E46 M3 SMG VS 6MT | In-Depth Comparison

Arguably the most hated on transmission in the world, the notorious SMG transmission found in the E46 M3 and a few other BMW's, has caused much controversy among BMW enthusiasts.

Luckily, your good friends at Bav Life have been blessed to own both the SMG and Manual versions to help lay the clear facts out so it can be easier when you're shopping for a E46 M3, or just want to be educated about this topic.

We hope you learn something and enjoy the video, and as always, we are ready to get roasted!
(P.S. We're still getting used to filming and speaking to our audience so any tips would be appreciated)

[payamstar]

The SMG is underrated, not in this video but in general :)

[georgimihalkov]

Great video, very well done! I've never seen an E46 M3 with over 200k miles. This really shows you how good these cars can be, if they're properly maintained!

[demoskunk]

This is the most informative and honest smg vs manual video. I'm a 6 mt owner who defends the smg because I've test driven a couple of them and I thought they were fun.
Beautiful Imola red and alpine white M3s, btw!

[caesarguzman]

People buy smg because it cost less, at first...

[hottnix]

BMW said you don't have to lift while shifting but you should "feather" (50% of your current throttle) lift it. It becomes so smooth. Mine does not clunk, even with the CSL SMG tune. I did my tune when I installed my headers. Its feels like a monster now! The only thing I don't like is with the Sport button on, you gotta go fast, otherwise it hops like in your video.

[hariskolasinac]

I’m not gonna lie Demir and Felix good job you guys did a good job informing about the transmissions Felix told me allot about SMG I didn’t know

[hgarage]

Most honest video about smg, honestly speaking 😉

[VolvoFiftyLife]

Funny how you have Dr. Evil covering your speed but you can tell your speed just by the RPM and the gear you were in :D Great review, I think I may pick up an SMG just so I can have both, plus I think SMG is better for track use.

[ramiroospino]

Great video guys! I’ve had my e46M3 for over a year and I’ve hated the SMG since day 1. I’m getting the 6Speed done as we speak. Can’t wait for it.

[Moezer]

Y’all didn’t mention the 6th driving setting on the smg take the traction control off and in sport and u can go in to the 6th shift setting then you’ll get that smile or did I miss that part some how

You can also match rev if you downshift and blip the throttle a tiny bit it will rev match on the smg

And letting off the gas while shifting you don’t have to let off the gas all the way it just lettin off a tiny bit, the swift’s will be a lot smoother

[Theteese]

Nice video by two likeable BUT they forgot to mention one MAJOR point about the SMG.... The reason why BMW only used the SMG in their fastest E46 M3 build ( the CSL ) .... Because they knew that the racing box was the SMG and not the boy racer wanna have a 6 speed manual No Argument.. Full Stop...

[aaronbenarroch]

nice and informative video. but if you drive the SMG in manual mode you definitely do get a smoother shift if you lift slightly (not as much as if you were driving a manual). I'm swapping my smg to manual next month but I have no issues with SMG and mine works perfectly fine and I agree with you that it is not nearly as bad as people make it out to be (albeit i never drive it in auto).
also you will love it after the CSL tune. highly worth it. don't spend any real money on it. you can do the tune yourself with a software called ecuworx (I did this to my car) and the license costs like 25 bucks if I recall. then you need a cable which costs like 20 bucks and you can do the csl tune, and several other options to your car yourself. maybe even take the opportunity and make a guide on how to do it and make a win-win by saving on the tune and getting content from it. no affiliation btw I just really stand behind the software and the developer, his customer service is great

[TheOrdersixtysix]

Put the CSL software on the SMG. Totally transforms the car. I own mine since 2012, never any probs with it. It shifts very fast and the revmatching is awsome. The manual is pretty harsh and not very precise in this car. And I drove manuals all my life.

[MrSpaz]

Gear position sensor goes bad as well. Simple enough to fix (about 2 hours for first time) and 3 - 5 hundred for the part depending if you buy new or used.

I have both a smg car and a normal one. I enjoy driving the SMG more but I don't drive it in "automatic" mode, except in rare occasions.

[peterh]

206000 Miles = I guess second or third engine? Great honest review Guyz. Keep pushing💪

[benjaminsusic]

The red e46's coolant is running too cold. Mine always jumped up and down but never over half way until I replaced my thermostat. It should sit right in the middle at operating temp no matter the outside temp. Luckly, your oil temp was warm.

[jakegianino]

If you turn TCS off in S5 mode, you can hit the up button one more time on the shift points. S6 is brutal and will shift as quick as 80 milliseconds (and sometimes chirp the tires) 😋

[AvidUTuber]

I've been a member of various e46 M3 groups for almost 2 decades never heard anyone ask SMG or Manual?

[paranorml]

A well driven SMG can last up 200k. What about the manual? I believe the life spand of the SMG pump is 150k +.
IMO, don't buy them used. Change your trans fluid and it'll feel like new. There's also a spring, sensor, and I think a motor you can replace to extend the life and maybe not have to change your pump. Let's not forget the CSL only came equipt with SMG...🤔💪🏽/// The only problem...The pump alone from BMW will run you $3500-4500 alone but you get another 150-200k of perfection.

[Malco.S]

Turn off traction control and you get an extra shift intensity setting.