M5 -- 6 speed v. SMG

Robert B · 10-28-2008, 09:06 PM

With 90k on my E46 M3 and the kids getting bigger, I'm considering an M5, but the SMG is a concern because of its complexity and potential long term reliability issues arising from the complexity. Additionally, I enjoy rowing through the gears and have seen mixed reports on whether you can defeat the DCS on the 6-speed M5 and whether the 6-speed is suitable for the V-10 motor. Any thoughts on or experience with these issues?
Thanks

wtfmateim65 · 10-28-2008, 09:15 PM

i prefer a 6 speed as well, I have an e46 m3 with smg that im selling because i prefer the manual in my 335. it was too jerky and still wasnt as engaging. Also remember reading tons of horror stories on the m5 smg tranny so i dunno if they've ironed those out. I'd go with the 6 speed. Also, theres a SICK m5 thats been sitting on the lot of BMW Bakersfield for AGES that theyre dying to sell so i'm sure you could get an awesome deal on it. i believe its an 07 but its brand new and a stick, 6spd m5's don't sell much around here.

CnoteMD · 10-28-2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert B

With 90k on my E46 M3 and the kids getting bigger, I'm considering an M5, but the SMG is a concern because of its complexity and potential long term reliability issues arising from the complexity. Additionally, I enjoy rowing through the gears and have seen mixed reports on whether you can defeat the DCS on the 6-speed M5 and whether the 6-speed is suitable for the V-10 motor. Any thoughts on or experience with these issues?
Thanks

I initially felt the same way. I have ALWAYS driven manual transmission cars and felt that there would be something lost by going to an SMG transmission. But after one test drive I quickly realized that this car was designed for SMG.

In P500 Sport mode (S5 or S6), the shifts are amazingly fast. There is no way I would ever be able to shift that fast with a typical "3 pedal" manual transmission. Also, the perfect rev matched downshifts are simply amazing and the gear ratios keep the engine in the ideal range for maximum performance. Sure there where some problems with the earlier models, but from what I have heard on other M5 forums most of the bugs have been worked out.

But if you do go with a 6speed manual, apparently they had a software update that will allow you to defeat DSC.

Deda · 10-29-2008, 05:27 AM

i will go for SMG,i dont prefer mt!

floridaBMW · 11-01-2008, 11:58 AM

IMO the M5 should have the SMG tranny. As stated above shifts are lightning fast in the higher settings, and at the track SMG is simply awesome. I thought I read somewhere of overheating trannies on the 6MT when the car is pushed for periods of time.

inmotion · 11-09-2008, 01:26 PM

smg is fine, but considered "old" tech now with the DCTs running around. I'm happy w/ the smg as long as I don't have to put it on "D"

10-28-2008, 09:06 PM	#1
Robert B Observer 6 Rep 38 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Monte Carlo Bue Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	M5 -- 6 speed v. SMG With 90k on my E46 M3 and the kids getting bigger, I'm considering an M5, but the SMG is a concern because of its complexity and potential long term reliability issues arising from the complexity. Additionally, I enjoy rowing through the gears and have seen mixed reports on whether you can defeat the DCS on the 6-speed M5 and whether the 6-speed is suitable for the V-10 motor. Any thoughts on or experience with these issues? Thanks
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10-28-2008, 09:15 PM	#2
wtfmateim65 First Lieutenant 18 Rep 305 Posts Drives: AW 92 335i JB4 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vegas iTrader: (2)	i prefer a 6 speed as well, I have an e46 m3 with smg that im selling because i prefer the manual in my 335. it was too jerky and still wasnt as engaging. Also remember reading tons of horror stories on the m5 smg tranny so i dunno if they've ironed those out. I'd go with the 6 speed. Also, theres a SICK m5 thats been sitting on the lot of BMW Bakersfield for AGES that theyre dying to sell so i'm sure you could get an awesome deal on it. i believe its an 07 but its brand new and a stick, 6spd m5's don't sell much around here.
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10-29-2008, 05:27 AM	#4
Deda Major General 572 Rep 7,033 Posts Drives: BMW M5 comp Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Croatia iTrader: (0)	i will go for SMG,i dont prefer mt!
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11-01-2008, 11:58 AM	#5
floridaBMW New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2008 Space Grey/Indie Red/M5 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: S. Florida iTrader: (0)	IMO the M5 should have the SMG tranny. As stated above shifts are lightning fast in the higher settings, and at the track SMG is simply awesome. I thought I read somewhere of overheating trannies on the 6MT when the car is pushed for periods of time. __________________ S6/P500S/EDC Normal/DSC OFF
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11-09-2008, 01:26 PM	#6
inmotion Lieutenant 10 Rep 526 Posts Drives: where do I start? Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Newport Coast, CA iTrader: (0)	smg is fine, but considered "old" tech now with the DCTs running around. I'm happy w/ the smg as long as I don't have to put it on "D" __________________ E60 M5 Silverstone, Balloon White Gallardo Spider, Rosso Corsa F430, Audi CG Q7 Sportline, IS R8 before and DG R8 now, Basalt Black Carrera GT, SG M3 DCT, Orange GT3RS, IS CLK63 Black Series On order: 2010 R8 V10
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