SMG test drive
01-15-2006, 07:11 PM
#12
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SMG is neither a facsimile of a traditional 6speed nor a traditional automatic (or Steptronic if you speak BMW-ease).
SMG is SMG.
Just like a brunette is a brunette -- neither a blonde nor a red-head.
You must learn to drive an SMG properly -- just like you must learn to drive a 6speed properly.
The hiccups you experienced today is not a fault of the SMG system, but rather symptomatic of a newbie using the SMG for the first time.
SMG is SMG.
Just like a brunette is a brunette -- neither a blonde nor a red-head.
You must learn to drive an SMG properly -- just like you must learn to drive a 6speed properly.
The hiccups you experienced today is not a fault of the SMG system, but rather symptomatic of a newbie using the SMG for the first time.
01-16-2006, 03:00 AM
#13
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My Ride: 2006 530xiT, Silver Gray, Automatic, Navigation, Heads Up Display; Premium Package, Comfort Seats, Logic 7 Sound System
2003 M3, Dakar Yellow, SMG
[QUOTE=subterFUSE;224747]
The trick?
Before shifting up gears, gently release some of the pressure off the accelerator pedal. Don't lift your shoe off the pedal, but think about lifting your foot inside your shoe. Personally, I just think of curling my toes up a little bit. Then, you click the shifter or paddle, the car shifts.... and you can then apply gas to accelerate in the next gear. It will be smooth as silk if your timing is correct.
EXCELLENT ADVICE ON USING SMG.
The trick?
Before shifting up gears, gently release some of the pressure off the accelerator pedal. Don't lift your shoe off the pedal, but think about lifting your foot inside your shoe. Personally, I just think of curling my toes up a little bit. Then, you click the shifter or paddle, the car shifts.... and you can then apply gas to accelerate in the next gear. It will be smooth as silk if your timing is correct.
EXCELLENT ADVICE ON USING SMG.
01-16-2006, 03:59 AM
#14
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My Ride: 2005 545i (SMG)
Titanium Gray
Black Interior, Anthracite Trim
M-tech kit
Sport Package
Premium Sound
Satellite Radio
Active Cruise
Comfort Seats
Navigation
Folding rear seats
EXCELLENT ADVICE ON USING SMG.
It sould be. I read that in this forum, and it was quoted from the engineers of the M5.
01-16-2006, 06:05 AM
#15
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My Ride: 2006 530xiT, Silver Gray, Automatic, Navigation, Heads Up Display; Premium Package, Comfort Seats, Logic 7 Sound System
2003 M3, Dakar Yellow, SMG
Originally Posted by subterFUSE' post='224917' date='Jan 16 2006, 07:59 AM
EXCELLENT ADVICE ON USING SMG.
It sould be. I read that in this forum, and it was quoted from the engineers of the M5.
BUT MY "EXCELLENT ADVICE" RESPONSE WAS BASED ON OVER 2 YEARS OF DRIVING AN M3 WITH SMG, NOT ON READING WHAT ENGINEERS HAVE SAID.
01-16-2006, 04:41 PM
#16
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
You need to learn how to drive SMG... takes a little bit... theres a learning curve like standard transmission... but once you get it its a blast to drive. I can shift smoother in my SMG car than a steptronic can. Trust us its not bad.
And yes the M3 is different than the E60s I dont really think you can compare the two.
And yes the M3 is different than the E60s I dont really think you can compare the two.
02-19-2006, 10:06 PM
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How's the Auto mode with the E60 SMG? Is it like SMG-II, where you really need to easy up on the accelerator while it shifts, in order to be smooth?
Originally Posted by jet190rs' post='224594' date='Jan 15 2006, 09:25 AM
If you think the E60 SMG would feel like the M3 SMG, you're wrong.
I test drove the M3 SMG before getting my E60 and it felt completely different. SMG is rougher in the M3 because you want to feel what's going on in an M car. In the E60 it is so smooth that I couldn't even tell if it was changing gears the first time I drove it.
I don't know if the E60 SMG is right for you, but you shouldn't base your opinion by driving only the M3 SMG. They feel very different. Go test drive an E60 SMG.
I test drove the M3 SMG before getting my E60 and it felt completely different. SMG is rougher in the M3 because you want to feel what's going on in an M car. In the E60 it is so smooth that I couldn't even tell if it was changing gears the first time I drove it.
I don't know if the E60 SMG is right for you, but you shouldn't base your opinion by driving only the M3 SMG. They feel very different. Go test drive an E60 SMG.
02-20-2006, 11:31 AM
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My Ride: '05 545i - scheduled for ED pickup in Munich on 7/22!
Originally Posted by newt' post='243026' date='Feb 20 2006, 02:06 AM
How's the Auto mode with the E60 SMG? Is it like SMG-II, where you really need to easy up on the accelerator while it shifts, in order to be smooth?
Auto mode in the E60 is pretty smooth. It is more than acceptable without easying up on the throttle, but you can make it even more smoother by easying up.
When my sister drives the car, she uses auto mode and doesn't ease up the throttle. I don't have any complaints when I'm in the passenger seat.
At the end of the day, what's jerky for me might be smooth for you, or what's smooth for me might be jerky for you. So try to test drive an E60 SMG if you can. Fill out your profile so we know where you're located. If you're in NYC you can come try mine.
02-21-2006, 06:17 AM
#19
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My Ride: 2004 545i 6speed
Esteemed SMG owners:
A question.
It appears that most attention has been focused on upshifting. What about downshifting?
And for that matter what happens when you make a panic stop? I assume the SMG auto-clutch engages and places you in neutral, but have no experience here.
I am assuming as well that there are two user selectable settings: pseudo-Automatic and Manual shifting.
If one is in the Manual setting and one makes a hard stop then want to accelerate, do you merely upshift (putting you in first geat) with the paddle ?
I like the SMG concept and am considering it with my MY 2007 purchase (550 vs M5).
Thanks.
A question.
It appears that most attention has been focused on upshifting. What about downshifting?
And for that matter what happens when you make a panic stop? I assume the SMG auto-clutch engages and places you in neutral, but have no experience here.
I am assuming as well that there are two user selectable settings: pseudo-Automatic and Manual shifting.
If one is in the Manual setting and one makes a hard stop then want to accelerate, do you merely upshift (putting you in first geat) with the paddle ?
I like the SMG concept and am considering it with my MY 2007 purchase (550 vs M5).
Thanks.
02-21-2006, 09:15 AM
#20
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My Ride: 2005 545i SMG. Titanium Grey with Grey interior and Anthracite wood.
If you are located in Orange County, maybe we can meet. I have an SMG 545 and Love it.