MurphyE30 wrote:pony wrote:I have driven the SMGII and to be honest it is great fun to drive. I never really used automatic mode though. I find driving slow in it boring. However, I think either Manual Gearbox or SMGII Gearbox is fun but SMGII is supposed to be the fastest over manual due to consistency of gear change quality/speed/throttle blipping/protection from over-revving the engine and there is a launch control programme in Manual S6.
Not driven one my self but was just put off by a friends experience with his.
bss325i wrote:Yes, SMG can be a major pain in the arse in reliability terms.
The S54 engine on the other hand is a gem and even more reliable than the M54 engines fitted to lesser E46's.
Have to agree about the wheels as well, gotta be silver.
thats good to know the S54s a decent Donk
looking at having a run down to Evolve to have a new full system and remap to freshen her up a little
The BMW S54B32 won the International Engine of the Year Awards in the 3 - 4 Litre catergory in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 beating the likes of Porsche 996 Carrera/Porsche 996 Turbo, Ferrari 360 Modena. In 2001 it won the many other awards too at the International Engine of the Year Awards.
Apparently SMGII if it goes wrong can be expensive. However, it is not at all difficult to drive.
Obviously this is your particular car but I think it looks good with either a set of new genuine BMW 18 inch wheels (better for ride quality) or if you really want to go all the way BMW 19 inch wheels.
The CSL wheels though nice they tend to be adorned by those more concerned with carbon BMW badges, M badges, smoking indicators, lowered suspension, tinted windows etc. You get what i mean.
this time an E46 M3. 
