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re: M3 6 speed SMG

Eric Huang wrote:

> ... check out the October issue of the European Car. ..
> articles covering the U.S. M3, European M3 Evo, ... and the
> SMG (Squential Manual Gearbox?). The SMG reportedly will be a $4500 
> option

After seeing the Oct. issue of European Car, the next day i visited
with a friend who had the July issue of Auto Motor und Sport. They
had a detailed article also on the SMG but said that the price was
4500 DM; which at today's exchange rate is about $3600. Of course,
BMW products often gain value crossing the ocean :-) In any event,
the article also had no mention about the possible availability
in the North America. Retrofitting appeared to be very difficult
and likely too pricey, there are 2 extra CPUs along with a host of
extra hydraulic lines. 

On the other hand, the Euro M3's 3-spoke steering wheel should be
coming over. Does anyone know why this steering wheel now qualifies
for the US standard for airbag volumes (whereas the excuse previously
was that the Euro bag has a lower volume and hence was not legal here)?

dan
96 M3 with 4-spoke steering wheel butWishingForA3-spoke-muchLessSMG
87 Dinan 325i Stroker with many mods and a 3-spoke steering wheel