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Steptronic - 335i
- Thread starter Rolla
- Start date
clutchplate
///Member
correct, the SMG is the normal M3 S6S420G getrag box, has a normal clutch,it just has electro hydraulic gear selection, I think prolly with solenoids or some kind of linear actuator... and it has some VERY clever electronics ...
also the steptronic boxes have a torqueconverter which steals all your M powers :/ which is why I'm currently fitting a M5 box in my 540 lol.
here is a readup on it if you want...
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/2744-smg-press-release.html
also the steptronic boxes have a torqueconverter which steals all your M powers :/ which is why I'm currently fitting a M5 box in my 540 lol.
here is a readup on it if you want...
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/2744-smg-press-release.html
my bro had smg in his e46 330... worst freakin gearbox ever!
the DCT setup on new m3 is now available on the 335... haven't driven one with it yet, but should be awesome.
as for the step on the 335.. i think it works fine
and will last longer than you'll have the car
the DCT setup on new m3 is now available on the 335... haven't driven one with it yet, but should be awesome.
as for the step on the 335.. i think it works fine
and will last longer than you'll have the car
SilverSurfer
New member
:thumbsup::thumbsup:revo said:
msm
Well-known member
revo said:
I mean this with all due respect (since I've never driven a SMG), but from most owners I've spoken to they say, that unless you LEARN how to use the SMG box properly, it feels absolutely cr@p. This is especially more so, when the car is driven sedately.
Anyway, I'm considering a SMG E46 M3 in the future, so hence my interest in the box ...
it went thru 3 smg boxes... what does that say about it
not sure if its the same setup as the m3 uses, but it was a pos in the 330
picture this.... sitting in peak hour traffic
the car would rev up to 4000rpm, not move at all, then all of a sudden it decides to take off
with a car a meter or 2 in front of you
not something to smile about
not sure if its the same setup as the m3 uses, but it was a pos in the 330
picture this.... sitting in peak hour traffic
the car would rev up to 4000rpm, not move at all, then all of a sudden it decides to take off
with a car a meter or 2 in front of you
not something to smile about
George Smooth
///Member
You do not need to lift off on a auto on gear changes. Keep your foot flat and you dont have boost drop off on the changes.
BimmerMan
New member
SilverSurfer said:
The Steptronic box on my 740I began to have troubles at 140000KM and has now totally packed up at 171000KM. Been quoted R18000 to fix it, and this is on an 11 year old car!
140000KM is not enough in my opinion...I expect atleast 200K from my gearbox before it needs a rebuild!
msm said:
I drive a manual E46 M3 and love it but my mate from a local dealership brought an E46 M3 SMG around the other day.
To be honest, when giving it stick it is a rather hard ride if you don't lift off the acc pedal on gear changes, it thuds heavily into the next gear - I almost though the diff was going to fallout it's so just a hard thud. He actually told me that E46 M3 SMG's develop way more rattles than any other models due to the box.
But, once you've learnt the charateristics and lift perfectly between changes it is real fun to drive and probably a slightly faster change than a manual but at least retaining some of the manual feel.
It might be better in heavy traffic with the torque converter and no need for manual clutch action and then when you get onto the open road you have a manual, well almost...
Those that have owned E46 M3 SMG's will probably be able to comment better though...
Technology has moved on and the current 335i Steptronics are awesome...
DCT is even better but we may not all be in that league.
bryden
New member
The SMG in the beginning was a pain, but once you get used to it things get better. You can switch between manual (paddles) or automatic (computer changes).
One advantage of the SMG is launch control. The car kicks like nothing else and you up to speed way faster than the manual in my opinion.
The thump when changing gears can be annoying aswell as parking and slow speeds since you cant use clutch control. Also the SMG rolls back at robots just like a manual, unless you know the secrets. I use the handbrake like a manual car.
I think the manual is more user friendly, but the SMG makes you feel like you in a F1 car. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
I prefer the SMG because I sit in occassional traffic and its easier on the clutch leg and with the various gear settings, you can adjust your driving style whenever you want.
One advantage of the SMG is launch control. The car kicks like nothing else and you up to speed way faster than the manual in my opinion.
The thump when changing gears can be annoying aswell as parking and slow speeds since you cant use clutch control. Also the SMG rolls back at robots just like a manual, unless you know the secrets. I use the handbrake like a manual car.
I think the manual is more user friendly, but the SMG makes you feel like you in a F1 car. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
I prefer the SMG because I sit in occassional traffic and its easier on the clutch leg and with the various gear settings, you can adjust your driving style whenever you want.
J
Jandre
Guest
My DSG gearbox on the GTI also rolls back when parked on an incline. Annoying as hell.
I'm also in the habit of using the handbrake when I pull away. Also tried the leftfoot brake concept.
I have, on a couple of occasions, managed to catch out my gearbox. The other day particularly was bloody irritating. I was turning onto the N1 (not standing start), and when I put my foot on the gas, the gearbox was still busy downshifting. For a split second, the car was in neutral, I was planting it, and the gearbox engaged 2nd gear while the rpm was sitting on around 4000.:shocked: Can you say, understeer, torque steer, wheelspin, sideways action all in one?
Does this happen with the SMG as well?
I'm also in the habit of using the handbrake when I pull away. Also tried the leftfoot brake concept.
I have, on a couple of occasions, managed to catch out my gearbox. The other day particularly was bloody irritating. I was turning onto the N1 (not standing start), and when I put my foot on the gas, the gearbox was still busy downshifting. For a split second, the car was in neutral, I was planting it, and the gearbox engaged 2nd gear while the rpm was sitting on around 4000.:shocked: Can you say, understeer, torque steer, wheelspin, sideways action all in one?
Does this happen with the SMG as well?
J
Jandre
Guest
Maybe more.
andrewbuch
///Member
BimmerMan said:
Bman. My dad had a 96 740i an the gearbox had no problems from when he got the car at 100k km until he sold it at 230k km. Other problems were there though like the self leveling suspension(he had the one that had a sports mode) was finished. But box an engine were still fine.
