Over the years as I read about the SMG debate, I failed to see stated the reason I love my SMG. Try as I might when I test drove a M3 stick in 2003 my big feet could not function within the narrow confines where the clutch pedal lived. I had the headroom but lacked the petite feet to shift properly. This was not for lack of technique, effort or experience in owning multiple motorcycles and a '67 Mustang Fastback. Truly frustrating. Imagine my delight when the 6' 6" German BMW salesman near Ramstien Airbase asked me to try an SMG-2 on a 2004 M3! He said he had the same problem, able to fit inside a true sportscar but his size 15's were just too big. Joy! Yes, the SMG can be a bit fussy, I have learned to not fight it and do what it tells me to do, on its terms. Thank you BMW for allowing a normal heighted driving enthusiast to enjoy the M3 in the land of the elfenfolk.
