To SMG or not to SMG, that is the question...
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 760
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
My Ride: 2004 545i - 6 speed manual (July 04 build), silver-grey/black, sports package std equipment (18", active roll, active steering, adaptive headlights), premium sound, bluetooth enabled, folding rear seat, lumbar, 3m hood/bumper protective film, rear tint, euro reflectors.
Originally Posted by CRRobert' date='Mar 14 2005, 06:00 PM
Based on what you stated, I think you will be very happy with the SMG.? I really like mine.? Still miss a manual every now and then though.? No auto for me.
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I do not have to deal with heavy traffic (at least at this time) and I am a die-hard manual guy.
I have heard that the Europeans are all over the SMG and that BMW has plans of phasing out manuals. Any info to support that?
Contributors
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,591
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
My Ride: Gone: 2004 525i Jet Black, Built 03/04, Premium Package, Black Dakota Leather, Halogen to Euro Spec Bi-Xenons Retrofit, Dark Poplar Wood Trim, Steptronic Breyton Spirit Reps 20x9F 20x10R - Nitto NT555 245/35/20F-275/30/20R, M5 Front Bumper, H&R Sport Springs, Chrome Grills, 20% Tint, Euro Reflectors, Debadged, Aux Input, CIP v19.x
I also regret not opting for SMG :\
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,717
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From: Central Massachusetts
My Ride: Now Driving a Freakin' Prius!
Was...
2004 545i | SMG | White/Black | Sport | NAV | Logic 7 | PDC | Fold-down Seats | Adaptive Headlights | Cold Weather Pkg | Clear-again Bra | Mud Flaps | Bluetooth | Coat Hangar | Aux Input | All Weather Mats | 18"X8.5" BBS RK w/ Michelin Pilot Alpin's (winter) | New steering rack @ 1.2K & 17K miles| Software V.19.1 | B&B Exhaust (vrrrroooooommm!) <---Click.
I've driven 6-speed manuals for the about the past 10 years. I now drive an SMG (545i) and can say that I don't regret it. Granted that there a few (and that is very few) times that it would be nice to be able to modulate the clutch upon launch but that is the only downside. And given that occurs far fewer than trying to hit a perfect downshift, SMG is for me! I actually find that I use the Auto-mode more often now that I'm used to it (especially highway crusing).
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,776
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by markt540i' date='Mar 14 2005, 07:54 PM
Man, you guys sure can sell. I thought I wanted a manual, now I think I want SMG.? 
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Contributors
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,776
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by Busta' date='Mar 14 2005, 08:17 PM
I also regret not opting for SMG :\
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Contributors
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 822
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From: Colorado, USA
Originally Posted by jsal' date='Mar 14 2005, 08:38 PM
[quote name='CRRobert' date='Mar 14 2005, 06:00 PM']Based on what you stated, I think you will be very happy with the SMG.? I really like mine.? Still miss a manual every now and then though.? No auto for me.
[snapback]101544[/snapback]
I do not have to deal with heavy traffic (at least at this time) and I am a die-hard manual guy.
I have heard that the Europeans are all over the SMG and that BMW has plans of phasing out manuals. Any info to support that?
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[/quote]Actually, all I have ever owned is manual transmissions, hence the no auto statement. This is my first BMW, and was really looking at the manual, but generally in a commute situation, so thought that SMG would suit me fine, plus my heal 'n toe downshifts would need alot of work.
Can't say if they are phasing SMG out, but if they do, It will be back to a manual for me.
You can always lease it, and then go back if you don't like it.
Members
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 80
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From: Los Angeles, CA
I know that people say the SMG automatic mode is jerky, but for the rare times that you want to use it, how bad is it really? Will it truly be an unpleasant ride, or is it just not as smooth as the Steptronic?