Is the SMG transmission on a BMW M3 2001-2006 models have a good reputation or bad?

Just wandering if the SMG transmission on a BMW M3 is good.

And if it could reach 170k miles easy without any major service.

The reason I was interested in it because it has a automatic option in which my mom could drive in case of emergency.

Some people say that the regular manual transmission is better?Is the SMG transmission on a BMW M3 2001-2006 models have a good reputation or bad?Frankly, the jury is still out on SMG's. But so far so good...

Remember that they are manual transmissions basically with

automated shifting, and that they had only been in widespread use for approximately 8 years. It has now progressed from SMG I

to II to III ( the latest).

To say that it is not durable is baloney. Same thing with being rough

in normal city use and being fit only for the track. Rumor mongering from people who have never had much or any experience with SMG's. Or who do not know how to use an SMG.

Normally, the defects would be the same as any manual transmission.

Ocassionally (but rarely) you would see the hydraulic pump or the gear shift sensor taking a dive. More often (but still rare) is oil leaking

from the SMG shifter mechanism (not the tranny). Theoretically, the SMG module could quit but I have yet to see one do it.

But to guarantee that it would last 170K miles is asking too much. Even BMW would not go as far as that. What car manufacturer would

guarantee their transmissions up to 170K ?

EDIT:

To compare the automatic transmission of a 335 or any car for that matter to an SMG simply misses the point. Any automatic transmission can never perform better than a manual or a manual with SMG in the hands of a good driver.

SMG is not meant for boys. Ladies maybe.Is the SMG transmission on a BMW M3 2001-2006 models have a good reputation or bad?The SMG transmission was released a bit too early on the bmw's, in my opinion.



I own a 2002 BMW M3 6-speed manual, and it's the definition of perfection.



Before I bought it, I asked around about the SMG and everyone who knew their stuff said to avoid it like the plague.



Ask any experienced BMW technician or mechanic what they think of the pre-2008 SMG transmissions and they'll all give you an earful...



Regardless, I couldn't be happier with my 6 speed.



And also - the SMG paddle-shifters aren't exactly an auto transmission.



Someone who's used to driving auto would STILL need to learn how to properly shift in an SMG. Downshifting especially is something that would need to be learned properly by a novice driver.



So my advice is to stick with the 6-speed, and have your mom learn how to drive a standard properly.



-Chris



P.S. Rent a car to have your mom learn on :-)Is the SMG transmission on a BMW M3 2001-2006 models have a good reputation or bad?It's got a mixed reputation with most people considering it to be a bit rough and jerky when driving around town. It fares better when it's on the track and under stress. I don't think you're going to find any SMG transmission that is going to reach 170K miles without any sort of major service.Is the SMG transmission on a BMW M3 2001-2006 models have a good reputation or bad?
The SMG is the worst transmission I have ever used of any type in any car. A Total piece of junk engineering. I don't know what BMW was thinking. The Automatic used in the BMW 335i is absolutely flawless in every way. No need for the SMG.