Is SMGII the same thing as a manually shifted automatic?
No, its not even close. While SMGII does have an Auto mode (actually 5 of them) its still not an automatic transmission in the traditional sense. SMGII is a “sequential manual gearbox” or in English: its a manual transmission with a computer actuated clutch. The only real difference between a standard manual M3 gear box and an SMGII gear box is how the clutch is engaged. In a traditional manual the driver controls the clutch by depressing the pedal. In an SMGII car the clutch is controlled by a computer (Drive Logic) which disengages and engages the clutch automatically during gear changes. The speed with which the shift is completed via SMGII is controlled by a series of settings (1-6) and by driver input (e.g. throttle input or brake application). An SMGII car can be driven in Auto mode but its really not the world’s greatest automatic. Since SMGII is a manual transmission with an automatic clutch it does not have a fluid filled torque converter to smooth out the shifts (and rob powe
