Would You Rather: Own A Manual E46 M3 Cabriolet, Or An SMG-Equipped E46 M3 Coupe?

Would you pick the car with the floppier chassis and manual gearbox, or the car with the stiffer chassis and outdated single clutch SMG? Vote below!

Neil Winn

17 Mar 2016

Now read our latest post: 7 Terrible Versions Of Amazing Cars.

Comments

Everyone who hates on the SMG hasn’t even driven one ^ . the SMG is a great transmission & I for one will choose it over the 6 speed manual .

Or people who has driven one didn’t learn how to drive it properly. Single clutch semi-auto gearbox suck in Auto mode, just put it in manual mode problem solve.

So, from what I understand, the SMG is similar to a manual in that, whenever you pull a paddle to change gears, you have to take your foot off the gas while it changes gears. If I am already going to have to lift to change gears, there is no way I am going without a clutch pedal. Especially since manual E46s are actually quicker than SMGs.

The SMG was great for it’s time and it bring also the M3 E46 in the 4sec club in the 0-100 rate! 4.8 for a N/A 3.2L from 2001 isn’t that bad

Most of the people who hates on the smg have probably never driven an M3, except maybe in a video game

Always think convertible makes sports car / supercar special

Lol even the Ferrari 575 Superamerica?

Smg

Put a few holes in the Cabriolet with that thing.

That’s what I thinking off

Manual.

There is no excuse for a convertible
“Lets buy a fast car”
“But lets buy the version that is 200kg heavier and has a roof that never looks 100% right”
M3 Coupe SMG it is, as long as it doesn’t have a lot of miles on it with good service it might not actually be that bad

Yeah but if you look at a cabriolet objectively over a coupé you are missing the point, I mean if you are looking for ultimate dynamics of course a coupe is going to be more pleasurable to own, however if you live somewhere with a nice climate, a cabriolet makes sense…

I have an auto cabrio but would prefer manual. So yeah, cabrio

As much as I dislike 2 pedal trannies, I hate cabrio versions based on coupes with a passion.

Why? Is there anything wrong with them?

Manual Always… even if it is slower than the auto (like the new M2)

Cabrio 6MT every time because only track rats would actually notice the chassis difference, driving at or near the limit. For the occasional spirited street drive, I’d much rather row my own and heel-toe, with the wind in my hair as a bonus!