Such flexibility really does tailor the M3 SMG to each driver's precise requirements. The sophisticated SMG II incorporates 'Drivelogic' which offers 11 different driving programmes from 'relaxed' or 'winter' mode to 'very sporting'. This system can be used in both automatic and sequential mode. An additional, practical function of the SMG is the 'climbing assistant', which ensures that car will pull away on slopes without rolling backwards. To use the maximum possible acceleration from a standing start- rather like launch control in an F1 car. Other similarities to the cockpit of a Formula 1 car include shift lights in the tachometer which light up to indicate the optimum shift point.Ī system unique to the M3 is 'acceleration assistant'. The fastest gear changes take place in an astonishing 80 milliseconds. A tap on the paddle, or a flick of the gear lever delivers instantaneous changes - it is 'shift by wire'. SMG II, the latest system on the new M3, offers a significant leap forward with this technology.ĭeclutching and gear shifting is carried out electro-hydraulically following computations made by the engine management system and a new transmission control unit. In 1996, BMW became the first manufacturer to offer a clutchless manual gearbox on a commercial road car and half of E36 M3 owners specified it. BMW anticipate at least 50 per cent of customers will request the SMG II option that is available on both the M3 Coupé and Convertible. With 11 separate programmes which can be operated by two paddles behind the steering wheel, by the traditional gear selector, or a mixture of both, it can also be driven in self-selecting mode where the gear changes take place automatically. Available only on the M3, SMG II is a clutchless manual gearbox drawing on BMW's William F1 transmission technology. August 2001 will see the introduction of the second generation of BMW's Sequential 'M' Gearbox.

2006 e46 m3 specs