What no more SMG???
01-11-2007, 09:58 AM
#31
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Originally Posted by subterFUSE' post='376937' date='Jan 11 2007, 01:45 PM
Correct. SMG does not = Auto.
My suspicion is that SMG equipped 5 series were not selling well enough in the US markets to justify keeping the option. I would partially blame this fact on misinformation given by dealers, and other people who don't understand the concept. For example.... my dealer warned me before buying my SMG. He said: "The shifts are rough." Well, this is not exactly true. The shifts are only rough if you don't shift correctly. Would the dealer be correct if he said a 6-speed manual has rough shifts? Of course not. It depends on the driver's skill. Well, the SMG is the same way. A skilled driver can make it shift smooth as silk.
Granted, it takes less skill to operate an SMG than a 6-speed manual.... but it takes skill regardless.
I was actually considering whether to keep my 2005 545i, or sell it and get the 550i restyled. Well, this makes my decision simple. Gonna keep my SMG.
My suspicion is that SMG equipped 5 series were not selling well enough in the US markets to justify keeping the option. I would partially blame this fact on misinformation given by dealers, and other people who don't understand the concept. For example.... my dealer warned me before buying my SMG. He said: "The shifts are rough." Well, this is not exactly true. The shifts are only rough if you don't shift correctly. Would the dealer be correct if he said a 6-speed manual has rough shifts? Of course not. It depends on the driver's skill. Well, the SMG is the same way. A skilled driver can make it shift smooth as silk.
Granted, it takes less skill to operate an SMG than a 6-speed manual.... but it takes skill regardless.
I was actually considering whether to keep my 2005 545i, or sell it and get the 550i restyled. Well, this makes my decision simple. Gonna keep my SMG.
I agree 100% Very well put!!!
01-11-2007, 10:19 AM
#32
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My Ride: 2007 BMW 550i w/SMG - JetBlack - Dinan Software - Dinan Exhaust - Anthracite Trim - Anthracite Headliner - Sport Package
Guys easy way to explain
SMG HAS a Clutch and Flywheel only found with a MANUAL transmission
STEPTRONIC HAS a Torque converter only found on an AUTOMATIC transmission
So SMG is not an Automatic with Paddles it is a Manual Transmission with Paddles
SMG HAS a Clutch and Flywheel only found with a MANUAL transmission
STEPTRONIC HAS a Torque converter only found on an AUTOMATIC transmission
So SMG is not an Automatic with Paddles it is a Manual Transmission with Paddles
01-11-2007, 11:06 AM
#33
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Originally Posted by JetBlack' post='376947' date='Jan 11 2007, 01:19 PM
Guys easy way to explain
SMG HAS a Clutch and Flywheel only found with a MANUAL transmission
STEPTRONIC HAS a Torque converter only found on an AUTOMATIC transmission
So SMG is not an Automatic with Paddles it is a Manual Transmission with Paddles
SMG HAS a Clutch and Flywheel only found with a MANUAL transmission
STEPTRONIC HAS a Torque converter only found on an AUTOMATIC transmission
So SMG is not an Automatic with Paddles it is a Manual Transmission with Paddles
01-11-2007, 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by JDN' post='376965' date='Jan 12 2007, 12:06 AM
Great explanation, but if we are reading things correctly, in 2008 models the SMG paddles will only be combined with the 6-speed-auto transmission.
You really took a crap in his (good) explanation with that remark 
True what you say but u brought the ball back in confusion area for many.
01-11-2007, 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by BetterMakeWay' post='377016' date='Jan 11 2007, 04:41 PM
You really took a crap in his (good) explanation with that remark True what you say but u brought the ball back in confusion area for many.
01-11-2007, 01:46 PM
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Ok, imo it was kind of a mistake to discontinue the smg I production. Why? Because now the range resumes practicly only to 2 types of trannies: manual and auto (sport or no sport). Weird that they are doing this step before getting out the so much rumored dual clutch type. I dunno what exactly they are planning to do now, especially because they kept SMGIII (which in the 1st place had the most problems). Weird...
01-11-2007, 02:19 PM
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My Ride: 2006 550 SMG
Seems to me the two discontinued items, SMG I and Auburn are because of bad marketing on BMW's part. If they had both available at the dealers for people to see up close and be able to drive, they would have sold a lot more. Imagine if the didnt have any Manuals or Autos. Most people who have either the SMG or auburn are very happy with there decision. Its usually the people without either that complain. The dealers don't help by discouraging both either. I Also cant understand why there keeping the SMGIII for the M5, that's the one with all the problems...