[328XIdiot]

I am looking at:

2003 e46 M3 SMG 70k miles, overall clean...
2007 335i e92 AT, 70k miles, overall clean...has oil cooler, hpfp at 50k

I am aware of the general issues with the 335i. I am somewhat educated on the e46 M3. I know the SMG sometimes has issues with the hydraulic control unit. Anyone have experience with both? Is there a clear winner in terms of reliability?

[FL335]

Originally Posted by 328XIdiot

I am looking at:

2003 e46 M3 SMG 70k miles, overall clean...
2007 335i e92 AT, 70k miles, overall clean...has oil cooler, hpfp at 50k

I am aware of the general issues with the 335i. I am somewhat educated on the e46 M3. I know the SMG sometimes has issues with the hydraulic control unit. Anyone have experience with both? Is there a clear winner in terms of reliability?

I owned an 03 M3 with 6MT. A wonderful car. Don't buy one with the SMG. It's a POS...seriuosly.

I have owned an 08 and now and 09 335i both with the AT stepronic. Its decent...would prefer a 6MT but the Steptronic is decent. It's nothing like the SMG which actually made use of twin clutches, I believe. The SMG technology was not developed and refined enough. They had a lot of $$$ issues with the Pumps going out.

Buy the 335i. Make sure it's been regularly serviced and get a PPI. GL

[328XIdiot]

Valid input, much thanks. I have always loved the e46 M3 and finally a decently priced clean one is available, but SMG.

[FL335]

Originally Posted by 328XIdiot

Valid input, much thanks. I have always loved the e46 M3 and finally a decently priced clean one is available, but SMG.

Just don't do it. The M3 is awesome but the 335 with a tune is so incredibly fast it's a game changer. Trust me.

[E93Manny335]

I myself was on the border of trading in my 2009 335 for a 2003 e46 m3 SMG, but didn't pull the trigger after reading about how the SMG sucks and messes up.

[markus037]

drive one with the SMG and see how you like it. Personally I think its too clunky at low speeds and those SMG pumps cost some big bucks to fix.

On the plus side, you can convert it to manual when the pump does take a shit.

[Wingnut335]

I wouldn't go near an e46 m3. I've known people who've taken big losses on the car just to get rid of it. If you found a mt, I would get that over an '07 335i.

[ilicboris]

As much as I love the E46 M3, I'd go with the 335i. I'm very much enjoying the 335i automatic I have. So much power potential.

[Taskmaster]

I hear there are relatively low cost options to fi,ing the SMG should it fail, but the E46 M3 will ALWAYS get my vote. It's a special car (the VIN starts with a S) but it does have its vices.

[328XIdiot]

Thanks for the comments. I have next week off and am going to check out several cars for potential purchase. Should be fun.

[Eddien123]

Originally Posted by FL335

Just don't do it. The M3 is awesome but the 335 with a tune is so incredibly fast it's a game changer. Trust me.

Don't honestly tell me you're trying to say an e92 non m3 is better than probably the greatest M car ever made?

OP the SMG in the e46 is garbage and a sin to buy over the manual. The 335 can be much faster and the ZF Auto is quite reliable in comparison. If it's between the two id have to say the 335 only because the SMG is really bad. But if you'll do a manual then by all means go for it!

[924er]

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

I hear there are relatively low cost options to fi,ing the SMG should it fail, but the E46 M3 will ALWAYS get my vote. It's a special car (the VIN starts with a S) but it does have its vices.

Anything other than a 335i gets your vote lol

[E93Manny335]

Originally Posted by 924er

Anything other than a 335i gets your vote lol

[gabylonfive]

I've owned both. SMG is a single clutch so gear changes are not preloaded - it is very clunky at low speeds and can be pretty brutal to drive on the s5-s6 settings. Downshifts are pretty nice and WOT upshifts are gnarly..but if I could do it again I'd either get a 6MT out of the gate or do a conversion with the one I had.

The 335 is a completely different beast - heavier, much more power, and a little lazier overall. Spend a little bit of money to tighten up the suspension though and it's an absolute blast. With the Alpina flash the SSG is no slouch though on the track you really need to keep oil/water temp in check otherwise your day will be pretty short. These things run incredibly hot.

I'm happy with the 335 but will probably look at replacing it with an F80 or E92 M once I get bored with the 335. They're just completely different cars.

[Nalod]

When I was shopping, the SMG was never in my consideration. Its clumsy as most have said.

There are days I regret not getting the E46 M3 MT but I have been happy otherwise.

Its not just the speed of the 335 vs E46, its the dynamic of the car. Keep shopping for MT m3 in your range.

[924er]

I believe the e46 is going to be a collectible

[hlmiii]

Originally Posted by FL335

the SMG. It's a POS...seriuosly.

And other similar comments ...
The SMG is most decidedly not a POS. You may not like it, but it's a very well-designed, well-executed and very usable piece of hardware+software for what it is. People think and expect it to be something it is not, and was not designed to be. It does not act like a manual and it does NOT act to supplant an automatic transmission. It is both faster than and feels different than either. It is much more suited for hard driving and racing than either, and it is less friendly than an auto for slow stop+go city driving.

It is less reliable than either MT or AT. But it is far less problematic than some would have. Out of the thousands and thousands of SMG vehicles on the road (E46 + E60/E63) the large majority have been fine. The real problem is that if there is a major problem, it is definitely $$$.

SMG has one clutch, not two (that is the DCT, as previously noted).
The SMG is a manual transmission that is shifted mechanically/hydraulically/electronically. Conversions from SMG -> MT, and the reverse, use the same gears, housing, etc.

Many E46 people love SMG. Others don't. Just like some people like DCT and others find it unappealing. SMG is unique - each driver will use it and react differently.

[The0pportunist]

Its like this thread is a sign...i've been thinking about e46 M3 too , its the best sounding m3 in my opinion. That rattle can performance exhaust is just lovely

To be honest a well looked after SMG cant be that bad? Can it? I quite fancy an automatic next.

[AllBlackBimmer]

"SMG" and "reliability" don't belong in the same post unless your statement is, "the reliability of a SMG transmission is about as reliable as a crack head to bring you back the $20 you loaned him"

Don't do it.
Don't. Do. It.
Don't, seriously.

[Taskmaster]

Just find a 6mt E46 and call it a day.

[totti84]

On the other hand, the 6MT suffer from extensive rear subframe cracks. Definitely go over it thoroughly on a hoist/lift before purchasing either AT/MT!

[markus037]

good luck finding a 6-speed one that isnt beat to shit, has a ton of miles on it and is still stock. most of the 6-speed ones for sale around here are salvage title junkers.