, 05:58 AM']Explains why BMW is offering SMG as a no-cost option on 550i Sports [quote name='eugeneloke' date='Oct 7 2005, 06:32 AM']the SMG still has some unsorted problems
[quote name='eugeneloke' date='Oct 7 2005, 06:32 AM']the SMG still has some unsorted problems[snapback]180821[/snapback]
[snapback]180831[/snapback]
[/quote]Explains why I am scared to get it.
[snapback]180891[/snapback]
[/quote]That explains it then.....BUT i'm the guy that drives alot in town and i don't want to go to the gym every morning with my left foot. So either steptronic or smg. I wonder now, why does the smg has so many problems? Clearly alot more than steptronic...so why does the smg has so many issues? What's the difference that could make the smg behave with problems?
10-07-2005, 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by SleepR' date='Oct 7 2005, 04:58 AM
Explains why BMW is offering SMG as a no-cost option on 550i Sports [quote name='eugeneloke' date='Oct 7 2005, 06:32 AM']the SMG still has some unsorted problems
[quote name='eugeneloke' date='Oct 7 2005, 06:32 AM']the SMG still has some unsorted problems[snapback]180821[/snapback]
[snapback]180831[/snapback]
[/quote]Look, and I know I'm starting to sound like the poster child for SMG, but every car with any new technology will have problems. Getting that stuff out to you and me is the only true test ground. BMWs, as a rule, are expensive to repair and maintain...just don't own one out of warranty and you should do fine.
Some SMGs have had problems, others have not. I think the SMG has become a no-cost option because their marketing of it was terrible. They figured this was one way to overcome the crappy marketing job they did on this cool new transmission. It sure convinced me to try it. Yes, I hated and regretted it initially...but now I love it! Somebody
me! 
10-07-2005, 10:08 AM
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Originally Posted by ?gent99' date='Oct 7 2005, 11:12 AM
[quote name='SleepR' date='Oct 7 2005, 04:58 AM']Explains why BMW is offering SMG as a no-cost option on 550i Sports [quote name='eugeneloke' date='Oct 7 2005, 06:32 AM']the SMG still has some unsorted problems
[quote name='eugeneloke' date='Oct 7 2005, 06:32 AM']the SMG still has some unsorted problems[snapback]180821[/snapback]
[snapback]180831[/snapback]
[/quote]Look, and I know I'm starting to sound like the poster child for SMG, but every car with any new technology will have problems. Getting that stuff out to you and me is the only true test ground. BMWs, as a rule, are expensive to repair and maintain...just don't own one out of warranty and you should do fine.
Some SMGs have had problems, others have not. I think the SMG has become a no-cost option because their marketing of it was terrible. They figured this was one way to overcome the crappy marketing job they did on this cool new transmission. It sure convinced me to try it. Yes, I hated and regretted it initially...but now I love it! Somebody
me! [snapback]180950[/snapback]
[/quote]I need
too. I think the choice of transmissions is the hardest option to decide relative to this car or any car I have ever purchased. Please forgive me if you have already answered this, but why did you initially hate it and why do you know love it? And, have you had problems with yours? (probably not or you would probably still hate it, right?)Thanks.
10-07-2005, 12:58 PM
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Yes, I've answered that question a few times--search the other threads here. The reason most folks might hate the SMG is unfamiliarity with it. You simply cannot take this tranny out for a half-hour test drive cold turkey or you will hate it and wonder why BMW ever put such a travesty in their car. It takes TIME to learn it.
I have 8600 miles on the car...zero tranny problems...it's been a pure pleasure having this transmission.
I have 8600 miles on the car...zero tranny problems...it's been a pure pleasure having this transmission.
10-07-2005, 01:18 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
I have a first month production SMG 545. The tranny has been replaced, but if I was ordering a car again right now I would order it again. The car is that much fun to drive.
10-07-2005, 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by ?gent99' date='Oct 7 2005, 01:12 PM
Look, and I know I'm starting to sound like the poster child for SMG...
[snapback]180950[/snapback]
I have close to 16,000 miles on my SMG and it was also one of the early ones. No problems at all except for my tired facial muscles. All that grinning from ear-to-ear starts to take a toll after a while...
10-07-2005, 07:16 PM
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I'd like to know how many SMG drivers would have chosen the stick and how many would have chosen the automatic if SMG wasn't available. It seems to me that that would be the best indication of whether SMG is a true substitute for a traditional manual transmission.
10-07-2005, 07:29 PM
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i agree with donv
used to have SMG on the 3-er - having just read the thread on SMG problems - BMW really has not sorted out known (old) problems.
used to have SMG on the 3-er - having just read the thread on SMG problems - BMW really has not sorted out known (old) problems.