I know it is in the wrong forum, but hopefully someone will know. There's a nice 06 M3 with 14k miles white with blue top and light gray leather CPO for like $37K asking price.

This would replace my current garage princess 1995 325 iCA with only 25k miles.

 

SMG isn't "bad" but to put it into perspective, people never regret getting a manual, but some SMG owners regret not getting manual...

I am searching around for the right M3, but I will get manual for sure.

 

I havent heard anyone complain about the SMG yet... or regret getting it, but yeah, you cant go wrong with a manual.

 

I was under the impression that it was "herky jerky" with gear changes. Perhaps I misread or misunderstood.

 

Most reviews say the SMG is jerky because they don't spend enough time driving the car, once you get used to it, you can make the shifts decently smooth.

 

Hi,

I had a M3 for 2 years before my M5 now.
My experience is very positive and all fun in a M3.
The SMG is magnificant and is not jerking at all.
The SMG of the M5 is more smooth but the driving pleasure is the same then with the SMG in the M3.

One of my friends had a cabrio M3 manual and the clutch is quite hard after a while.

I would go for the SMG.

Greetz
Filip

 

Couldn't have said it better myself. I was on a long hard search for a MT M3 before I got my E60. Manual M3's are hard to find. Good luck, go with the manual.

 

Thats a bit expensive for an 06 m3..

 

Wow, I have never seen any one complain about the SMG. I have heard a number of owners complain about the "rubbery" or "soft" feel of the MT in the M6.

 

The SMG in the M6 is, at times, a bit jerky. It takes a while to get used to the feeling of the SMG, but I love it. I have always had a MT in my sport cars, but do not regret the change. The new M3 DCT is even quicker in shifting.