smg in m3 vs 545i
01-17-2005, 03:42 PM
#21
Contributors
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
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.
Originally Posted by TZL' date='Jan 17 2005, 07:12 PM
hi big john,
its funny, two different dealers also discouraged me from getting smg on the 545i even though they had one in stock. dealers being honest....how odd...
[quote name='bigjohndaly' date='Jan 13 2005, 10:10 AM']The November Bimmer mag had a good discussion on SMG for the 5 and 6 series, which apparently is not as sophisticated or quick shifting as the SMG II in the M3. The new M5 has SMG III that is even faster shifting and has more program modes.
One dealer discouraged me from gettting SMG saying it needs to be improved. Perhaps BMW will bring SMG III or a variant to the 5 series in a year or so.
its funny, two different dealers also discouraged me from getting smg on the 545i even though they had one in stock. dealers being honest....how odd...
[quote name='bigjohndaly' date='Jan 13 2005, 10:10 AM']The November Bimmer mag had a good discussion on SMG for the 5 and 6 series, which apparently is not as sophisticated or quick shifting as the SMG II in the M3. The new M5 has SMG III that is even faster shifting and has more program modes.
One dealer discouraged me from gettting SMG saying it needs to be improved. Perhaps BMW will bring SMG III or a variant to the 5 series in a year or so.
[snapback]78773[/snapback]
[snapback]80194[/snapback]
[/quote]I think SMG is fine as it is, its people constantly expecting it be to a Steptronic or a traditional manual that screws it up.
01-17-2005, 08:40 PM
#22
Members
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: New York City (Queens)
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First off, the SMG on the 545 is excellent. 1st to 2nd is a little slow but in sport mode iits fine.
Secondly, I own a 2003 M3 that I bought new. Its is without a doubt the worse, problematic, troublesome, poorly designed POS car existing today. Today marked mt 18th time in the shop. Can you name another car that CONSTANTLY has rear diff issues from year 1 to current. A luxury automaker with engine recalls (rod bearing). Door handles that dont open doors, windows that fail, xenon lights that fail within 18 months, intermittent starts issue that cant be fixed, I could go on for another 3 lines. Now, most cars dont have all these problems, as mine did., but they ALL have some of them. You have been warned.
Secondly, I own a 2003 M3 that I bought new. Its is without a doubt the worse, problematic, troublesome, poorly designed POS car existing today. Today marked mt 18th time in the shop. Can you name another car that CONSTANTLY has rear diff issues from year 1 to current. A luxury automaker with engine recalls (rod bearing). Door handles that dont open doors, windows that fail, xenon lights that fail within 18 months, intermittent starts issue that cant be fixed, I could go on for another 3 lines. Now, most cars dont have all these problems, as mine did., but they ALL have some of them. You have been warned.
01-17-2005, 11:48 PM
#23
Senior Members
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by pennetta' date='Jan 17 2005, 05:42 PM
[quote name='TZL' date='Jan 17 2005, 07:12 PM']hi big john,
its funny, two different dealers also discouraged me from getting smg on the 545i even though they had one in stock. dealers being honest....how odd...
[quote name='bigjohndaly' date='Jan 13 2005, 10:10 AM']The November Bimmer mag had a good discussion on SMG for the 5 and 6 series, which apparently is not as sophisticated or quick shifting as the SMG II in the M3. The new M5 has SMG III that is even faster shifting and has more program modes.
One dealer discouraged me from gettting SMG saying it needs to be improved. Perhaps BMW will bring SMG III or a variant to the 5 series in a year or so.
its funny, two different dealers also discouraged me from getting smg on the 545i even though they had one in stock. dealers being honest....how odd...
[quote name='bigjohndaly' date='Jan 13 2005, 10:10 AM']The November Bimmer mag had a good discussion on SMG for the 5 and 6 series, which apparently is not as sophisticated or quick shifting as the SMG II in the M3. The new M5 has SMG III that is even faster shifting and has more program modes.
One dealer discouraged me from gettting SMG saying it needs to be improved. Perhaps BMW will bring SMG III or a variant to the 5 series in a year or so.
[snapback]78773[/snapback]
[snapback]80194[/snapback]
[/quote]I think SMG is fine as it is, its people constantly expecting it be to a Steptronic or a traditional manual that screws it up.
[snapback]80199[/snapback]
[/quote]I completely agree. the reason dealers steer away is that it is the "safe" play. My wife doesn't drive my car, or else I would be in trouble too. It ain't the smoothest shifting trans of the lot, but it is most definitely the sportiest IMO. If you wouldn't be happy with a manual trans you won't be happy with SMG, and there aren't that many manuals sold either, accounting for less than 5% of all 5's sold. Love my SMG and wouldn't trade it at this point, althoug I'm sure there are some improvements that could be made...wonder how many of those are software-related? If BMW doesn't plan to address it, it would be nice to see some of the tuners come out with different programs.
01-18-2005, 02:43 AM
#24
Super Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Posts: 17,310
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Originally Posted by TZL' date='Jan 17 2005, 07:12 PM
its funny, two different dealers also discouraged me from getting smg on the 545i even though they had one in stock. dealers being honest....how odd...
[snapback]80194[/snapback]
01-18-2005, 03:46 AM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by TZL' date='Jan 12 2005, 06:05 PM
hey guys,
i was originally going to get a m3, but i'm kinda interested in a 545i with smg
how does smg in the 545i compare to the m3?
does the 545i still have launch control?
Do you still "pull" on the 545i smg paddles just like on the m3 paddles? it looks like you push the buttons on the 545i
thanks
ting
i was originally going to get a m3, but i'm kinda interested in a 545i with smg
how does smg in the 545i compare to the m3?
does the 545i still have launch control?
Do you still "pull" on the 545i smg paddles just like on the m3 paddles? it looks like you push the buttons on the 545i
thanks
ting
[snapback]78578[/snapback]
That is a frustrating issue with BMW.
SMG in M3 and SMG in the rest of the preset line up are 2 different systems by 2 different manufactures. (bosh ans Siemens I believe but don't quote me on that). This issue pissed me off because it would be nice to have a proper SMG in 545, R&D already done, technology is there. WHY BMW?
SMG in 545 (anfd the restof line up) is significantly bogged down (simplified in BMW language)
main differences:
- shift speeds are slower (noticably slower)
- No gradient assist (hold left paddle in M3)
- 2 vs 11 programs which means
- Lack of winter programs (less programs in general)
- lack of S6 (track program)
- - smaller paddles (545) that both shift up and down each) vs left - right + M3
After driving M3 SMG for 2 years I tried 545 SMG and was dissapointed.
I know 11 programs seems like a lot (ther were jokes about BMW doing spring, simmer and autumn modes s well as I'm pissed , out of my way and slow mow modes
. But seriously you need the flexibility to adapt to different driving situationsThe point is independant of what car is better or worse M3 SMG is better technology and that's the one to use in all BMW especially in 60K+ flagship 5
01-18-2005, 06:29 AM
#26
Contributors
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
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.
Originally Posted by Guest_IlyaM5_*' date='Jan 18 2005, 07:46 AM
[quote name='TZL' date='Jan 12 2005, 06:05 PM']hey guys,
i was originally going to get a m3, but i'm kinda interested in a 545i with smg
how does smg in the 545i compare to the m3?
does the 545i still have launch control?
Do you still "pull" on the 545i smg paddles just like on the m3 paddles? it looks like you push the buttons on the 545i
thanks
ting
i was originally going to get a m3, but i'm kinda interested in a 545i with smg
how does smg in the 545i compare to the m3?
does the 545i still have launch control?
Do you still "pull" on the 545i smg paddles just like on the m3 paddles? it looks like you push the buttons on the 545i
thanks
ting
[snapback]78578[/snapback]
That is a frustrating issue with BMW.
SMG in M3 and SMG in the rest of the preset line up are 2 different systems by 2 different manufactures. (bosh ans Siemens I believe but don't quote me on that). This issue pissed me off because it would be nice to have a proper SMG in 545, R&D already done, technology is there. WHY BMW?
SMG in 545 (anfd the restof line up) is significantly bogged down (simplified in BMW language)
main differences:
- shift speeds are slower (noticably slower)
- No gradient assist (hold left paddle in M3)
- 2 vs 11 programs which means
- Lack of winter programs (less programs in general)
- lack of S6 (track program)
- - smaller paddles (545) that both shift up and down each) vs left - right + M3
After driving M3 SMG for 2 years I tried 545 SMG and was dissapointed.
I know 11 programs seems like a lot (ther were jokes about BMW doing spring, simmer and autumn modes s well as I'm pissed , out of my way and slow mow modes
. But seriously you need the flexibility to adapt to different driving situationsThe point is independant of what car is better or worse M3 SMG is better technology and that's the one to use in all BMW especially in 60K+ flagship 5
[snapback]80327[/snapback]
[/quote]Let me start by saying I to would love the M series SMG hardware/software. However, BMW is buiilding cars for a broader range of $60k plus buyers. Most want the look and feel of a Hot Rod, but don't actually use it or want the inconveniences associated with an actual Hot Rod. So we get a watered down version. I would like quicker shifts but most people would complain about it "Banging into Gear". The M3/5 buyer is clearly going for that type of car, BMW is betting that many 525/530/545 buyers are not.
01-18-2005, 06:47 AM
#27
Super Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Posts: 17,310
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
I agree pennetta. Plus, as much as I personally would love the SMGII or III in my car, I really have no complaints about what I have. The more you drive it, these issues become less significant.
Also, no matter what version of SMG, the paddle arrangement on the E60 makes the most sense and should be used universally on all of the SMG cars...
Also, no matter what version of SMG, the paddle arrangement on the E60 makes the most sense and should be used universally on all of the SMG cars...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post