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Tech Write-Up:BMW E46 M3 SMG to 6spd Manual Conversion
The cisco anyconnect secure mobility client. Description: Used 2001 BMW M3 Coupe RWD for sale - $20,330 - 123,528 miles with Leather Seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Power Package, Navigation System, SE Package, Bluetooth, Premium Wheels, Premium Package, Heated Seats, Cold Weather Package, Luxury Package. Certified Pre-Owned: No. Transmission: 6-Speed Manual. SMG parts and repairs are VERY expensive. One service I CAN provide for SMG owners is flash programming Euro SMG transmission software into your transmission control module. This upgrade transforms the SMG. Significantly improved shift quality and the ability to do launch control at 4k rpm with automatic upshifting at the redline.
BMW’s E46 M3 is arguably the best ///M car to date.
A high revving straight six with beautifully tuned individual throttle bodies, boasts an impressive 333hp, with nimble handling, an aggressive stance and body design that still competes with today’s exotic cars. Unfortunately and at many owners expense, it had one major downfall;
The SMG transmission…
Although the technology of the SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) was really cool and had “lightning-fast” shifting, (.65 milliseconds to be exact, which was second only to the Ferrari), Sadly, the SMG was plagued with expensive issues and when compared to newer technology, namely BMW’s newer dual-clutch transmission, shifted sloppy and lagged in performance. **Check out this updated article, written in January 2021 about the dual clutch transmission going away when the F90 BMW M5 debuted…**
The SMG transmission was promoted as newer, cutting-edge technology. Now that many SMG equipped vehicles have aged with higher mileage, current owners are faced with very expensive repairs if and when everything fails.
Let’s give the ultimate control back to the driver! We have extensive experience swapping the SMG transmission to its highly desired, 6 speed counterpart; the best news is, we can use the transmission that’s already in the car, therefore eliminating the cost of buying a new or used transmission! When BMW built and offered the SMG transmission option, they, for the most part, bolted on several electronically controlled hydraulics. To prevent overworking or premature failure of the hydraulic parts and components, BMW removed some of the internal shifting portions of the transmission.
Once the owner finally decides that they have had enough of the SMG transmission (usually when the hydraulic pump fails and they are facing a repair bill, well north of $3,000) they make an appointment for Eurompire to perform the swap!
We begin by removing the transmission, driveshaft, the old hydraulics, the old shifter, and paddles, including all wiring that will no longer be used.
We box up the old parts and give them back to the customer. Many customers have sold the old parts online or have taken them into a field and handled them like the printer on the movie, ‘Office Space’. (Don’t forget your baseball bat.)
What is a BMW SMG Transmission? SMG stands for Sequential Manual Gearbox. It's essentially a transmission capable of functioning as an automatic, or functioning as a manual transmission. The innovation is that, when functioning as an automatic, the driver does not need to operate a clutch pedal, simply designate desired gear. When BMW built the SMG transmission option, they basically bolted on several electronically controlled hydraulics. To prevent overworking or premature failure of the hydraulic components, BMW removed a few internal shifting parts of the transmission.
Next, we install the new parts needed for the manual transmission. We have to cut out the plate that blocks the shift lever hole and weld in the bracket that holds the rear shift lever bushing.
Next, we install the clutch pedal, shift lever and return springs. **Note: we can install the shift boot and shift knob as chosen by the owner. Next, the clutch pedal switch is wired in. We find and locate the factory cut out sections for the clutch hydraulic lines and run the lines to and from the new master cylinder.
Now.the COOL part of the process.
We set the transmission up on the bench and remove the bellhousing area. After its removal, we disassemble the shift rod holder and carefully give the housing a proper cleaning.
We cover the bearing and then drill two holes for the new shift detents. Next, a small bearing is pressed onto the shift rod holder for the new detents to ride on. The next task is to install a return spring, which serves to center the assembly when the shifter is put into neutral. After completing the return spring installation, we need to machine two grooves for the snap rings, then drill one last hole for the spring to rest on and install a specially machined pin.
Last steps…we thoroughly clean the bellhousing, use copious amounts of grease to protect the new components and reassemble everything. EuroMpire takes special care to be sure everything is properly lined up and sealed!
With the transmission reassembled, we have to thread the hole at the back of the transmission that holds the new gear recognition switch. This new switch also uses a different detent, spring and pin. That finalizes the transmission work!
![Smg Smg](/uploads/1/1/8/2/118218943/331243422.jpg)
Before we reinstall the transmission, we must remove the clutch and determine whether it needs replacement, or a simple reset.
Assembly from this point is the same as installing the regular six speed transmission. We install a new slave cylinder and line, then connect the new shifter. We reassemble the drive-line exhaust, heat shields and the remaining underbody.
Although this swap can be difficult for some shops or “do-it-yourself” types, we usually have the entire swap completed and ready to go within a week, with costs starting at $3799.00
Some items to note:
Bmw Smg Transmission Wiki
The SMG to manual swap requires some wiring. Different model years with different options require different wiring strategies; by comparing wiring diagrams between SMG and 6 speed models gives us the proper insight to know what is needed.
The same theory goes for proper coding as different BMW model years have different requirements. Its well known that we will always need to re-code the DME (digital motor electronics) and instrument cluster.
Bmw Smg Transmission Repair
During the entire process, we check any related components for failure or wear, such as the transmission mounts or the Giubo.
When the swap is fully completed, the drivers, passengers and any other onlookers will have no idea the car was ever equipped with the dreaded SMG transmission.
We welcome any questions. Feel free to call or text us anytime! 704-777-0006 to talk about your options, or set up an appointment!