Hell Yes! For a few reasons... (archive)

- Formula One cars use paddle shifting for a reason: It improves all aspects of road racing. You always have both hands on the wheel, which is best for concentration... upshifts are faster than humanly possible, essentially allowing you to continuously accelerate without pause... and downshifts are blipped, allowing you perfect gear syncronization, and faster corner exits.

- It's a new toy. If I'm going to spend so much money as to buy a car that even has SMG II, I'm going to go all out on the "new toy" factor. There might be many more superior supercars on the road, but how many of them have F1 shifting technology?

- The system has generally been lauded by the auto press. They say SMG II is a thrilling experience, and BMW's implementation is superior even to Ferrari's best implementation.

- No more threat of overrev. I'd glady accept "overrev insurance" in exchange for any of the SMG drawbacks mentioned on this board.

But of course everyone should test-drive both transmissions before pulling the trigger on SMG.

I'm just curious but I was thinking about his yesterday. A friend of mine is getting an E46 M3 convertible because his 3 month old Boxster S is too small for his new baby and I mentioned he should check out this option.

I know there are probably a lot of diehard manual transmission fans here and I'm one too, but I think this is the way of the future. F1 uses them and I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes the top choice in 5 years or so.

Just looking for opinions. Why would you get it or why would you stay away from it?

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