Why I Love The BMW E60 M5 SMG III Gearbox

In this video I answer the question I get asked from time to time on why I like the SMG III gearbox which came fitted to most BMW E60 M5’s

If you own one of these cars, let me know what your thoughts are on the SMG III gearbox.

Thanks for watching!

[robinsandhu]

Absolutely agree with you. The SMG might cost you more but at the end it is more fun with the shift paddles. It really feels like the perfect match for the V10. I dont think I would prefer even a DCT in my M6 as the single clutch is almost as fast at shifting and also because I love how it downshifts.

[NoFAmeProductionsLLC]

I love the SMG gear box as well! Manual transmission with a automatic clutch! Beautiful!

[stuartboakes]

Great video, car has character with SMG, I love it

[SmartFirstPrincipleThinking]

Completely agree, I’ve owned my 2008 M5 for over 12 years and there’s really nothing like it. I’ve added the Euro SMG tune and upgraded differential with 3.9 gearing. Really amps up the torque delivery. I’ve also upgraded the motor to a 5.8 stroker that is pushing over 560+ RWH on the dyno. I’ve upgraded about every possible system on this car, and it never ceases to put a smile on my face!!! Love the set-up!!!

[asecret]

Here here! I couldn't agree more and I too have said this exact same thing many times... its not an auto, or manual, its a 3rd option which needs some experience to be a proficient operator and then the rewards are huge!

IMHO, people who jump in an SMG car and slag it off for being a crap drive ought to be looking in the vanity mirror first before pointing any fingers elsewhere.

I did my own SMG upskilling in the first few months of ownership (years ago), and I've replaced or refurbished all the known gotchas - and I'll be keeping my glorious M5 for as long as she'll have me :)

[NoFAmeProductionsLLC]

Just had my rod bearings done! 500 miles next oil change. More changes coming! Car drives like a dream. Beautiful and amazing!!!

[TT-]

Just stumbled across your channel as I'm doing research for the E64 M6 I'm planning to buy, you have some great videos!

[stephenpato]

This is (was lol) my dream car but I'm just far too paranoid to actually get one. So I've convinced myself that e92 m3 DCT will be just fine if/when I get a chance to pull the trigger on one of these.

Love your comments on this, great video, subscribed !

[nardotechm]

I agree with everything trust me I love it it’s the best so exciting to drive every time 😎🏎️💥💨

[marknewman]

Completely agree - its a mental engine and the gearbox is perfectly suited to it. Nothing like smashing the next cog in as you’re approaching the limiter. Shame you hit illegal speeds shortly after changing to 3rd when you’ve got four more to go!

[bigdogroc]

Everyone that hates the smg three tend to have a change of heart when you inform them that it's a Getrag transmission. The same maker of the beloved V160 6 speed that came in the iconic Supra.

[heyhayhay]

If I were swapping an S85 into an E46 classic for a track build, I'd go for the SMG, but for a street E60, it has to be a 6 speed manual for me. I'd love to at some point adjust me gearing, but I haven't looked into it yet as I know the gears are very pricey.

[diopsidem]

I am going to convert mine to manual this year. After only 22.000kms my car is due to get yet another flywheel and clutch. The original ones lasted a long time (120.000km) but this set is done after just 22.0000km and I am not the first person to replace them this early. Might be bad luck and I could fix it but at some point I know the SMG pump is going to fail. Looking at the cost for both fixes I could probably just convert the car to manual. Sure I could throw in another clutch & flywheel and see if it lasts this time around, but I am not going to. The SMG to me is just not reliable enough and I make many long trips with the car. I can see where you are coming from regarding all the pro's for the SMG, however for me the ultimate driving experience at any rate involves me going through the gears yourself. Being a European though I have had the option to get a manual E60 M5. However, after doing some research I know a manual conversion is possible so I am going to go for it. No doubt it will be slower and it won't get through the revs quite as fast because each of the gears are effectively longer - but to me the manual is just more enjoyable. Don't get me know, I am not trying to be superior or anything - I am just going to put the funds of getting my SMG III up to par towards a manual conversion instead. Manuals are ageless and in the long run more dependable and to me that matters as I intent to keep this car for a very long time.

[kurtkaster]

I would bet money that 90% of the people that dis these gear boxes and the "problems" with the rod bearings, have never driven or even seen one.

[jinayl]

Nice vid, and although I generally prefer manuals, I agree that the SMG III sounds like a lot of fun. But could you tell us about reliability? I've heard things like the clutch needing to be replaced every 30-40000 miles, the hydraulic unit as well, and the fact that if the clutch gives up the ghost it takes the boxes internals to the grave with it lol. I'm currently considering in E63 with the same setup, but that reliability issue kind of worries me (not the driving experience).

[rickybobby]

I have been thinking of buying a 2010 V10 m6 vert. I recently saw on a website called “shift times” that the SMGIII is the #5 fastest auto transmission of all-time 😳. Even rated slightly faster than the BMW DCT. How is this possible given it’s reputation for being so slow?

[vitobrant]

“SMG is for manual lovers who understand the difference”

I love how manual transmission lovers talk trash about the SMGII & SMGIII transmissions, yet the SMG behaves exactly like a single clutch manual transmission…I’ve been driving SMGII & SMGIII for 16+ years now and absolutely love it. I love it more than the DCT…It feels so raw and direct like a manual transmission, compared to the incredibly smooth DCT & auto transmissions, and the E60 M5 SMGIII shifts brutally fast. BRUTALLY FAST…Not to mention the rev-matches are absolutely disgusting with a straight piped exhaust system…The fact that the transmission was designed to perform like that on a daily basis without being considered “abusing” the trans/drivetrain is absolutely amazing. The SMGIII was specifically designed for the E60 M5 (and E63/64 M6) and the 7th gear means all the world to this car. It allows the vehicle to reach top speeds of up to around 230mph with the OEM drivetrain. Such a special car and I’ll most likely never sell mine since it only has 33k miles with decades of life left in her.

[groupb]

I totally agree with you on this... I love driving this car with the smg 3 gearbox it defines the character of the car it’s supposed to be matched with it so when I see people doing manual swaps ( mainly America ) I just watch and say “ why “, are they being driven wrong or totally abused regarding maintenance because I’ve never had any problems or issues with using the smg 🤷‍♂️ ?
Correct me if I’m wrong but was the original manual gearbox for these cars taken from the previous E39 model and was prone to break due to the stresses of the bigger engine in the E60 ?

[bellarosekennels]

What’s the best way to drive this vehicle on manual mode or automatic mode? If it’s better on manual mode on which setting if it’s on auto mode what setting? If on manual mode on the downshifting like a traditional manual transmission can I put the car on manual when approaching a red light then putting it back on 1st gear?

[anderssvin]

100 % behind you on that! (My "kindergarten-car", Peugeot 5008, 2011-modell, has the same type of gearbox, in principle. Don't really know of any other cars).