May 3, 2006 · The BMW SMG is similar to the PDK on Porsches, it is a basically a manual transmission car with two pedals instead of three; the clutch is electronically activated whether operating with the paddles or in automatic mode.

Aug 28, 2008 · SMG on the Z4 is a 6 speed manual gear box with an automated clutch. Gear changes can be made in auto mode where the car decides or in manual mode where you use paddles or the gear stick. SMG cars come with steering wheel paddles as standard, there are not many SMG's around.

Jun 4, 2014 · In the Z4 3.0i it was called the SSG and while it didn't have the 6 stage shift programming and whatnot, it's got the same basic underpinning as the E46 SMG II. It's more a "hybrid" between the first and 2nd generation SMG that came on the M3s.

Jun 19, 2007 · The SMG on the Z4 is far preferable to the steptronic automatic for most people who have actually compared them. Very few have. Many people run their mouths, however. The Z4/330 came with a very bare-bones SMG that supported only 4 shift modes. It did come with 2-way paddles that are a bit easier than the M3's to operate.

Feb 3, 2009 · Would you recommend buying a Z4 (2004, 40k miles) with an SMG? What should I look for on a test drive? I know that BMW doesn't usually make them quite well. Should I stay away and go for normal Auto or Step, or SMG is quite reliable? _____

Jun 2, 2009 · I've found a Z4 with automatics which I want, but SMGs look interesting, and fun to drive, is it more manual than auto or the other way around? Is there some video or something I can see about how you drive it?

Feb 11, 2007 · 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.

Feb 8, 2010 · If SMG II had been offered on the Z4, I would whole heartedly recommend it. If you can, try an E46 M3 with SMG II to see what I am getting at

Sep 13, 2004 · Read this 2003 BMW Z4 2.5 SMG Long-Term road test review from the the auto experts at European Car Magazine

Aug 21, 2004 · The roll-out of SMG brings the transmission count to four in the Z4 lineup, out-distancing the engine choices by a factor of two. The $34,295 base roadster gets a 2.5 liter, inline six, rated at 184 hp, 175 lb. ft. of torque.