Hi,

I've been lurking for some time, and appreciate this great forum... I've learnt a lot -- primarily that my dealer isn't aware of the myriad of options available to me. I've done some reading / searching but haven't found answers to my satisfaction for a few questions, so I thought I'd start a couple of threads with each of my queries. (Thanks in advance.)

Q: I've heard the formula multiple times: first pick if you want an auto or a manual. Then pick if you want a manual or an SMG. Well, I want a manual... every car I've ever owned (or driven extensively for that matter) has been a manual transmission car. Now, I've also read a lot of people that have the SMG jump up and down about how much fun it is, and that they're never going back, have no regrets, etc.

I test drove an SMG, but: (a) the dealer only had one on a M3, so that's what I drove; (b) I don't think I was driving the car "correctly"; and, ? the guy I was driving with didn't know anything about the transmission and couldn't help.

I'd be curious to hear more of the why from people. Why do you feel that the SMG is more fun than a manual? When do you miss a traditional manual? Can your partner drive the SMG some what reasonably with little to no experience in the car (I just finished teaching my girlfriend to drive a manual, and then we bought her a manual).

 

I specifically bought a SMG for the experaince of a manual but with better precision and so my wife can drive agressively with out the fear she is going to trash the gearbox.

 

Aside from reading the "formula," did you read though all the other SMG posts? (Start at the SMG FAQ thread then use the links there.)

Many opinions are out there -- probably the biggest reason I love the SMG, once you adjust to it, is the downshifts...