Since there is no clutch pedal and shifting is still required for acceleration and deceleration (sorry for the lame description) how does the SMG transmission handle a sudden panic stop or brake application for instance during a critical traffic situation on the freeway/highway? Since I haven't been able to find an SMG equipped BMW in my area (the dealer said they only have an SMG M3 on the showroom floor) I just can't visualize some of the shifting sequences in every situation. I currently drive a 5-speed stick 328i w/sports package and really enjoy the car's performance and agility. But I think a regular manual on the E60 might feel sluggish or not as nimble as the 3 series.

 

You handle the panic stop the same way you might in a traditional manual. Hit the brakes hard and, if you choose, downshift.

The downshifts on the SMG are so precise that, if anything, the panic stops will be better since you can bump the car down two or more gears much faster. Also, it's likely you'll still have both hands on the wheel to assist you in steering away from whatever is causing the panic in the first place.

The only thing that might be tricky is in a spin like on a race track. The rule "in a spin, both feet in" might be hard to abide by in the SMG. I guess in that case you'd have to manually pop it into neutral using the gear selector on the console.

 

Usually these gearboxes are so advanced that in panic situations they may even down shift automatically to bring the car to a complete stop . (I owned an Alfa 156 with SMG type gears and this is what the manual said)


Cheers Kyriacos

 

The SMG on the E60 only downshifts once the car is going too slow for the current gear. In a panic stop situation, it wouldn't downshift early enough to cause any additional slowing of the car.