Need advice on how to drive SMG

[mixxalot]

I just picked up a new 2006 BMW M3 with SMG and competition package. The problem I am having is learning how to drive the SMG drivelogic smoothly. For example, if I set it to S5, it shifts jerky from 1-2 gears when I use the paddle shifters or SMG shifter. Would appreciate any advice on how to drive it smoothly. Also where are the shift lights?

[remix405]

cause you have it too high the clutch engages harder lower it to 3 for everyday driving put it higher when your driving harsh ex road racing drag racing im assuming u dont know how to use launch control either learn the smg features and you will love your m3!

[remix405]

oh lights are on your dash when your about to redline more lights turn on you will get it young jedi

[///mantis]

in my limited experience with it i realized if you put it at a high setting you gotta mash it more. it's like driving slow in a manual, but shifting gears like you're racing...

[remix405]

yeah something like that
in my limited experience with it i realized if you put it at a high setting you gotta mash it more. it's like driving slow in a manual, but shifting gears like you're racing...

[mrtm2008]

From someone who owns & driven SMG & love it...

The transmission IS a manual, so if you want smoother shifts, even in S5 & S6, you have to let off on the gas just a bit when you shift. You will eventually get the hang of it. Also, having the gears "mash" isn't doing damage either, as that is how the transmission has been fully designed for.

If you also find that the shift paddles don't quite fullfill your likes, I offer bigger paddle shifters for easier access to shifting with the paddles:

They can be bought at HPF a MFest Sponsor:

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/buy/MRTM_Designs

By the way, you will learn to love the automatic rev matching when downshifting!

[remix405]

he meant like smash like haul ass and we know it doesnt damage it you miss understood him
From someone who owns & driven SMG & love it...

The transmission IS a manual, so if you want smoother shifts, even in S5 & S6, you have to let off on the gas just a bit when you shift. You will eventually get the hang of it. Also, having the gears "mash" isn't doing damage either, as that is how the transmission has been fully designed for.

If you also find that the shift paddles don't quite fullfill your likes, I offer bigger paddle shifters for easier access to shifting with the paddles:

They can be bought at HPF a MFest Sponsor:

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/buy/MRTM_Designs

By the way, you will learn to love the automatic rev matching when downshifting!

[Andrewe46m3]

Drive like it's stolen hahahah.... I drive mine on s5 everyday I really don't like the other modes on how they lag. So when I shift through 1st and 2nd I let off the gas just a little bit but not all the way and it's smooth for me all the time!

[yellowstone]

Didn't really have that problem and I had the same setup as you. Probably thr best brt while in s5/6 is to dip off the throttle in anticipation to the gear shift.

[mixxalot]

Thanks guys for the tips!
Actually I am starting to get the hang of it. I do much prefer the S mode versus D since the computer hesitates and not as smooth as when I do the shifting. Also, I notice the paddle shifters are not as smooth as when I use the gear shifter to upshift or downshift. OK so I figured out how fun the Sport button is which gives you mad throttle and wondering is this Sport button the Launch Control that you mentioned?

I guess the question I am still trying to figure out is downshifting smoothly. So let say I am slowing down from 60 to 10, would I downshift from 6 to 5th then 4th down to 1st? And the tricky part is lets say I do slow down and then the light changes from red to green and I am in 3rd gear, would I downshift to 2nd? Its a little trickier than a regular manual, but need to think like a manual.

[marioalex24]

Thanks guys for the tips!
Actually I am starting to get the hang of it. I do much prefer the S mode versus D since the computer hesitates and not as smooth as when I do the shifting. Also, I notice the paddle shifters are not as smooth as when I use the gear shifter to upshift or downshift. OK so I figured out how fun the Sport button is which gives you mad throttle and wondering is this Sport button the Launch Control that you mentioned?

I guess the question I am still trying to figure out is downshifting smoothly. So let say I am slowing down from 60 to 10, would I downshift from 6 to 5th then 4th down to 1st? And the tricky part is lets say I do slow down and then the light changes from red to green and I am in 3rd gear, would I downshift to 2nd? Its a little trickier than a regular manual, but need to think like a manual.

For launch control to work you need to turn off DSC I believe don't remember the order of the lettering, but anyways then have the car in a stop position. Hold the shifter forward into first then press the accelerater, but not hard around 2k rpm I believe. Then just let go of the shifter and it should take off. But you might want to have some seat time on the Manuel smg first.

Has anyone tryed to launched it with the paddles? Never thought of that.

[02CBM3]

If you have it set to S5+sport from a dead stop and soft throttle its gonna jolt.. S5 is ment for aggressive driving.. Daily driving you should stay in S-3, once you get use to the SMG you'll figure out the finesse behind the SMG.. take a while for some. It took me about a week 1/2....FYI dont mess with Launch Control its all fun and games until u see the bill, ive only used it 3 times..ill never do it again.

[E46transforM3r]

dont get me wrong but thank god i drive a stick :shift:... i kinda got lost when reading the tips on how to correctly drive the SMG tranny - lol!!!

[02CBM3]

For launch control to work you need to turn off DSC I believe don't remember the order of the lettering, but anyways then have the car in a stop position. Hold the shifter forward into first then press the accelerater, but not hard around 2k rpm I believe. Then just let go of the shifter and it should take off. But you might want to have some seat time on the Manuel smg first.

Has anyone tryed to launched it with the paddles? Never thought of that.

haha..Here.

from a stop.. DSC off, sport mode ON,flip into manual, you see a 6th Sport bar pop up, elevate Sport Setting to S-6, hold shifter up press throttle, doent matter how hard, it maintains about 2500-3000K RPMs, release the shifter...and DISCO!!! :D

GAY SONG But good video

YouTube- SMGII info video

[remix405]

yeah the only thing is that in the us version it doesnt let you launch at 3k but yeah dont use launch control to much as it does waste your clutch i belive it will let you use it about 30times before its doneskies but you sure dont want to even go that far with it
haha..Here.

from a stop.. DSC off, sport mode ON,flip into manual, you see a 6th Sport bar pop up, elevate Sport Setting to S-6, hold shifter up press throttle, doent matter how hard, it maintains about 2500-3000K RPMs, release the shifter...and DISCO!!! :D

GAY SONG But good video

YouTube- SMGII info video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Emxu5HFllM)

[mixxalot]

Good video and yes while the music sucked, the video was quite informative. I may take
the two day M school for learning how to get the most of of my new M3.

[remix405]

:thumbsup2:
Good video and yes while the music sucked, the video was quite informative. I may take
the two day M school for learning how to get the most of of my new M3.

[///M3Lover]

yeah the only thing is that in the us version it doesnt let you launch at 3k but yeah dont use launch control to much as it does waste your clutch i belive it will let you use it about 30times before its doneskies but you sure dont want to even go that far with it

From my friend who works at BMW dealership as a service advisor told me that a E46 M3 did LC 7 times and busted his SMG... the customer had to completely swap for a new transmission out of his own pocket.

Fyi, I've never used LC in my life because for that extra few seconds gain in drag could cost you more than $2000.

[Turbo_Tea]

smg driving sounds complicated. good thing i'm going to stick with a manual transmission. but as a valet i drive a lot of SMG's and i mean i wouldnt mind having one but rather have a manual

[remix405]

well yeah it supose to be covered even if you do it 7 times and it breaks... thats why that function is in the smg ive used it maybee about 4 times no problems
From my friend who works at BMW dealership as a service advisor told me that a E46 M3 did LC 7 times and busted his SMG... the customer had to completely swap for a new transmission out of his own pocket.

Fyi, I've never used LC in my life because for that extra few seconds gain in drag could cost you more than $2000.

[SC Trojan Man]

I've used the launch control dozens of times, never had any problem. Also someone mentioned before that you don't push the accelerator all the way down while building revs for launch, this is incorrect.
1. DSC off
2. S mode 6th bar (S6)
3. Hold shift knob up (the downshift position)
4. Slowly press gas pedal fully down, and hold (pressing pedal down quickly will do burn out mode)
5. Let the shifter go and off you go, get ready for second gear, it comes up fast.

[Faymester]

dont get me wrong but thank god i drive a stick :shift:... i kinda got lost when reading the tips on how to correctly drive the SMG tranny - lol!!!

+1, I tried the SMG for an entire day and was like 'mmm, no, I'll take a stick thx'

Call me a purist but I think a stick & clutch pedal are the only way to go (unless of course you are in a luxury boat/tank of some kind)

[///Marnick]

i agree with you! clutch pedal is the only way you will fully enjoy your m3!

[Puldog]

Just floor it! :buttrock:

[indohan]

Surprised that nobody mentioned about letting go the gas pedal while switching gear.

[SC Trojan Man]

yeah the only thing is that in the us version it doesnt let you launch at 3k but yeah dont use launch control to much as it does waste your clutch i belive it will let you use it about 30times before its doneskies but you sure dont want to even go that far with it

Software is available to increase the revs held for launch. :D

[Laidback]

Which software company offers this?Software is available to increase the revs held for launch. :D

[SC Trojan Man]

I believe Dinan's SMG software for the 3.91 LSD does. I'll double check where my revs are held for launch.

[SC Trojan Man]

ESS has SMG software that also raises the revs held.

http://www.esstuning.com/products/E46-M3-SMG-Transmission-Software.html

[Laidback]

Nice let us know what you find:)I believe Dinan's SMG software for the 3.91 LSD does. I'll double check where my revs are held for launch.

HAs anyone tried this software?

ESS has SMG software that also raises the revs held.

http://www.esstuning.com/products/E46-M3-SMG-Transmission-Software.html

[indohan]

Is the software only for E46 M3, or it's also for E60 M5?

[Laidback]

There's one for the M5/M6 and E46 M3's :)Is the software only for E46 M3, or it's also for E60 M5?