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The E46 BMW came in two gearbox flavours - manual and SMG (sequential manual gearbox). Most purists would choose the manual - without first having a go in the SMG. I think that is a mistake.
The revered M3 CSL is pretty darn LOVED by any self respecting petrolhead - and BMW themselves decided it will be available as SMG only. Some people bemoan that fact, wishing it was available as a manual - but - purists would not want to see the CSL converted as it then loses its OEM status (stay with me here)..
SO, if you want a good CSL, at time of writing, they are around £60+k. By weird logic, the normal E46 SMG M3’s can be picked up at a cheaper price than the manual (if a great manual was £20k the SMG equivalent would be £18k).
BUT - having experienced both, turns out I actually LOVE driving the SMG. Why?... well it definitely ain’t no DSG - it is FAR more engaging. You have to learn how to drive the SMG and once you do, it makes you really feel part the car - and that engagement is proper fun, as well as totally addictive!
Another bonus, no-one (well, hardly anyone) hoons around 100% of the time - so the auto mode of the SMG may not be quite like an actual auto - but, driven right, it is perfectly capable of giving an easy, smooth, relaxing ride.
And one more thing - the purists would have a coupe, manual with no sunroof - which means the convertible with SMG - which is a beautiful, glorious machine, is the best value one to buy - and all good example of any flavour will hold it's value, or more likely increase.
Cheers
Mark
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The Estoril Blue Convertible SMG M3 featured is currently for sale at
www.anthonyjamescars.com/cars...
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My M3 was detailed by:
www.advanced-detail.co.uk
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