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Page 1 of 4 BMW M3 With Sequential Manual Gearbox
August 2001 will see the introduction of the second generation of BMW's Sequential
'M' Gearbox. Available only on the M3, SMG II is a clutchless manual gearbox drawing
on BMW's William F1 transmission technology. With 11 separate programmes which
can be operated by two paddles behind the steering wheel, by the traditional gear
selector, or a mixture of both, it can also be driven in self-selecting mode where
the gear changes take place automatically. BMW anticipate at least 50 per cent
of customers will request the SMG II option that is available on both the M3 Coupé
and Convertible.
Extreme power at your fingertips:
In 1996, BMW became the first manufacturer to offer a clutchless manual
gearbox on a commercial road car and half of E36 M3 owners specified it. SMG
II, the latest system on the new M3, offers a significant leap forward with
this technology.
Declutching and gear shifting is carried out electro-hydraulically following
computations made by the engine management system and a new transmission control
unit. A tap on the paddle, or a flick of the gear lever delivers instantaneous
changes - it is 'shift by wire'. The fastest gear changes take place in an astonishing
80 milliseconds. Other similarities to the cockpit of a Formula 1 car include
shift lights in the tachometer which light up to indicate the optimum shift
point.
A system unique to the M3 is 'acceleration assistant'. This system allows the
driver
to use the maximum possible acceleration from a standing start- rather like
launch control in an F1 car. An additional, practical function of the SMG is
the 'climbing assistant', which ensures that car will pull away on slopes without
rolling backwards. This system can be used in both automatic and sequential
mode.
The sophisticated SMG II incorporates 'Drivelogic' which offers 11 different driving
programmes from 'relaxed' or 'winter' mode to 'very sporting'. Such flexibility
really does tailor the M3 SMG to each driver's precise requirements.
More about the M3:
The new M3 is the third generation to wear the famous M3 badge. Using
technology derived direct from Formula One, the new M3 delivers performance
with precision handling and response: it rewards the driver in the style of
a thoroughbred sports car yet provides the comfort, luxury and practicality
of a full four seat coupé.
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