That is the problem with SMG. My first week was jerky and rough, kind of like my first day driving a manual transmission car when I was 16.

After that it improved to the point where it was as smooth as a good manual driver. You have to learn how to drive the SMG, it is not an automatic and driving it like one will lead to jerkiness.

It isn't that you get used to it, when you learn to drive the SMG, it goes away (except in automatic mode, but who ever uses that).

 

I have owned both and it really comes down to what you are willing to trade off. I love the SMG, it is the best of both world in terms of quickness and convenience. It can be a little jerky, but you will get used to it and in my opinion it adds to the overall driving experience. I cannot describe to you the feeling you get when you are in S6 and shift at 8150 rpm. However, I suggest you pick up the 6 speed for one reason only. Maintenance. The SMG though wonderful is extremely expensive to fix, and can usually only be fixed at the dealer. Even though I had no problems with my SMG I always worried what would happen if something broke. If something goes wrong expect to pay anywhere from 2-9k to fix it. If maintenance is not an issue go for the SMG, but if you plan to keep the car for a while, and don't want to risk potentially spending a great deal of money on maintenance then go with the 6 speed. Remember the M3 is already a fairly expensive car to maintain.

(Also, if you plan to track the car I suggest 6 speed becuse the SMG has been known to overheat).

 

SMG in NYC

 

Exactly.

If you're coming from a stick, and like it, the SMG will get old.

You can't side step the clutch and grab 2nd with an SMG... Which never gets old in an E46M.

 

6 speed

 

SMG. Need to learn how to drive with it though.

 

After leaving my 986 for an 04' M3 SMG a few months ago along with a handfull of (5 full days) track days in a F2000 open wheel car(track experience is relevant here because I have pretty good understanding of how to really take a car to its limits given some pretty good instruction) I believe that the SMG is absolutely unreal in every way.

It think it may be a tic slower than a manual but the 80 milisecond shifts at redline are just awesome.
...and I definately agree with the others here that have talked about getting used to it as I can now drive the car in S6 while in sport mode as smooth as silk.
As for the track, its my opinion that you'll pull quicker lap times with the functionality of the "flappy paddles" alone. Unfortunately I have not tracked mine as of yet but I really believe that you'll find your break sets and lines much better when you take the heal and towing out of the equation...just look to the true F1 guys for the fastest way around a track and you won't see a third pedal there either.

...to further add to this theory the Nurburgring has been lapped in a CSL SMG(Porsche 911 GT2 only beat it by 1 sec) and a standard e46 M3 SMG in times that are hard to beat with a 6speed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordsch...test_lap_times

Bottom Line: I am sure you can't lose either way but the SMG will definately help you tackle the traffic with ease and not leave you longing for more when you want to dial up some instant torque!

 

mines for sale

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=269021