SMG dropped from Z4 for 2006

[Kirby]

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
Posted Date: 11/14/05
MUNICH, Germany -- BMW will not offer its automated manual transmission on its latest M-badged model, a tuned-up Z4 roadster.

The transmission also will be dropped from less-powerful Z4 models, on which it now is offered as an option.

When the face-lifted Z4 debuts at the Detroit auto show in January, BMW will offer a high-performance M version of the car for the first time, said a company spokesman. But unlike BMW's M3, M5 and M6, the Z4 M will not have an SMG automated manual transmission. The car will be offered only with a six-speed manual transmission.

SMG is BMW's German abbreviation for sequential manual transmission.

 

[Big Daddy]

I wonder what gives? Still a six speed is nothing to cry about, I'll take one.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

I'd imagine a few members on this board are going to rejoice... and buy one?

 

[cngizbleevng]

I wonder if that means they are also dropping the "sport" mode from the automatics? I like using that feature for greater acceleration in passing or from a stop.

 

[PhatBimmer]

Was the SMG in the MZ4 going to be the SMGII or SMGIII or SMGI?

Its good nonetheless I would want the SMGIII in the M Z4 though but 6-speed manual sounds great as well, keep it very sporty for the old and new.

 

[B M W]

More than likely SMGII. I doubt a need for 7 gears and they wouldnt go backwards in technology.

 

[Kirby]

Just found this article that explains what's going on. Does this mean that ultimately ALL SMG goes away??
======================================================

BMW is dropping sequential manual transmissions in favour of dual clutch transmissions, also called direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmissions.

A sequential manual gearbox will not be offered on the facelifted Z4 or the new M Roadster, according to the German publication, Automobilwoche.

The M Roadster will get a six speed manual gearbox instead.

Automobilwoche said that Getrag is developing a dual clutch transmission for BMW and that ZF is working on a similar development for an unnamed German OEM.

Dual clutch gearboxes made by BorgWarner are already widely available across Volkswagen group model lines.


And if you are wondering exactly what DSG is:
================================

Volkswagen’s innovative and advanced Direct Shift Gearbox combines the comfort of an automatic gearbox with the agility and economy of a manual unit.

The six-speed, transversely mounted DSG has two wet clutches (offering a higher thermal load tolerance than dry clutches) with hydraulic pressure regulation. One clutch controls the ‘odd’ gears plus reverse, while the other operates the ‘even’ gears. Essentially it is two gearboxes in one.

With this new clutch management system, the breaks in power that are typical of even an automatic-shift manual gearbox no longer occur. This is achieved by an intelligent hydraulic and electronic (mechatronic) gearbox control system, the two wet-type clutches and the two input and output shafts in each half of the gearbox.

This combination enables the next-higher gear ratio to remain engaged but on standby until it is actually selected. In other words, if the car is being driven in third gear, fourth is selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engages under accurate electronic supervision.

Since the opening and closing actions of the two clutches overlap, a smooth gearshift results and the entire shift process is completed in less than four-hundredths of a second. In addition to its fully automatic shift mode, DSG has a tiptronic function to permit manual gear selection. In the Golf, the option of a paddle shift will become available towards the end of the year.

 

[B M W]

VW invented the DSG but they have it for their auto sequentials. Im sure BMW will turn this into a more f1 style racing box and rebrand it.