Non-CSL SMG v's CSL?

Craig · 24-10-2010, 11:19 PM

OK, as mentioned before a friend is looking at normal e46's for a track day / euro hoon car. Now I loved the SMG in the CSL, and wondered how the SMG in the non-CSL compares, and if anyone has ever tried it back to back?

At first I said stick to a manual, but questions have been raised about how good the normal SMG is and I have no idea. I also believe its possible to have the SMG software 'mapped' anyone done this? Reccomend it?

Curly · 25-10-2010, 11:08 AM

Had both the standard M3 smg change is not as good it didn't blip hard like the csl on the downchange allways felt a lttle slower than the csl

M5 Powered · 25-10-2010, 11:46 AM

My pal wanted to flash the SMG ECU with the CSL map in his standard M3, however, as I understand, while most the parts are shared, the ECU is different.

Best

Jonathan

_Nathan_ · 25-10-2010, 11:52 AM

Think that depends on the year of the M3...

shane@mbtech · 25-10-2010, 02:00 PM

2005 on m3 has same ecu as CSL, so exactly the same.

Craig · 25-10-2010, 04:51 PM

He's got a budget that only allows for an 01/02 car. Any views?

E46ACS · 25-10-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

He's got a budget that only allows for an 01/02 car. Any views?

I now have an '02 Manual coupe (my 4th E46 M3). No options, running on 18's, 92k on the clock. Runs as smooth as silk, and I am no slower on track than I was in the CSL. Perfect car for a track/euro hoon weapon which is excatly what mine is used for.

You can't beat the noise of the CSL

, and tyres make such a MASSIVE difference on a dry track. But if that is his budget, go for it. I miss the SMG but have really got to grips with the manual and am liking it more than I thought I would.

The CSL is ultimately the better car, as it is the sum of all its parts, but for less than £10k, you can't go wrong with an earlier M3.

Craig · 25-10-2010, 06:40 PM

Thats what I like to hear, back up what I've been telling him all along too. I said what he needs is a car with no options, basically an e46 M3 with 18" wheels and no-sunroof would be idea.

Just if an SMG car came up at the right price I'm not sure how good they are, the only experience I have is my CSL.

E46ACS · 25-10-2010, 06:48 PM

If an SMG comes up, its worth getting a software update done for the SMG, made a big difference to one of mine, made the downshifts quicker and the upshifts on full chat much smoother. But in terms of the gearbox, I never noticed any difference between the SMG M3's and the CSL.

Craig · 25-10-2010, 07:07 PM

Thats good to hear, I didn't know if there was a major speed difference in shifting or anything. I believe the SMG software can be mapped / updated, I presume the updates are done by BMW where as aftermarket software guru's will offer increased shifting response via a map?

24-10-2010, 11:19 PM	#1
Craig S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Guisborough Posts: 453 Casino cash: $4472	Non-CSL SMG v's CSL? OK, as mentioned before a friend is looking at normal e46's for a track day / euro hoon car. Now I loved the SMG in the CSL, and wondered how the SMG in the non-CSL compares, and if anyone has ever tried it back to back? At first I said stick to a manual, but questions have been raised about how good the normal SMG is and I have no idea. I also believe its possible to have the SMG software 'mapped' anyone done this? Reccomend it?

25-10-2010, 11:46 AM	#3
M5 Powered S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: May 2009 Location: Solihull, West Midlands Posts: 297 Casino cash: $2712	My pal wanted to flash the SMG ECU with the CSL map in his standard M3, however, as I understand, while most the parts are shared, the ECU is different. Best Jonathan __________________ M3 CSL, Silver Grey, 2004, Factory de-limit, Alcon BBK, Rogue Rear Control Arms, Turner Top Mounts, Braille CF Battery

25-10-2010, 11:52 AM	#4
_Nathan_ Driving it like I nicked it Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 2,099 Casino cash: $13060	Think that depends on the year of the M3... __________________ Nathan

25-10-2010, 06:48 PM	#9
E46ACS S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Durham Posts: 771 Casino cash: $1950	If an SMG comes up, its worth getting a software update done for the SMG, made a big difference to one of mine, made the downshifts quicker and the upshifts on full chat much smoother. But in terms of the gearbox, I never noticed any difference between the SMG M3's and the CSL. __________________ "Brake.....brake......SUPER BRAKE!!!"

25-10-2010, 11:08 AM	#2
Curly S5, Sport On, DSC M-track Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: madchester Posts: 1,153 Casino cash: $5838	Had both the standard M3 smg change is not as good it didn't blip hard like the csl on the downchange allways felt a lttle slower than the csl

25-10-2010, 02:00 PM	#5
shane@mbtech CSL Register Uber-poster! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: warrington Posts: 5,419 Casino cash: $19783	2005 on m3 has same ecu as CSL, so exactly the same.

25-10-2010, 04:51 PM	#6
Craig S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Guisborough Posts: 453 Casino cash: $4472	He's got a budget that only allows for an 01/02 car. Any views?

25-10-2010, 06:40 PM	#8
Craig S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Guisborough Posts: 453 Casino cash: $4472	Thats what I like to hear, back up what I've been telling him all along too. I said what he needs is a car with no options, basically an e46 M3 with 18" wheels and no-sunroof would be idea. Just if an SMG car came up at the right price I'm not sure how good they are, the only experience I have is my CSL.

25-10-2010, 07:07 PM	#10
Craig S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Guisborough Posts: 453 Casino cash: $4472	Thats good to hear, I didn't know if there was a major speed difference in shifting or anything. I believe the SMG software can be mapped / updated, I presume the updates are done by BMW where as aftermarket software guru's will offer increased shifting response via a map?