So it looks like my dream of owning an e46 m3 will happen sooner than later.. I got bit by a convertible bug so purchasing a S2000 slowed my plan a little, but if everything's going the way it is, I should have one later this year. :buttrock
I am taking my time to shop around so I get what I want. :D

My question is this. I live in an area where roads are flat. However, my gf lives in the city and I do go there quite often to see her. So I often park on hills that are pretty damn steep. I take like 5 steps up the hill and I am short of breath already. So when parking on a steep hill, can you put the car in either reverse or 1st gear with SMG? That's what I do so the car won't roll down the hill you know?
I am leaning toward SMG because I just think it's a cool technology and it makes the car sportier, kinda like a mini-F430. :D And when I miss the good old clutch and stick shift, I can always jump into my S2000 since I will be keeping that car when I get the M.

Anyways, Thanks!

So when parking on a steep hill, can you put the car in either reverse or 1st gear with SMG? That's what I do so the car won't roll down the hill you know?
Anyways, Thanks!

I have SMG (M3) and after about 8 months wouldn't take for it! Incredibly fun to drive. As to parking, the SMG is designed to be parked in reverse. In fact, the car will beep at you if you shut down without shifting into reverse. Proper proceedure, of course, would be to also set the handbrake and turn wheels to curb just like any other car.

It doesn't need to be in reverse. The beep is to remind you to leave it in any gear.

its designed to be parked in any gear. i park it in neutral all the time and have never had a problem. however if you leave it in first gear you will not be able to start the car...

u will be fine. i visit a lot of friends in SF never had a problem.

its designed to be parked in any gear. i park it in neutral all the time and have never had a problem. however if you leave it in first gear you will not be able to start the car...

u will be fine. i visit a lot of friends in SF never had a problem.

i meant you wont be able to start the car from first till you go back to neutral.... might be just an 05 thing im not sure.

My question is this. I live in an area where roads are flat. However, my gf lives in the city and I do go there quite often to see her. So I often park on hills that are pretty damn steep. I take like 5 steps up the hill and I am short of breath already. So when parking on a steep hill, can you put the car in either reverse or 1st gear with SMG? That's what I do so the car won't roll down the hill you know?

Anyways, Thanks!

Like everyone said........the SMG forces you to park it some gear. But from the sound of things, if 5 steps takes your breath away, its time to get into the gym!

^^ lol.. working on it :alright