Sequential M Gearbox

In Formula One competition, changing gears is no longer done with a shift lever, but by operating rocker switches on the steering wheel.

Introduced on the E46 3 Series, the BMW M3 was the first production car in the world to feature the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG), like the F1 racers.

Thumbs Up!

In German, it is called Sequentiellen M Getriebe, but it translates in English to Sequential M Gearbox. Once you use it, you may think of it as Suddenly M Goes!

SMG was first made available on the Euro E36 M3 in 1997. Under the console there's a six-speed manual gearbox, but rather than the conventional H pattern, the SMG gearstick moves backwards for shifting up and forwards for shifting down. It's like a video game joystick!

Like Formula One racers, many M3 drivers will undoubtedly prefer the steering wheel paddle controls for SMG II. You get a "Formula 1 feel" when shifting on the steering wheel.

Because you don't have to think about shift points and heel and toe driving - matching revs and finding the right gear - driving is smoother, quicker and easier on the gearbox ... and your legs!

The new SMG II gearbox has these features and benefits:

• You can choose between two shift modes, the sequential ("S") mode or the automated ("A") mode.
• "Drivelogic" allows you to individually match the SMG's shift characteristic to your preferred driving habits, with eleven different driving programs.
• When downshifting, the engine will automatically double-declutch.
• There is no need for a clutch, clutch pedal or torque converter.
• It is easy to select the optimum shift point with the "shift lights", LEDs in the cockpit indicating the optimum shift point on the tachometer.

With SMG, you can use S mode (sequential manual) or A mode (automated). The "A" Mode was called "E" Mode (economy) in SMG I.

A Mode provides the convenience of an automatic transmission for start and stop driving, while S Mode provides lightning fast gear shifts even with the accelerator pedal fully depressed. 

You can easily perform a racing start! Select the S mode, push the gear lever forward, and depress the accelerator.

You can change modes "on the fly" at any time.

  Other than sheer driving pleasure, there are many benefits to using SMG:

• The life of the clutch, gearbox and drive line components are extended due to the precise control of clutch and gear actuation.
• SMG uses less horsepower, provides better fuel efficiency, is lighter, less complex and cheaper to manufacture.
• Since there is no clutch pedal, SMG reduces driver fatique.

Click on the image for a larger picture.

[More M3]