Looking and advice reqd

[pops]

Originally Posted by Matt21

I have two also in Northamptonshire. 1 is definitely available to view and will be out of hibernation shortly

Thanks Matt

[Trawler]

Originally Posted by pops

Query on the SMG.

Read various things elsewhere about it being a bit of a pain to use times and appreciate these are probably made by folk who have had a 10 minute drive and haven't got used to both how it works and how to work it.

The main complaint seems to be about jerkiness when using in heavy traffic.

Is this genuinely the case or only so when you're new to using the SMG? Does it have an "auto mode" where you can drive it as an auto in such scenarios or, is it only a paddle change?

Have already gathered it's best not to lift off when changing gear if pushing along a bit


Also read about "throttle blip", does it do this automatically or do you blip it yourself?

Finally, a random question, is there anyone who owns a CSL in the Derby / Midlands region who is willing to let me poke my nose around their car sometime?

Just a quick reply & my thoughts. I love the SMG as its part of the cars character. Learning to use it is part of the fun and bonding with the car.

Never use auto as its crap.
In town only change up when accelerating and don't lift
Never have it less than S5
I lift slightly when giving it the full beans on and off track
Don't pussy foot around or you will get clutch slur. Give it a good thrashing
Careful when parking/manoeuvring as you may get a standing start when you only have a few inches to play with in practice no problem at all.
Blips on down changes are done automatically.
Others of course may have different advise/experience.

[pops]

Originally Posted by Trawler

Just a quick reply & my thoughts. I love the SMG as its part of the cars character. Learning to use it is part of the fun and bonding with the car.

Never use auto as its crap.
In town only change up when accelerating and don't lift
Never have it less than S5
I lift slightly when giving it the full beans on and off track
Don't pussy foot around or you will get clutch slur. Give it a good thrashing
Careful when parking/manoeuvring as you may get a standing start when you only have a few inches to play with in practice no problem at all.
Blips on down changes are done automatically.
Others of course may have different advise/experience.

Thank you for that mate.

[Neil M]

When in heavy traffic, Motorway crawling, I'd put into auto mode for convenience.

[pops]

Originally Posted by Neil M

When in heavy traffic, Motorway crawling, I'd put into auto mode for convenience.

Many thanks.

Have to say, compared to some car forums, this place is proving to be very helpful

[pops]

What's peoples general opinion on getting a warranty?

Have noted from other threads that the BMW (if available) can be an eye watering cost

Are the other warranty companies worth bothering with or is it best to avoid them and stick the potential cost of them away as an insurance should things go tits up?

EDIT :- Have spoken to BMW warranty and had a quote of £1300 ish p.a. on a car with 70,000 miles on, that's with a £250 excess. Not drastically bad IMO.

[shimmy]

Originally Posted by pops

Many thanks.

Have to say, compared to some car forums, this place is proving to be very helpful

It won't last

[shimmy]

Originally Posted by Neil M

When in heavy traffic, Motorway crawling, I'd put into auto mode for convenience.

Never use Auto

Only place Auto works is S6 on track at full steam

[pops]

Originally Posted by shimmy

It won't last

[cslsuperfan]

Originally Posted by pops

What's peoples general opinion on getting a warranty?

Have noted from other threads that the BMW (if available) can be an eye watering cost

Are the other warranty companies worth bothering with or is it best to avoid them and stick the potential cost of them away as an insurance should things go tits up?

EDIT :- Have spoken to BMW warranty and had a quote of £1300 ish p.a. on a car with 70,000 miles on, that's with a £250 excess. Not drastically bad IMO.

BMW Warranty every time. What is of equal importance is having the backing of a top dealer who has the negotiating know how to deal effectively and successfully when submitting a claim on your behalf.