SMG Transmission Question
#1
SMG Transmission Question
I recently drove an 07 M6 with the 7-speed SMG Transmission. I like the car but was not pleased with the transmission lag when paddle shifting. Is this shift lag common to the SMG?
#3
During the test drive we used various modes but even with the Drivelogic set at 5 there was considerable shift lag. I was also wondering if you lift a bit on the throttle when paddle shifting if that makes a difference.
Last edited by 2008911tt; 07-24-2009 at 11:19 PM.
#7
You need to be in S6 for the fastest shifts, but even in S5 my shifts are faster than yours. Btw, I never lift off the gas between shifts.
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#9
Thanks for all the comments. I am really bothered by the shift lag. I have read many posts regarding the SMG transmission. Some love it and some hate it. I have to believe something is not right with this car's transmission though because the lag is just too pronounced. I also see that BMW has come out with a new DCT transmission. That seems to indicate some dissatisfaction with the SMG? The car I drove had less than 14K miles on it. Downshifts were almost instantaneous but up shifts were very slow even when driven aggressively. I had expected something on the order of the PDK. At this point I think I will pass on the car purchase. I like everything about the car except that pronounced shift lag.
#10
Thanks for all the comments. I am really bothered by the shift lag. I have read many posts regarding the SMG transmission. Some love it and some hate it. I have to believe something is not right with this car's transmission though because the lag is just too pronounced. I also see that BMW has come out with a new DCT transmission. That seems to indicate some dissatisfaction with the SMG? The car I drove had less than 14K miles on it. Downshifts were almost instantaneous but up shifts were very slow even when driven aggressively. I had expected something on the order of the PDK. At this point I think I will pass on the car purchase. I like everything about the car except that pronounced shift lag.
I have the M3 with the M-DCT and there is no comparison between it and the SMG. M-DCT is what SMG should have been, go for a test drive to see for yourself. You won't have any questions after driving one.
#11
I test drove an M6 last year and noticed the same thing you are writing about. It basically turned me off (and I drove that car for a long time, in all sorts of road conditions - i.e. highway, local, etc.) and since then have read and talked to enough people to know that its part of the transmission make-up and hence what keeps the M5 and M6 in my mind, a great M car.
I have the M3 with the M-DCT and there is no comparison between it and the SMG. M-DCT is what SMG should have been, go for a test drive to see for yourself. You won't have any questions after driving one.
I have the M3 with the M-DCT and there is no comparison between it and the SMG. M-DCT is what SMG should have been, go for a test drive to see for yourself. You won't have any questions after driving one.
#12
People rarely answer this question properly and it's frustrating to read...
The higher the RPM you shift at, the faster the shift. Shifting at 2-3k rpm can take close to half a second while shifting in S6 @ 8000rpm will slam it in 60ms (something like that anyway).
It's one of the quirks of SMG, I don't like it either but the visceral feel of shifts at redline in S6 more then make up for it for me and many others. SMG is a funny transmission, I love mine but it did take some getting used to.
I'll always love the transmission that does the best job (in terms of acceleration) ala DCT, however I do think I will sorely miss the violent kick you get with SMG, closest you can get to a manual feel without the stick and 3rd pedal.
The higher the RPM you shift at, the faster the shift. Shifting at 2-3k rpm can take close to half a second while shifting in S6 @ 8000rpm will slam it in 60ms (something like that anyway).
It's one of the quirks of SMG, I don't like it either but the visceral feel of shifts at redline in S6 more then make up for it for me and many others. SMG is a funny transmission, I love mine but it did take some getting used to.
I'll always love the transmission that does the best job (in terms of acceleration) ala DCT, however I do think I will sorely miss the violent kick you get with SMG, closest you can get to a manual feel without the stick and 3rd pedal.
#14
I don't know, when I'm hit the gears with the DCT, you feel some 'kick', or as my brother said when he drove it (with a smile and a giggle): "I love how when you up-shift at the high revs, it actually lurches forward. wow"
#15
The kick in the M5/M6 on S6 shift makes passengers smile with glee, it's just bloody awesome. I hope DCT does have some kick as it is the future but from what I have heard, it's nothing compared to the kick of SMG.