BMW M3 SMG 2002 Review

We've tested the BMW M3 before, so if you're looking for a top-to-toe explanation and critique on every nook and cranny, we suggest you swat up on the previous article (click here to read). This article deals solely with the SMG II Sequential Manual Gearbox.

The M3's subtly muscular looks only hint at the incredible power and brutal performance lurking under the skin. From the 3.2-litre straight six - at 78.8kW per litre it's one of the most efficient naturally aspirated engines currently in production - to its breathtakingly responsive chassis, the M3 has long been the sporting pinnacle of BMW's product range.

So it's no surprise then, that BMW chose the previous M3 to debut its SMG sequential manual gearbox. Now in its second generation on the current M3, SMG II is a big step forward, finally offering a viable performance alternative to the manual gearbox.

Unlike the plethora of tiptronic sequential gearboxes on the market today, BMW's SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) is based on a manual transmission. In fact it is exactly the same unit as the six-speed manual also offered in the M3, it simply has no clutch pedal. The clutch still exists though, and is electrohydraulically actuated by the SMG II control unit, taking just 8 hundredths of a second to change gears in its fastest (user adjustable) mode.

The driver changes gear using the F1-style paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, or by tapping the small alloy gearlever located in the usual spot between the front seats. It operates not on an H-pattern, but on a single plane - forward for down a gear and pull back for up - and returns to centre after each change.

The earlier version of this gearbox, and single-plane tiptronic gearchanges on other models, chose a reverse pattern in the belief this would be easier for the public to use. BMW now eschews this in favour of a race pattern on all its cars, using your body's inertial direction to help you change gears.

The SMG gearbox also makes for blitzkrieg blast-offs every time with built-in launch control. Hold the lever forward in first and depress the throttle. The control unit will hold the clutch in and dial up 3500rpm, holding it until you release the lever. Then all hell breaks loose as the rear wheels fight for traction and the M3 launches at the horizon at maximum attack. Just 5.2 seconds later you're doing 100km/h.

One niggle with the car is the lack of footroom around the brake pedal, particularly evident for those who like to left foot brake. BMW removed the redundant clutch pedal and chose not to relocate the brake pedal an inch or two left, so it can be a bit tight when trying to cover the brake with your left while the right holds station on the throttle.

There's no doubting the SMG II is a technically advanced gearbox. And the added benefit of fully automatic mode is definitely going to appeal to those who don't like having to change gears all the time. But it can be a bit jerky on the quicker settings, and the auto mode can feel slow when you're turning across traffic or leaving the lights. So, for us, the manual is still the preferred option, but for how long? Drive ‘em both and see what you think.