Wondermike said:
Didn't think SSG came on the 5 series though?
Did on a limited number.
TSB#
23 04 06
SSG (SMG in NA) was made by Magneti Marelli for non ///M's whereas SMG1 and 2 was made by Siemens for ///M's. All cars utilized the manual fitted with or without the two control systems.
My impressions along with another fellow with some good information:
I had SMG special ordered in a 2004 330I that I drove the hell out of, including 4 all out track days and never had a problem.
On 03's and early 04's SMG (SSG) had problems with the hydraulic pump failing (hence the slipping people have talked about). Other than that issue, the system is rock solid. On any used car, I would check the service records to ensure the pump has been replaced and, or the clutch/pressure plate due to the wear caused by the pump. The driving experience: In general I loved it - would have ordered a similar system for the Z4MC had it been available. Its great on the race track. In traffic it can be cumbersome due to the computer getting a little out of sync with the inputs you're giving it via the throttle and brake. You need to be conscious that you are driving a standard - how you manage the throttle in relation to how the computer is managing the clutch creates smoothness...
A - Auto mode - feels like someone driving the car that has never driven stick
M (manual) - R(regular) mode - shifts are slow and sluggish, however transfer of energy on the drivetrain is relatively smooth and your passengers will not be thrown about
M (manual) - S (sport) mode - shifts are rock solid and about as quick as most drivers would shift in sporty driving - tends to be harsh on passengers
M (manual) - SS (super sport) mode - shifts are race car quick, hard on the drivetrain and the system will upshift on its own just prior to hitting the rev limiter. This mode also has a launch control... Here's the scoop from a fellow who talked with the manufacturer:
Here is the answer from Dag from Germany. He has talked to Magneti Marelli:
I have a 325i with SSG, in Europe we call it SMG also. (Sequential manual
gearbox)
I have also tested the M3 with SMG made by Siemens.(And Ferrari 355 and 360
Modena with F1 shifting)
The system in the 325i and 330i is more intelligent, and better in everyday
use because of the ergonomics. It is developed by Magneti Marelli, by a guy
called Guiseppe Medico, the same guy also developed the F1 gearing for
Ferrari 360 Modena. He told me the system in BMW 325i and 330i is the latest
and most up to date system on the market. Magneti Marelli also developed
similar systems for the new Ferrari Enzo (look at the pictures and you will
see the logo from M.M. on the side of the Enzo), the 575 Maranello, the 355
and also the Ferrari F1 cars ! (The M.M. logo can be seen on Shumachers car
too...nice !)
The most important differences between M3 SMG and 325/330 SMG systems
is that with the M3 you have to use both hands for shifting, personally I
prefer to only use my right hand only for shifting. Sometimes I use my left
hand for both up and downshifts when my right hand is occupied with
something else. And sometimes when cruising I prefer to use the stick. Every
summer I go to the Nurburgring in Germany to race on the track, and my
experience there tells me that it is a clear benefit that the shifters
follows the steeringwheel. It is also a clear benefit that the gearbox
shifts automatically to the next gear when hitting the rev limiter. Then you
can focus on driving instead of shifting during acceleration. The M3 does
not have this feature, while the Formula 1 cars does !
Most people believe the M3 system shifts faster, but it does not. The
Magneti Marelli system does have a secret "Super sport" mode that is not
listed in the owners manual. I got this info directly from Magneti
Marinelli:
1.Turn off all the electronics (by pressing the DSP button for 4 seconds).
2.Press the sports button. 3.When the accelerator is pushed to the floor and
you let the gearbox do the upshifts automatically, you will experience Super
Sport shifting just as fast as the fastest program on the M3, very hard
racing shifting. The ordinary sport shifting is OK, but not even close to
the super sports mode. The M3 have 6 different levels, while the 325/330
system only have 3,regular, sport and supersport. Anyway I believe those
three are exactly the options you need.
You also have launch control and cruise mode, but I almost never use the
Cruise mode even if it works OK.
In closing - It's a great way to trick your wife into letting you get a manual car...
oke: