"potential" problems is correct. Fortunately I haven't came across any problems and hopefully I won't encounter any. I have taken here to the tracks and had a blast with her but I haven't launched her. The closest thing i came to launching the car was to just put it in first and floored it.

I got to becareful answering this next question as the moderator is hawking down at me when I throw out numbers. I bought it in the mid thirties when it only had thirteen thousand miles on it.

 

how does it drive compared to the s?

 

looks like duc's old M3

 

[quote name='silverstones2k1' date='Jan 14 2009, 05:00 PM'] I absolutely love smg.

 

It has a clutch just like the normal 6 speed manual transmisison. However, instead of you doing the clutch work, the car/computer does it for you. Yes it's an added "technology" item and yes it will cause more problems. There are a ton of arguments about the reliability of SMG transmissions on the m3 forums. The basic consesus... don't buy an smg M3 unless you have a some type of warranty. Btw it might cost $12k to replace the ENTIRE smg system which is rarely the case. Most of the time it's the pumps and what not which still add up to a pretty $4k .

I sold mine after warranty ran up, I just prayed for no CEL everytime I drove it. Also knowing inspection II was around the corner... no thanks shelling out $1500-2000 for that...

 

Nice.

 

SMG gets a bad rap form people with little knowlege of it, or little understanding of what it is.

a 6sp and a SMG have the SAME tranny, the SMG is shifted via a hydraulic pump+computer program(s). the SMG is really a great option. like anything, if you beat the living hell out of your car smg will break, a traditional 6sp can withstand abuse MARGINALLY better. being the the SMG ecu runs with inputs from various engine sensors, minor and very typical BMW problems that occour on SMG cars often get blamed on the SMG and not the actualy problem.

a well cared for and maintained SMG is very relaible. SMG is very fun to drive and great on the track. imagine making perfect up/dn shifts, perfect rev-matches while in a corner. to me, its almost preferred as BMWs have HORRIBLE shifter feel.

SMG's are a little slower off the line, although much more consistant, but faster from a roll.

 

i was close to picking one up.. so sexy