gavriil

From Autoexpress (since I so much have to report the source)

With the race-tuned engine howling, we flick the steering wheel-mounted paddle to bang our way through the gearbox and power past six cars. Suddenly a corner appears from nowhere and we lose control and land upside down. That's it - Game Over. It will cost a pound to have another go.
Until now, the arcade was the nearest most of us would get to the full race car experience. Paddle operated sequential six-speed gearboxes and rev counter lights which show you when a 343bhp engine is ready for another gear are usually the sort of features only race drivers and PlayStation jockeys have ever had the chance to use.

But BMW, which pioneered the Sequential Manual Gearbox with the last M3, has updated the system. And like a well developed computer game, all the bugs have been ironed out and there are some great new features. As before, SMG uses hydraulic and electronic gadgets to operate the clutch and select gears. But in the past the technology hasn't worked terribly well - even the latest systems of rivals are either slow to swap cogs or unrefined.

BMW's answer is to let the driver alter the shift speed depending on your taste or the situation. In mode S1, the shifts are slow, smooth and relaxed. With light throttle openings it works well as both manual or automatic, and will be a boon in town compared to the heavy-clutched standard M3.

On the open road, select S6 and the hydraulics will do the change as quickly as a racing car, swapping ratios in just 0.08 of a second - that's literally the blink of an eye and half the time of rivals. It's truly astonishing. First, find a road with enough room to let the M3 stretch its legs, and watch as the rev counter nears the red line.



A series of orange lights begin to illuminate, showing you when to change up. Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle towards you, the car makes the smallest of coughs and you are in the next gear. Downchanges are even more impressive, as the electronics blip the throttle just the right amount to ensure the smoothest of shifts.

Unlike the last generation of SMG, we have no hesitation recommending this. In fact, we would actually prefer it to the conventional gearbox if we had the choice. But just remember - get a corner wrong in the real world of the M3 SMG and it will cost you more than a pound.

At a glance

* Clutchless sequential manual gearbox option for BMW M3

* Option priced at £2,400, available from July on Coupe or Convertible M3 models

* Changes gear in 0.08 seconds


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Gabriel
CL Type S

[This message has been edited by gavriil (edited 05-02-2001).]

Tom2

Thoughts of a e46 M3 for me have been put on hold......

I'm waiting for the new M3 GT. Anyone heard about it yet? Same car, more power!

I'm sure it will be more money as well

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99 M3
dead CL-S

Type S

the new m3 is very good car....always want to have a m3..last generation is also good..but those are too costly..good handling and balance body....powerful... cool car...honor to have them...wish i can get one soon

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2001 Acura Red CL Type S.
1997 Honda Civic EX.
!!!! VTEC Power !!!!
Powered by HONDA
Powered by MUGEN

typescl@yahoo.com

M5 Lite

I heard there will be an E46 M3 lightweight. Didn't know we would get a GT. The E36 M3 had a GT version in Europe but not here. Should we be that lucky this time?

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'98 Dakar Yellow ///M3
www.BMWExperience.com
Forums are now open at www.BMWExperience.com
0-60 5.53 sec G-Tech

Tom2

M3Sins,

From what I have ready, BMW has already commited to the M3 GT in the U.S.

I can't wait to see the ratings when they do.....

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99 M3
dead CL-S

M5 Lite

You can have mine! for $33,500

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'98 Dakar Yellow ///M3
www.BMWExperience.com
Forums are now open at www.BMWExperience.com
0-60 5.53 sec G-Tech

astro

that's it!

I'm ordering an M3 tomorrow...





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Astroboy out...

2001 Acura CL Type S: Comptech: Headers, filter, sways, springs, koni shocks, Volk Racing SE37's in 18", goodridge braided brake lines, AEM CAI (blue), APEXi V-AFC, full kicker system, 13" Brembo's on the way with slotted discs for the rear
1996 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo: H&R Springs and sways, Bilstein shocks, ported and polished, crillo rods, new valvetrain
1995 VW Golf: 1999 VR6 Swap, H&R Coil Overs, neuspeed strut bars, neuspeed sway bars, 2.5" Stainless TT exhaust w/ Borla, 13" AP Racing big brakes

mishka420

Now that's the right attitude...........The car would fit well with your collection!



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01' CL Type-S, Navigation, Spoiler
4% tint on the backs and 34% on the fronts
Eibach Pro-Kit Springs (2" Drop)
AEM Cold Air Intake

Mike

Hey, weren't you the guy that said, "BMW doesn't float my boat"?



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2001 Satin Silver Cl Type S.
Comptech:Headers, Springs & Sways
AEM CAI
Toyo T1S Proxys 235/45/17
SSR Competition wheels 17x8
35% Llumar metallic tint
My Car

JRock

Time to go ask some rich person if they'll give me about $45k so I can buy one of these badass new M3s and make it purty. Too bad I don't know any rich people.

-J

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2001 CL-S Aegean Blue/black interior spoiler, wheel locks, no-navi
Stock for now.

spidy

45k won't do it, not right now even the LSB are going 500-1000 over MSRP. LSB=laguna seca blue=smurf blue. I saw on M3Sins forum that they are talking about a 8 cyl M3 if that's true I should cancel and wait.

M5 Lite

Just on a low note. Here is a V8 E46 M3 GTR





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'98 Dakar Yellow ///M3
www.BMWExperience.com
Forums are now open at www.BMWExperience.com
0-60 5.53 sec G-Tech

sigs21

HEARD ABOUT THAT TO.. ALSO ON SPEEDVISION ON SUNDAY THEY TESTED THE NEW M3, ALPINA B-3 AND HARTEGEN M3( NOT SURE ON THE SPELLING) THE LAST ON WAS A MONSTER.IT SCREAMED IT BLOW THE OTHER TWO OUT OF THE WATER... ANYBODY KNOW ANY MORE ABOUT THE TEST..



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01- Acura CL silver 3.2-s
20% tint 35%front window
Bose Mods.. Mod's to come headers and springs

2Sxy4YoMama

I saw one the other day with it paper plate and it was a convertible. My jaw just dropped. It is a nice car, but $60K is a lot. That is just about 2 CL-S or CL-S and TL-S.

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2001 CL-S Satin Silver/Ebnoy

• Spoiler/moonroof visor/20% Tint
• PIAA 19173/19170
• Mobil 1 Oil/Oil Filter
• X-Pel/Upgrade Cup Holder
• Clifford G4 Solaris Remote Start Car Alarm
• AEM CAI/Denso Iridium Spark

On its way: Comptech Sway Bar/Brake Line/WS Apexi Coilover/AEM Pulley

M5 Lite

Its actually $52k + change for a nicely loaded one..

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'98 Dakar Yellow ///M3
www.BMWExperience.com
Forums are now open at www.BMWExperience.com
0-60 5.53 sec G-Tech

spidy

http://www.bmwworld.com/models/config/m3_smg.htm

says SMG II will be in the USA in the Fall of 2001

maddogtx

Here in Houston they are going for 58K drive out. What a steal...... :-(

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'99 BMW M3
Dinan Stage II

gavriil

I am just a little surprised that you guys are not talking about the SMGII more. Although I belive that CVT is the future, the SMG II's functionality is the best one can offer today to combine sportiness but not suffer in traffic. I am guessing that the SMGII will make the M3 even MORE popular (if that's possible). I just hope BMW can raise production or the premiums from dealers will skyrocket after the fall.

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Gabriel
CL Type S

[This message has been edited by gavriil (edited 05-03-2001).]

Nashua_Night_Hawk

If the next CLS is 3.5 L and has 330+ HP and SMG-like 6-sp gearbox. I will trade my CLS in a blink of an eye

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Black, Ebony, 3.2 CL Type-S, NAV.
- 3M clear bra, by Stonguard (full front bumper, and side mirrors, and partial hood)
- Acura Spoiler, Moonroof visor
- Splash guards, Winter mats, Trunk liner
- Valentine V1 Radar Locator
- HELMS Service Manual
- PIAA 19169 road lamps
- 03/19/01: Injen Polished CAI
- 04/13/01: 235/40/18 NITTO 555 on 18x7.5, +45 offset, Koing Imagine in Silver with wheels locks