Hi everyone. New here but have been searching around a bit.

I'm currently looking at an '04 M3 SMG w/19000 miles on the clock. Went and drove it the other day and took a look at the body, brakes, tires, motor for what you can see and it looks pretty clean. That was my first time driving an SMG and I'm not sure at this point whether I would love it or hate it after I got used to it considering I'm driving a stick now. One thing for sure is I just love the M3.

Anyway, is there anything specific I should be looking for with and '04 M3?

Talked to the dealer and the records they have show normal maintenance. Anyone have access to CarFax?

Cheers,
Karl

... like a manual. I regret buying my 04 SMG. BMW is not putting them on the E92 M3 for a reason.

Do a search on Roadfly "SMG problems." Even when it works, I think the faster/better shift time does not make up for the overall loss of control compared to a manual.

[QUOTE=dozer;10690769]... like a manual. I regret buying my 04 SMG. BMW is not putting them on the E92 M3 for a reason.

QUOTE]

I thought it was only the first year model that isn't getting the SMG (or DSG) kind've like how the 01 M3 didn't have SMG.

I went from driving stick for 5 years (2 BMW cars) and now have an 04 SMG. At first you get this feeling of detachment as if you're missing a limb, but then you get used to it and its just fine.

... like a manual. I regret buying my 04 SMG. BMW is not putting them on the E92 M3 for a reason.
There is an SMG that will be in the subsequent years of the new M3. However the reviews I've read have referred to it by a different name (forget what the exact name was).

I drove manuals for years and then an 03 SMG. I love it. At 50K now with no problems, as with the vast, vast majority of SMGs. The first new M3s will not have the SMG as BMW develops their new dual-clutch SMG like the Audis now have. You choose.

SMG is not for everyone. That is the bottom line.
SMG provides you with as much control as the manual if not more. There is a reason it's faster on the track.

SMG is not for everyone. That is the bottom line.
SMG provides you with as much control as the manual if not more. There is a reason it's faster on the track.

Well, I just got back from driving a manual '04 M3 and my seat of the pants feel was that the SMG was a little quicker. But that could be because when I drove the SMG it was the first time I had driven an e46 M3 so it was a lot faster than what I am used to driving. I did like the manual, but again, that's what I'm used to.

I think I'll go drive the SMG again and in the end it will probably come down to the deal I can get ... man I love these cars!

Cheers,
Karl

I think I'll go drive the SMG again and in the end it will probably come down to the deal I can get ... man I love these cars.
Do a reset on the SMG when you take it out. Might not have been done in a while and it helps adjust smoothness:

1. Get up over 40 mph somewhere you can coast at that speed for at least 10 sec.
2. Move the shift lever to neutral (middle) position.
3. Pull back and hold both shift paddles for 10+ sec.
4. Put it back in gear (tap the shifter to the left) and continue on.

There's no beep or other indication that's it's done, but it can help with SMG smoothness.

Also, ask the dealer if the latest DME software update has been done on the car. It's a service bulletin for an emissions software update, but the SMG version of the update really improves shifting and throttle blipping. The recall covers cars with build dates up through 8/2004, I believe, which should include all 2004 MY cars.