2004 Bmw M3 Homepage

Question: 2004 bmw m3 automatic?

(Posted by: Sheena C on 2007-10-29 13:44:43)

Hello, I was just wondering. My dad just got me a used 2004 BMW M3 Automatic. I was reading about it online and it says something about the SMG. Is the SMG an additional add on for the car or was it standard for this vehicle? Also, if it is standard for the vehicle how would you drive it? Do I need to know a little bit about a manual car. Sorry, so many questions...please help! :'(

Posted by: zuluagarules on 2007-10-29, 14:10:43

The SMG is the M3's automatic. It's a mix between auto and man. There's no park, you have to put into N and pull the hand brake like a manual. But there is no clutch so you just push it forward to put it into R and pull it back and push it to the side for SD (sport drive) or MD (manual drive).

Posted by: 8020rule on 2007-10-30, 00:13:34

Wow Sheena, can we discuss a way to make your dad my dad too? haha, just kidding. QUITE THE GIFT you have been given with this M3. I have a 2002 M3 myself with SMG. So... a little data missing here. Do you have a stick shift M3? If so, then the SMG is irrelevant for you because you don't have it. I'm guessing this is what you have otherwise you would have probably found yourself either unable to start your car or unable to change gears so you'd always be stuck in 1st gear. Do you have paddle shifters on the steering wheel? If so you have SMG. I'm gathering you don't though unless you haven't left the house with it yet, which I'm also guessing isn't the case because how could you not drive that beautiful car! haha.

Posted by: S.Jacob on 2007-10-30, 18:48:11

Well, The BMW M3 does not have an automatic transmission. It has something called SMG, Sequential Manual Gearbox. As someone previously mentioned there is no clutch so basically it has a manual mode in which you change the gears yourself by pushing the throttle up or down. Also it has a sport drive mode, basically an automatic mode. There is no park, so you have to put the car in neutral and pull the hand brake. Basically, you put the shifter to the right and let it drive in sport automatic so you don't have to change gears. You're very lucky. Its a beautiful car, but I'm curious as to wonder why your dad bought you an M3, if he knew you didn't know too much about SMG. I can't blame you, I'm not used to the whole SMG idea. but great car. have fun.