BMW E46 M3 SMG HATERS?! (HD)-- Truth about SMG II and Why All the Haters?

BMW M3 SMG HATERS (HD)-- Truth about SMG II and Why All the Haters?
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[@Wafeek007]

I have had my 04 E46 SMG M3 for 10 years and i love it. Its a matter of preference...It can be quirky for first time drivers as she will buck like a wild stallion especially on aggressive and sport mode...

[@djjmann]

Replace the TPS's, gear selector switch and maybe needs a new friction disk and should drive much better. But I, like you, prefer the jerkyiness of the SMG, it's very raw and tactile.

[@ChannelAsh100]

haha agreed. I got to test drive an smg for the first time yesterday and i didnt realize i was in mode 5 and just going 15 mph, shifting to second gear was a huge jolt but its smooth if you drive it right.

[@magnumricknineg]

+DivineRift Glad you got a chance to drive it!

[@emilepapillon2275]

Did you install the csl-like software ? I'm asking because mine is stock and i am in doubt wether to get it or not.

[@magnumricknineg]

+Emile Papillon Updated software for sure helps

[@RadioControl360]

Simple: Everyone who hates on the SMG has never driven the SMG Everyone who hates on the Manual has never driven the Manual

[@GeekyGamer167]

But... No. I bought my M3 with an SMG and the clunkiness, the fact that it would stall, the horrific time it took to shift (1st to 2nd on occasion would take 3-4 seconds unless I was flooring it), and the fact that the auto mode was just useless made me manual swap it right away. While I understand that my experience likely isn't what the SMG was meant to be, cause the questionable history and 170k miles was definitely a factor. My mom tried to drive the car for a day in automatic mode and had to call me 3 different times for help driving it. I had even left a note in the car with exact steps on how to get into auto mode, but it's really confusing to anyone who hasn't been taught how to drive it. All of my friends wanted to drive it, but it was difficult to teach them how to drive it smoothly, and in general I never really felt like I was able to enjoy it. I never did the CSL software, but I imagine it would be a major improvement. The launch control is neat, but I'd rather have a shifter do my bidding rather than some paddles and a computer that surely knows best...

[@quinnkoszarek7211]

GeekyGamer167 did you swap it?

[@ICXC0]

Everybody hates smg, everybody hates manual, just get automatic

[@Linoge279]

I own a e46 m3 smg, loves every minutes driving it and its my daily driven car to work, own it almost a year now. Just a tips to all smg owner, get a faulty smg pump rebuild it, usually the motor the common problem and it can be replaced, so having a working spare would save cost rather than replacing with a new one.

[@shelster9967]

Dude, so timely. I am in the process of trying to buy a 2006 M3 SMG convertible and when I test drove it I thought... "Man, I don't know why there's all the hate. With a little practice I could get glassy smooth with this transmission and car." Thanks for the honest appraisal.

[@magnumricknineg]

NO problem! Glad this helps. It is a fantastic car, but it is not for everyone. Glad you tried it for yourself and now have valid proof of concept. Thanks for the support!

[@TomCogan]

Unfortunately the vert+smg gets double the hate but I've accepted it.

[@shelster9967]

Yeah, I hear that! It's simple for me though, it's got the style, performance and build quality that I want in a package perfect for drop top bombing in the N. GA mountains which are 30 mins from me.

[@magnumricknineg]

Go for it man! You will enjoy it so much!

[@Stag2997]

Honestly? It's to do with dick length. I find it funny how many manual owners mess about with different shifters, gearbox oils etc.

[@JosMyOpinion]

So there are a few misconceptions surrounding the SMG-II setup in the E46 here. Allow me to clear them up. 1. SMG is not for "people that don't know how to drive a manual." The transmission is the exact same Getrag unit as in the standard 6-speed. Instead of using a pedal to hydraulically activate the clutch, it uses electro-hydraulic activation. It is designed, following the F1 systems of the time, for better performance than a manual (proven by the 4.8s possible 0-60 times SMG ONLY, and the super fast shifts available whilst tracking the vehicle) , alongside the added benefit of automatic mode. 2. The SMG pump is not what fails primarily. The salmon relay fails, the accumulator fails, the SMG motor fails but the pump does not. Hydraulics are designed to last the entire life of the vehicle. Without changing the fluids, or support parts of the course the pump will need replaced. Seals will dry out, excessive failures of other wear parts will add to the hydraulic stress of the SMG Pump unit and cause it to fail. Therefore, the SMG Pump is not the concern, but the proper maintenance of the unit should be. 3. Get an SMG/ DME tune. It will solve ALL of your inherent SMG issues. I recommend the TTFS SMG DME Tune.

[@deplorabledave1048]

Jos Singh Chohan Right you are. I had my motor removed opened up and all the carbon cleaned out. It didn't need brushes or bearings yet but just cleaning all the carbon out helped it run faster and cooler. If you search hard enough you'll find a file for the CSL SMG tune. It is the fastest shifting tune available that I know of. It will make your SMG shift like lightning. We're talking Ferrari F1 shift speeds. It's a bit of a bother to upload it and download it and it all has to be done without your battery going dead in your car or your computer.

[@deplorabledave1048]

Jos Singh Chohan The ttfs SMG DME tune is not as good as the CSL tune.They even state that. The ttfs tune cost $190. As far as I know you can still find the CSL tune open-sourced on the internet for free. If you can't find or access to CSL tune then go ahead and spend the 190. The stock tune on the SMG is terrible. Then when you bring the car to BMW for any warranty work they download what's called an "upgrade" which makes the SMG shifting even slower. Upgrade my ass.

[@waynemartin8979]

Jos Singh Chohan Where can I find the tune you spoke towards Jos Singh Chohan?

[@brancook1223]

Well said. Very well said

[@johnnypena1083]

First sentence says it all. I’ll keep my 6 speed.

[@VG22.]

Owning a SMG transmission is like owning a dog ! lol :) cracked me up

[@magnumricknineg]

haha. Glad you liked my analogy! Thanks for watching buddy!

[@cmr-.-2231]

1. I love the SMG 2. FINALLY ONE WHO‘S USING THE TURN SIGNAL

[@CellProcessor]

I love the SMG. It has a learning curve like a manual because it is one, but once you learn it you're able to drive it smoothly. Reliability is a flaw, most often it is the motor or accumulator on the pump that goes out. Burkhart Engineering came out with an affordable kit that fixes this, highly recommended!

[@Pkpkpk78]

Great info. I bought an smg 6 months and love every minute of it! I drove numerous smg and manuals before buying it. Just wanted something different and I don't regret it! Practice makes it perfect!

[@magnumricknineg]

+patrikkatoc Thanks for your testimony! This is especially important coming from someone who has tried both AND decided with the SMG! Cool. Someone who knows what they are talking about! Thanks for watching!

[@kwikshift00]

"Faster than the human hand and human foot, no matter who your talking about" 😂😂

[@freud2695]

Great review. Accurate. I have had the SMG for 12 years. Takes time to learn the nuances of driving it. The complainers either havent spent enough time driving it or they simply can't drive. Period. Excellent review.

[@magnumricknineg]

+Freud Thanks! All Very nuanced!

[@joeli27]

I had driven both smg amd manual e46 m3... i've been driving manual for 20 yrs and i didnt mind the smg at all... it was kinda slow and jerky at first but u became use to it after a few days... after i've done to csl flash it was night and day... it shifted so much smoother, faster and auto rev match lol... but 2 yrs ago the smg pump died and it was a cheaper option for me to do the manual conversion... its more fun in manual but at times i miss smg when i feel tired and lazy driving home from a long day of work lol

[@AC-wl7ve]

what were the symptoms of your pump dying? mine is dropping out of gear occasionally, but pump primes and shifts are still fine. im thinking of doing the conversion as well.

[@CiscoKidd055]

2005 M3 SMG ZCP and I love mine! I've had it over 3 years and unfortunately i had the bad luck of having to replace the pump. It ran me all of 2k but I knew i was I replacing it going in, I couldn't pass up the price under 100k miles @ 13k was a steal figure in the pump and i still robbed it for under 20k. It def. takes some getting used to but once you know your car and what she likes the jerkyness and hard shifts are a thing of the past. I really have no clue why the interwebs hates on them so much.

[@deplorabledave1048]

Because of a leg injury I could no longer drive a 3 pedal car. I bought the E46 M3 equals 35 of the attempt to transition. I grew to love it so much that I felt I would never go back to a 3 pedal car even if I could. The last two years I have turned my car into a daily driver. I use every single function and setting on my SMG both in automatic and paddle shift. My car is Imola red and I bought these very large oversized Billet red anodized pedals for no. They have been a godsend. I live in South Florida that can very often have terrible traffic and oh my God is it great to have the SMG in every possible driving situation that my area and throw at it. Yesterday was the first day I ever had a problem with it and a new salmon relay which I had been holding since 2012 was put into use. The new salmon relay was all it took. Tip: remove your 12 volt SMG motor at 60K to 80K miles and open it up and clean it out. Length of brushes should be okay. Commutator and bearings should be okay, but it will be full of brush gunk. Just clean it and reassemble it, and put it back. I'm looking for a rebuilt one just to have it on hand.

[@kimlen29]

I have had a 2004 SMG M3 and i loved it.

[@matthewdavies4120]

I thought I'd made a mistake buying my 05 e46 m3 with smg, but after adjusting to it for a few days I loved it! Do research on the car you're looking at and hopefully no problems will pop up! I got the convertible with hard top, I love the look of the vert and the odd chance I get to put the roof down is great, but if I regret anything about the car I bought is that I wish I'd gone for the coupe (purely cos the vert get a lot of cabin noise and needs more maintaining!). But the smg isn't on of my regrets! Finding a good, in abused coupe is difficult these days unfortunately

[@joeyvisser6953]

Nice video and I can relate what you are saying in the video. I have a BMW M3 convertible with SMG II transmission. And I love it. I stopped arguing about the SMG and manual discussion, because Haters always gonna hate. Apart of having a manual or SMG II....both are blessed to own a BMW M3 E46...and that's what counts IMO.

[@magnumricknineg]

+Christian Visser Good advice man. Thanks for watching!

[@5times146]

Yrs is the best that's why I got one smg hardtop

[@AutoBeta2T]

Nice vid. I am looking for an M3 at the minute and had decided that I had to have a manual (because of what I read). Test drove a SMG today and it's ace. I'm 180 on what transmission I want now. :)

[@andrewe46]

I have an SMG M3 with the common resistor "mod" and a CSL tune. I couldn't be happier. Will my next M3 be SMG? Probably not as I'm going for an 05/06 ZCP manual and will still have my current SMG M3. It took me maybe 2-3 weeks to learn my SMG and drive it properly. While I was a BMW product specialist I was driving plenty of SMG and Manual M3/M5. It all comes down to preference. Don't let people scare you on what you want to get.

[@boheng81]

I have an SMG and never had any issues currently @ 60k. To future smg owners the following should be done to keep your smg running good. 1.) switch out the salmon relay every 10k miles. A bad relay can send bad signals to the pump and can overwork the motor, therefore, wearing it out faster. 2.) If you live in a place where it's mostly hot consider replacing the smg fluid with Burkhart-Engineering smg fluid. It helps the pump running on pressure 25% faster. This helps against heating problems. You can always relocate the pump if that's not enough for a peace of mind. 3.) If you don't have the patience to learn how drive the smg then get TTFS tuning smg flash. This will smooth out all jerkiness and improve shifting. Everything I've mention is fairly cheap starting from $16 - $100+ for the tune. If you've done the above and you get the cog light most likely the motor has already been worn out so relocate the smg pump and replace the motor or accumulator. Google is your friend if you need more info.

[@jimmysprinkle9666]

What? The Salmon relay? hahaha. Just buy a manual already, and if you can't afford one, buy a G37s and be done with your sports car dreams. Salmon relay hahahha.

[@petergaltry4529]

Thanks Mate . Great review. Am deciding between an E36 M3 Manual and an E46 M3 SMG. This has helped a lot. Looking forward to taking an E46 M3 Vert down the Great Ocean Road. Pete. Melbourne Australia

[@ballsdeep604]

Love my smg really do. Only had one problem gear positioning sensor had to replace.

[@matthewhillyard6026]

John Smith my x5 wont go into gear did that happen to you?

[@realisrealite5554]

Love my 6sp manual.Only trouble I've had is NONE

[@deanpedley]

Ive had both the smg and a manual m3.I had the smg first its a good gearbox tbh but after 6 months of owning it i missed the manual.The manual is so much more a drivers car and gives you more control.I ended up keeping the m3 with a manual box for 6 years. I found the smg shifting was low and felt sluggish and many friends who drove it said it just lacked that urgency you get with the manual,but its wrong to say the smg is a bad gearbox,for me i would just sooner have the manual but each to their own

[@magnumricknineg]

You comment absolutely summarizes and concisely states my view of the SMG vs. Manual Debate

e46 m3 csl only available with smg.The only difference between smg and manual is hydraulically controlled,both use same getrig transmission.

[@m_rodbearings]

Oh. Mark you're Here. which one do you have

[@tommyv1477]

Are the e46 m3 worth buying for 8-10k with the SMG if it has a good maintenance history

[@da9nerdy]

i own a 2008 M5 with an SMG 3. prior to buying the car i read plenty of reviews on the SMG. many mixed feelings about it. figured i would try it for myself. first. i love the transmission. after a month of driving it, i became very familiar with it. i later had a FLASH TUNE on the car and it made the transmission feel so smooth. jerkyness is practically gone. shifts are smooth and precise on wide open throttle. full control of the transmission. with the option to put it on automatic mode and drive home in comfort. slaming through the 7Gears is amazing and addicting. this is not my daily driver. and as a family car thats also fun to drive... its amazing.

[@magnumricknineg]

+S85_willy Thanks for your input! We always love hearing reviews from people driving these cars. Thanks for the support!

[@ATXcam]

Yer totally right on bro!!! Thanks for calling 'em out!! A real driver will see it as a different and exciting new driving experience and find a way to use it as the tool it was designed as and to focus on honing their racecraft. I personally have a special place for it because it was indeed the first mainstream and accessible clutchless standard (excluding Porsche's Sportomatic) and as a disabled racer of 30 years saw the SMG as my way out of the torque converted automatic. Thanks for the vid, and to the haters, chill out and learn to drive it. Not saying you have to get one, but if yer a real driver and not a poser, you'll embrace it as a unique and capable driving experience and recognize it's truly revolutionary heritage. Thx

[@deplorabledave1048]

I have an SMG in my M3 2005. I freaking love it. I drive it in sport mode plus I have a Sprint electronic Electronic Module that increases the opening of the intake even faster. I can't let anybody else drive it in this mode in traffic. But when I drive the car it's a hundred percent smooth because I know how to shift it and when to shift it. I love my SMG so much I can't begin to tell you.

[@MufasaAM]

I’ve never really heard anyone hate on the drive ability of the smg more so about it failing and the high price to repair.

[@darrend2035]

My e46 m3 smg was great , unfortunately when I had the clutch replaced and slave cylinder it runs really rough

[@DaniilVataman]

Nice video! I have an 04 M3 with SMG. Love every minute of it. Plus the SMG is faster than manual 😛

[@magnumricknineg]

Hey bud! Thanks so much for watching! I am glad you feel positively about the car! The SMG is faster. Also, look to see how the industry is already moved on from the Manual. Not knocking down the Manual but the Paddles are now King!

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Completely agree with your review after all these years. I got an SMG E46 here in 2022. Coming from a manual 323I, I love the SMG. It is a true manual car that you can also push start if you ever have to. Perfect rev-matching with the TTFS tune.

[@ZoneTelevision]

Thanks.. definitely clear explanation.

[@lemfaj4367]

oh man! great review! this really helps me a lot.. i found one for sale '02 m3 here in socal with 99k miles on it with smg tranny.. but then i read a lot of negative reviews regarding the smg and that's the reason why my heart and mind are still debating lol.... after watching your video... it helps me a lot of pursuing the smg...

[@magnumricknineg]

+Rommel Fajardo so glad this helped you. Just be aware of future maintenance and you should be fine!

[@magnumricknineg]

+Rommel Fajardo If you are looking for a clean one, I have one with 58k miles.

[@TheThankfulServant]

I'm looking to buy an M3 with SMG transmission however as I'm not very knowledgeable in the car I had to ask my friends opinions and they all said don't get the SMG etc but I just really want the SMG, thank you so much for your advice, could you make another video of things to lookout for when buying a used M3, many thanks.

[@magnumricknineg]

+TheThankfulServant Do your friends have an SMG M3 themselves?

[@jeffkrause2707]

I think one of the issues is there are a lot of people who buy the SMG because they are less money, and then FREAK when they get a $4000 repair estimate when it pukes. If you're a good mechanic and can do the work yourself it helps a lot. Just be ready for huge bills when (not if) it starts going all wrong. None of these cars are cheap when they break. Maintenance is the key!

[@Mrizing]

You have an amazing channel keep up the hard work! I have a 2004 bmw 545i with smg 98k miles. I'm having major problems with the smg transmission its very jerky when going into reverse and also going forward. It's so jerky that its impossible to drive then on the car screen I will get error messages "transmission malfunction" drive slow. That's what it says also the car has a completely dead battery. I'm thinking the battery and alternator are not providing enough power for the smg to work correctly because I was reading some forms and it happened to a guy who had a m3 . Is there any helpful information you can give me or point be where I can find some answers . Also smg pump is fine because I can hear it primping before starting the car. Please it would be very helpful.

[@peteb1854]

Great video. You make a lot of valid observations and points. Thank you.

[@magnumricknineg]

+pete b Thanks so much Pete!

[@TheClassifiedMan]

I’ve got an 03 325i e46 smg, the gear changes are a little slow looks like a version 1 looks nothing like the m3 ones anyway does anyone know how to changed the hydraulic fluid and what fluid it takes? Thanks.

[@dboucher26]

My SMG is in the shop now being converted to manual. I pick it up tomorrow. I somewhat liked the SMG, but theres some things you can't do with the SMG that you can with the manual, which was very frustrating for me. You have to have perfect timing on every shift with the SMG, if not you get a big thumping sound with a jerk to match. I never get that with my manual. Also, people say SMG is as fast or faster than manual, no it isn't. Either I'm a pro at driving manuals or I shift faster than normal people do. My SMG always have me waiting for it's shifts, and it often takes longer than I want it to even at the most aggressive shift setting.

[@Tombo1904]

I've got a 2004 manual i do love the smg, but the thing that put me off was the repair costs in replacing the smg pump when it fails (not if) its around £3100 here parts and labour. other than that its a fantastic system

[@magnumricknineg]

Agreed that maintenance on ///M cars is more than a standard BMW. Yet, I always remind people that the car is a step up in luxury, performance, and price as well. You gotta pay to play. You are right! Thanks for the support!

[@Tombo1904]

agree with that, it was a £47k car not so long ago. my friend who is a mechanic said don't be put off by the smg. i just knew i love manual cars. i would own one but it would have to be cheaper than a manual. the cheapest cars here are SMG convertibles probably because it never stops raining :/

[@magnumricknineg]

Makes sense. Here in So Cal, the convertible is great!

[@Stag2997]

You can get a pump rebuild kit for £450. As for the price of the pump it looks cheap compared to B7 RS4 suspension. £1k a corner in parts for a damper and DRC unit (if it's knocking the DRC is shot) and only VW or a specialist with the right equipment can bleed the system.

[@leekindell9937]

Wrong..it costs £800 to put new pump motor on and fit, real cheap fix, this is the common issue people online saying its thousands to repair, scaring people..SO wrong. its the motor thats the weak point, upgrade that for 500 pounds and update the fluid, £300 to fit and your sorted.

[@MrGlennDG]

can someone tell me if this also counts for the e46 330ci smg? is it compareable with the m3 smg the way it drives or the issues with it?

[@tonymontana897]

I've owned my 99 E36 M3 SMG I for over ten years now and I still love it. SMG is best of both worlds. When you're tired, select auto and it will shift for you no problem. When you want to play, you can then shift manually. (no pun intended) My SMG has worked flawlessly since purchase. It had the accumulator replaced and software updated and it's been excellent. I'll never sell it.

[@antonio-andresfortezastefanova]

You almost told a motivational speach, lol. Love you vids.

[@ocrlr]

Great vid: dude i have no problem saying I don't know how to drive it. i watched the salesman drive one in a test drive. I prefer the manual shift. kinda fearful, but i may learn; thanks your advice... i thank you for talking the time to explain it; much appreciated. I love the M3's/M5's. Shifting in traffic, well its stick and you wish it was an automatic.. yeah its not the tranny, its the parts that fail and are expensive to replace.. Thanks again for your honesty

[@israesteban1]

I Have A 2002 E46 M3 with the SMG and I love it, best transmission ever, just replace the clutch, when I drive this transmission I feel my self like F1 "Max Verstappen" :)

[@darrend2035]

So true , I have a 2003 hardtop smg and it’s awesome, I actually prefer the smg

[@jordanberry4824]

Exactly about everything you said!!!!!!

[@AC-wl7ve]

reliability aside the smg is such a fun transmission to drive. i see the hate though from people that have driven it once and haven no idea what theyre doing, it probably took me over a month before i could really drive it smooth without thinking about it. it was like learning to drive a stick all over again.

[@amadsamara7949]

Aside from car talk I can tell you have some wisdom brotha, “everything has a positive and negative”

[@sciencefollowstheevidence11]

Best review i have heard on smg. Them who hate the smg are not mechanically minded. Or dont have one and just follow what every one else states online

[@krispewkrem3]

My understanding is that it’s a 6 speed that is shifted with pumps and a computer instead of a clutch pedal. From the sound of it, that SMG is shifting just as quick and smoother as me with a perfect shift in my 6 speed. The complaints I’ve heard are that you can’t say on the gas and shift like other cars. Driving a manual, I’m used to lifting the the tile to shift and this would seem the same. Gear and Gasoline covered it in his video. The only reason I do not want a SMG is the complexity of them and repairing them. I prefer a good ole manual for simplicity and cost.

[@TheAstroKidx]

My Z4 has the SMG 1 and it's no where as good as the SMG 2 but I mean the SMG is amazing when it's working. I'd enjoy it more if it wasn't so expensive to fix when it needs to be replaced. But you're right, these aren't bad transmissions. It's fun to drive and people are always curious because they think it's an autotragic lol. But for my kind of style, in doing the full manual swap just cause I miss having an actual clutch to kick in.

[@m-fee4359]

the way to learn smg is to drive it in automatic and watch the computer change the gears itself then you put it on manual and practice. i actually watched youtube to learn when i bought my m3.

[@MrHengDoItAll]

hey buddy I have few months e39 m5 (94K miles) I do't drive much just for summer or weekend . what the best maintenance to keep run smooth? Thank you , I like your E46 M3 by the way .

[@magnumricknineg]

Yrly maintenance checkup. Use correct oil and make sure to add oil if it is burning it. Thanks bro!

[@Iloveak123]

I have a black coupe SMG I love it. Convertibles are much cheaper to own but I like the coupe more.

[@ICXC0]

I want sincere comments, do people who are looking for M3 really look for smg? Or was that the only option they were able to find because they couldn’t find manual?

[@donchito6281]

If you get an SMG keep it in Sport Mode you will get used to it shifting when its not in Sport mode it takes a few seconds longer to shift gear get in gear and you have to let go of gas longer in sport mode you can shift much faster downshifting do like 1,500rpm or just under 2,000rpm i got a 2004 E46 and I didnt think it was a shift saw it more of a Automatic tiptronic but oce i got up on a hill or slope if i didnt press break it rolls backwards so its a legit clutch just a different clutch setup it takes getting used to but just keep in mind at first if you had a clutch pedal so when you shift give it a second or 2 like if your pressing clutch than put foot back on gas and shifts smooth like butter sometimes it jerks downshifting more so in 2nd and 1st cuz smaller gear ratios in thos 2 gears but i was doing 120 in 4th gear ita a fun car just guzzles gas 30mpg highway and 20city and Premium 91 +16gallon tank it cost me $45 -50 dollars to fill up last 4- 5 days till empty its a fun car though once you get the hang of it

[@jeffkrause2707]

I have an 03 M3 convertible/manual with 65k and live in Salt Lake City, where 15 minutes from the house I have some of the best roads in the entire country. A convertible in this market just rocks! Yes, it is heavier and marginally slower than a coupe. If I take it to Utah Motorsports Campus for a track day it is a few seconds a lap slower. But you know what? I couldn't care less! It is one of the most entertaining cars to drive I've ever had, which includes a gaggle of 911s, E30 M3's and my own S52 powered E30 M3 Cabrio. It's fast, comfortable for 1000 mile days and on crisp fall evenings with a date in the car it's just magic. If you can afford the expensive repair costs of an SMG and don't want to shift on your own - go for it! The convertibles are not race cars like the coupes, but there's really nothing else quite like it. I like the engagement that a manual transmission requires. If I wanted the car to do everything for me I'd buy a GTR... :)

[@nadoe1808]

I plan on buying a e46 m3 to Daily what do u think the yearly maintenance done properly would be on it ? And smg pumps how often would u say they go ?

[@magnumricknineg]

+Eddie Acevedo-Mercado A few hundred a year for oil service and check up. 3k for the SMG pump

[@jimmysprinkle9666]

You gotta put aside about $2,000 per year average on these cars just to keep the service light off. Just like any high-strung sports car, if you wanna play, you gotta pay.

[@luisa.pereira745]

I have a 2 e46 and one of them was smg and smg is soooo slow when going threw gear

[@tommynhinho]

Nice to know about the smg, why does your car sound like its falling apart?

[@chichi3591]

Where did you get the carbon fiber wheel cover?

[@magnumricknineg]

+Chi Chi Car came like that when I purchased it

[@ukyo2010]

I have an E46 M3 w/ SMG. I don't hate it but, if I had to do it over again, I would get a traditional manual. The main thing that I dislike it downshifting automatically. I wish there were a mode where it just stayed in the gear I put it in.

well said! Thank you.

[@magnumricknineg]

+Sam Toure Thanks to you for watching, Sam!

[@kavan1773]

You live in SoCal? Which part? Here in the San Fernando Valley the biggest problem the SMG has given me is during summer days when it gets over 100F outside. The car drops into neutral randomly for about 5 seconds when it gets too hot. That's my biggest issue with it. When it's below 100 outside it's fine and I have no complaints.

[@magnumricknineg]

I'm in the West LA area. I have hear about issues with temperate. Not only heat but also when it is very cold. The SMG struggles a bit. However, I also noticed my gears in my M5 struggle a bit in cold temperatures. That's way it is always good to warm a car up. What do you do to help the 100 degree temps?

[@kavan1773]

European Motors So far all I've done is just leave the car at home on 100+ days. I haven't had time to try to fix it since I'm busy with school. It really only happens when you're on the streets or in stop and go traffic. If you're driving on the highway you're usually fine. Some people clean out their oil cooler and the problem goes away, for them the issue only occurs when its hot outside AND their oil Temps pass 210 (or whatever the middle reading is on the oil temp gauge.). Some people install a temperature resistor on a specific wire in the engine bay and that fixes their problem. Some people claim they try all of that and then replace the hydraulic pump and only then their problem goes away. All I can tell you is, be cautious on really hot days.

[@Tomato9394]

Hi, when is the last SMG fluid change for your car? If you get error code 56 often then you should check both the SMG fluid condition and consider rebuilding the SMG motor (not to buy a new unit). You should get a check up with program that can do SMG diagnosis to get a better picture, it's meaningless to do a blind date with your car - it's not romantic at all. My $0.02.

[@reysy4929]

There are several entry within this particular issue on the M3 forum and it pertain to the Temperature sensor location which is located close to the the exhaust. I think the fix was to fool the ECU by terminating a resistor. As for the comparison, I totally agree with your unbiased finding since I've driven both. One valid point is the traffic on the stick, although both can be entertaining in its own particular characteristic either on the track or just in a joy ride. Learn to DIY is a must if you don't have the budget and that really applies to any car, otherwise a few dollars here and there on a hidden stash can save the wallet during a rainy day. Props!

[@kavan1773]

Rey Sy I've heard of that fix. I never got around to doing it though and it's cooled down in my area now. A few people also noted that when they did experience this problem it was always when it was both really hot outside and their oil temps were passing 210. So some people cleaned out their oil coolers and the problem went away. This car is really sensitive to any small electronic faults. I guess since the SMG is heavily dependent on electronics this can be a bad thing.

[@MrSpaz12]

I love my SMG. The only issue I've had was the SMG pump relay going out and they're 15 dollars and 3 minutes to change.

[@MrSpaz12]

Well, here it is a year later and have to admit that the SMG has issues and that after trying a few remedies, I've given up and I'm now converting it. Luckily it's only about a thousand dollars to convert if you can do the work yourself.

[@jean-pierreguedes9982]

we test drove a SMG transmission that kept going to gear 0 many times while driving in automatic mode, sometimes the car would not start in gear 0 until first going to R , also the automatic mode is jerky and slow to respond under hard acceleration, this was a 2003 BMW M3 Convertible with 120K miles, to me I wonder why BMW even developed the SMG, it may be ok in manual mode but then why not market the manual transmission alone. paddle shifting in my opinion is an overly blown transmission shifting sales pitch from F1. My 2018 Chevrolet Cruze automatic mode is just great and it also provides me with manual shifting if I want to, that is the best engineering design

[@laneb9458]

So do you think paying the extra money to buy the manual is worth it? Had never heard of the smg until I started looking further into these cars. I am can drive manual and am wondering what to get

[@magnumricknineg]

+Lane B If you can afford the manual, do not think about it twice. If you cannot, go for the SMG. Just be prepared for maintenance if the pump might go out. But all around, enjoyable

[@jimmysprinkle9666]

Afford the manual? If the SMG is so great, why are they selling for 5 grand less than the manual cars? Answer: Zero enthusiasts of the model want one. Period.

[@fuextreme]

I'm going to buy BMW e46 m3 in next 2 month just searching for it , I read lot of stuff about it , I want to hear your opinion if SMG is risky to buy than manual transmision and what year is best to buy option because people say from 2003 "restailing" is much better

[@magnumricknineg]

+nikoloz zurabishvili For reselling, manual is better buy you will also pay more. Replacement of SMG pump and clutch can be more costly than manual so research and ask for previous records, get the car inspected by a BMW mechanic. Weigh the options and choose SMG or manual

[@jimmysprinkle9666]

Suck it up and pay extra for the manual. Period. Good luck in finding a clean one these days.

[@ivemer9541]

the smg is faster than manual I have an 06' M3 with the competition package it's pretty much gives you an experience of a s"manual" car although it's not manual, but how it operates

[@richkingsley7567]

Bought an SMG after giving up looking for a manual. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't that great. Fast forward a couple years and I finally found a manual and it is a completely different car. If you are on the fence, don't buy the SMG- spend the extra money for the manual because every time you drive the SMG you will be thinking about the 6mt. Or do like I did and loose a whole bunch of money buying the SMG then realizing how bad it is, sell the car and buy the manual. Also having to reply to "Is this an automatic?" to everyone that gets in the car gets old for you and your passengers.

[@russelltaylor3282]

What year is your M3?

[@paranorml]

Most who hate never owned one. This video is so accurate.

[@microbeast83]

You sound like Mickey mouse when you say yes and no lol.

[@magnumricknineg]

+Micro Beast Thank you, Pluto...Yes, no!

[@huecomundo5042]

dude my e46 m3 slips to neutral on the highway!!! smg is troublesome.

[@ivemer9541]

you should check your clutch

[@MJH211]

It's just hard to love this SMG after having driven and loved the manual versions of BMWS. There's nothing I hated about my e39 m5 except maintenance. That's the same w my m3s. SMG would be ok if it was more reliable. To me this there's just nothing like running through gears in the 46 M3. I tried to love the SMG but just couldn't after driving both but that's just my personal preference. If u love SMG I'm not mad at u just think if u haven't tried the other fully manual u might be missing out.

[@leekindell9937]

they drive great, you know its not a modern auto, i have an 800bhp modern car and i have this also....and LOVE driving this just as much its involving and character of the car at the time. The manual doesn't have the best shift anyway.

[@dasstig5274]

For people stuck with an Automatic restricted driver's license for whatever reason, the SMG is a convenient loophole if you dont want to have a regular automatic.

[@goguhu]

The SMG II was actually pretty good for what it was ... Put it in #1/#2 gear mode, and it's pretty smooth, if you are not heavy on the throttle. Put it in 5/6 and change at < 5k ... and it's jerky.

[@tiagopereira7953]

goguhu buy a 328i whit a normal steptronic transmission and you would get smoothieness... lol...! It's an M3, it's not spouse to be smooth...!!!

[@brandeezyls]

Awesome

[@s2kalban]

When I got my SMG 545i I thought I screwed up. The price was amazing and Sterling BMW did a full inspection and replaced some recall parts and other things. But driving the SMG home in traffic it was jerky and felt like I was burning the clutch. But about a week later I realized you have to drive it like a manual. I never use the automated mode and let off about 25% between shifts and its smooth and crisp. As for a real drivers experience between a manual and SMG... well manual is simple off gas clutch in shift clutch out back on gas. Smg is the same but your communicating between a bunch of computers and a hydralic unit that has its own clutch pedal. So really to drive a SMG car right without jerking and awkard shifts you need to focus a lot more on driving the SMG than a manual. Mind you every car I have ever owned has been manual and learned to drive on a manual. And would get a Manual again if the dct or smg wasnt offered. And yes smg has its quirks like a hydraulic unit going bad that might cost you about 3k to 4k to replace. But get a good warranty that covers that unit like route 66 and a few others your good. Oh and clutch replacement cost the same as a manual. But to each his own. mine has been in my owner ship now for 3 years and 80k miles which puts at 153k miles now and still on stock clutch and never touched the smg unit. Knock on wood.

[@robertr7084]

95% of SMG problems are misdiagnosed, customer has to pay out for parts continuously until the right one is changed or procedure is done correctly.

[@primavera919]

thank you for your objective POV

[@magnumricknineg]

No problem buddy! Thanks for watching!!

[@robwhitfield6166]

smg all the way i love mine

[@TheBlackdragon936]

Most of the hate is from ignorant people thinking its an automatic.

[@magnumricknineg]

+TheBlackdragon936 Absolutely! They keep thinking it is the same thing

[@edwardsarkisian8410]

It is automatic not an automatic but it is automatic

[@TheHyperAssassin]

@@edwardsarkisian8410 Automated manual

[@claycrawford9009]

I agree 100%

[@FoodFighter46]

SMG is smooth when you blip either heel-toe or toe-toe, but god it is terrible on cold lol... it shifts quick but ive came to the conclusion that smacking clutch by myself was overall simpler driving on street lol will be swapping to mt soon Btw i live in japan, the roads here have so many stop-go situations that smg just isnt made for. Thats why cvts are popular over dct here in japanese cars btw.

[@clementquirder]

I currently own m3 e46 smg i don’t hate it but i really think it’s average and the manual would be much much better and i understand why people complain about smg

[@danielhussey3631]

The manual in the E46 M3 is really terrible in stock form. I had to do the UUC clutch stop (which I had to rewire the clutch lock for the ignition to use), remove that silly CDV, stainless clutch line, rebuilt the shift linkage (cup and bushing), and went to a short throw 330D shift arm... and I still wasn't in love with it. Haters will be haters, but lets just admit that the E46 M3 manual isn't without its flaws either.

[@magnumricknineg]

Updating the programing and software for the SMG makes the drive night and day

[@jimmysprinkle9666]

Really terrible in stock form? Compared to what? Sure it has its flaws like being a little vague and "rubbery" especially when gunning it through the 2-3 shift, and the throws in general are a bit long, but really terrible? How so? What's your standard for a perfect stock gearbox since in your opinion this one is so bad?

[@coconuts4u269]

It's only been 10 years since the CSL software has been available to update the firmware on the SMG. There is not jerky anything if you download the upgrade (For free on club websites or 75 dollar from performance sites). The CSL is the fastest M3 eveer made and what did it have-the SMG. Yep, it beat the manual handily) I know I smoke the club manual fan boys all the time in my SMG..

[@pnandrup]

Coool SMG it's a Max nice Automatic of all time. I agree it's a lots of people that, can nothing about cars, for them every ting is bad. Because they don't now nooottting of anything. Drive whit them an you get mentally unstable, when you get the filing this person, drives on pure luck. You get disappointed because this persons talks about cars, so it sounds like they have been teaching Enzo Ferrari, Ferdinand Porsche and Henry Ford, Howe to Make cars. They ay and do things, so you can be afraid. I hate those kinds of people so F much. If someone catch my drift. Coooool video.

[@carbon748]

true.....all my m3 is smg

[@ninjaxkai]

I first owned an smg, sold it and bought a manual 5 months after. Trust me u want the manual.

[@5times146]

Nar you dont

[@realisrealite5554]

@@5times146 The manual actually sells for more than the smg.

[@robertr7084]

There's a purpose for both there would not be as many M3's on the road if it wasn't for SMG option.

[@giovannicaracciolo3801]

hello to all I'm from Milan Italy I just look at the video very good very good job! I would like to ask you if you can help me in one issue ! I always drive and dsg gear on my car , audio , golf r32 , Carrera .it was ok so fast in the shift . Now I want buy a 630 cabriolet BMW and rwo days aago I was to try and drive . the car is simply perfect elegant and sports in same time so pregiate component and very good on the road so all is ok for me . But>......... I drive and the gear is SMG and I was a bit confused !! I want ask you is normal so during the shift 1to 2 to 3to 4 ECC and the same in 4,3,2,to1 I had the impression as the car in moment of gear change ,lose a power for a half second and come up again ??? is this a ceratteristic of the SMG gear i ask you?? please thank you and sorry for my English writing ! jhon

[@magnumricknineg]

Sounds like a fairly normal thing for the SMG

[@giovannicaracciolo3801]

European Motors Hi thanks for your reply I m very glad to read you This morning I was in the meccanic center they drive the car and the guy said to me nothing wrong !!!! This is SMG !! Pleasure to meet you your video is fantastic ! Giovanni

[@CrushiChris]

You sir just did the internet a favour

[@arthurdejager1775]

I love your car. haters hate so much I know they hate themselves 😅😅😅 God bless

[@magnumricknineg]

+Arthur de Jager thanks so much! I appreciate the love and support!

[@Lexzeus2023]

People are ignorant dude ..people who hate SMG don't even know how to drive a manual transmission...who wants to clutch every day and shift gears all the time..smg is the best of both worlds

[@adambassal9169]

i have drove a BMW 325i E46 SMG best feeling ever

[@magnumricknineg]

+Adam Bassal Cool to see you like the SMG

[@jimmysprinkle9666]

Cool? This poster has no idea of what he talking about. 325i with SMG. I don't think so. Why didn't you correct him?

[@maxgr7723]

Jimmy there is a smg for the e46 325i and 330i. However the M54 smg is from bmw ag and the m3 smg is from an italian specialist company. They are working in similar ways but the m3 smg is superior in some aspects.

[@user-yn7un8gu6g]

Yea u have right

[@adamchase1517]

SMG basically for American who can’t drive manuals so they need a box that acts like a manuals but works like a automatic. If there is no clutch pedal it’s a automatic.

[@drewgo224]

Adam Chase clutch pedal or clutch? Cuz it has a clutch...

[@CIREM3]

LoL