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      03-25-2007, 08:41 PM   #54
T Bone
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Drives: 2008 335xi Coupe
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Quote:
Originally Posted by maq View Post
The BMW 7-speed SMG III, or Getrag 7AMI550, has an unconventional shift pattern (shown below) that is designed to be operated by a computer controlled hydraulic system.

It is not possible in any way or form to modify this gearbox into a conventional H pattern manual. A manual version must have totally different/redesigned internals and quite likely new casing. That's a lot of development to do, and is likely to cost a lot. I'm under the impression that if it was worth it, BMW/Getrag would have done so already.

Personally, I always thought a 7-speed manual would have a dogleg first and a electronic reverse that's engaged by a button. It's purely my imagination though...

Nice find. I remember BMW was claiming this was the first transmission that was made specifically for Sequential shifting before the E60 M5 was released.

I had a chat with a credible person online claiming he works for BMW (so take this with a grain of salt)....the new M3 will be a 6 speed either in manual format or the new version of sequential.

I wonder if future sequentials will be custom built or be just a control unit on the side of a regular manual tranny
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