Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) - Page 2

So today I had booked an E92 335i and an M3 test. I have looked forward to this like crazy since I have never had the chance to properly drive a bimmer. Sorry no pictures

335i
I kicked it off with the 335i since it has been heavily praised here ever since it was...

Click here to read the entire review

Just_me · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-09-2007, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luwalira

. As for the SMG, sure it was quick but it was a bit jerky and the biggest reason why I don't like SMG is that DSG is so much better. DSG has made SMG obsolete. It's faster smoother and much more convenient.

in automatic mode SMG is jerkier than DSG but in manual mode its up to the driver if its jerky or not.

Just_me · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-09-2007, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luwalira

What funny is that during my 335i test drive I thought "Damn, Andreas has been right all along the car isn't harsh at all"

Sure there are cars out there on the market with softer suspension but the seats hold just as high standard than any other germancar, in many cases even more comfortable than the competition.
To me, BMW's balance between sport and comfort is perfect and one of the reasons why I rank BMW so high.

Do think its easier to testdrive a car in Sweden? I mean, in a short time you tried some fine cars so I get the feeling its easier to testdrive cars in US than in Sweden?

Matt · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-09-2007, 02:49 PM

The truth is suspension can only be designed for one of two things. Lateral G's or vertical oscillation. If you design it for one-then you automatically sacrifice the other-thats just the way it goes. BMW has been trying to make suspension that does both-whether they have succeeded or not is up for debate.

Centurion · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-09-2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

in automatic mode SMG is jerkier than DSG but in manual mode its up to the driver if its jerky or not.

Nope. In Manual mode DSG was much more softer than SMG. You could barely feel that the car was shifting. Very very smooth.

Just_me · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-09-2007, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luwalira

Nope. In Manual mode DSG was much more softer than SMG. You could barely feel that the car was shifting. Very very smooth.

in manul mode im talking about when you change gear with the paddles with your own hands . No jerkiness there so unless we arent talking the same thing then the fault lay in your hands, not the car

PS, I didnt compare it to DSG if thats what you thought, Im talking about manual mode for SMG in general without the DSG in my thoughts.

Mr. M · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-13-2007, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

in automatic mode SMG is jerkier than DSG but in manual mode its up to the driver if its jerky or not.

It's very difficult to get a perfect shift in a clutch-actuated manual, whether good driver or not IMO... I don't think it's very ideal to keep concentrating on getting perfect shifts on the road, more often than not you won't get it.

For the DSG, manual or automatic it works just as well. That's why BMW is coming up with ZSG.

Just_me · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-13-2007, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirage77

It's very difficult to get a perfect shift in a clutch-actuated manual, whether good driver or not IMO... I don't think it's very ideal to keep concentrating on getting perfect shifts on the road, more often than not you won't get it.

For the DSG, manual or automatic it works just as well. That's why BMW is coming up with ZSG.

I nailed it the first time I tried SMGIII so I dont really see a problem. I even tried citydriving in manual mode which I prefer over automatic. I doubt Im some kind of a God when it comes to driving.

PS, I wonder if we talk about the same thing

Zonda · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-13-2007, 06:33 AM

I assume it was the E46 M3?

Great read, thanks Luw

Mr. M · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-13-2007, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

I nailed it the first time I tried SMGIII so I dont really see a problem. I even tried citydriving in manual mode which I prefer over automatic. I doubt Im some kind of a God when it comes to driving.

PS, I wonder if we talk about the same thing

I think we are. I am referring to SMG in manual mode.

Well, lets just say my dad hasn't perfected his shifts in the Maser... Wait till it's my turn.

Just_me · **Re: Test drive: E92 335i, M3(SMG) and GTI(DSG) -** 04-13-2007, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirage77

I think we are. I am referring to SMG in manual mode.

Well, lets just say my dad hasn't perfected his shifts in the Maser... Wait till it's my turn.

I read somewhere where a carmag stated the seqventiell gearbox in M5 is smoother than the one in the Massa.
Personally I havent tried SMGII so I cant compare SMG2 to SMG3.

Mirage have you driven the new M5 or M6? (PS a 5 minute testdrive doesnt count

)

PS, I have driven manual cars for almost 15 years, maybe Im some kind of Manual God