What type of transmission is used in the E46 M3?
The E46 M3 utilizes a Getrag Type D six-speed manual gearbox with the following ratios: 4.23 (1), 2.53 (2), 1.67 (3), 1.23 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.83 (6). This is mated to a 3.62:1 final drive with M Variable Differential Lock. Beginning with 09/01 production, the E46 M3 was also offered with the second-generation Sequential M Gearbox (SMG II). Using the unaltered internal gears and ratios of the Getrag Type D manual gearbox, SMG II provides automatic operation of the clutch and engagement of each gear via an electrohydraulic system operated by Drivelogic, the electronic gearbox software. SMG II offers 11 driver-adjustable programs, six in “sequential” (driver-operated) mode and five in “automated” (computer-controlled) mode. In addition, there is also a Launch Control function that provides optimized shifting times for maximum acceleration.
