Many People with SMG E46 M3's are always worried about their Hydraulic Pumps failing as they are an expensive fix. They can cost almost $2,500 for a replacement pump from BMW. It makes you wonder how much would it cost to just switch to a manual and not have to worry anymore? For some people opting to switch to manual before a problem, may be able to make a good amount of their money back by selling their used pump and parts.
If you are looking to get the manual swap done, we finished the swap for our good customer and now have the information that many people could not find. We now know without a doubt this can be done, what parts are needed, and what software to get. Having the manual will give you the piece of mind for no more guessing what the problems are, no more replacing smg relays, hydraulic pumps. accumulators, re setting smg adaptations, and worry about smg issues.
Pricing-We now have a price that the swap can be completed for, minus the manual transmission or bell housing you will need. Below are some facts people need to know about the manual swap.
What you will need.
-You will need either a manual transmission or just the bell housing off a manual car. (Some people have machined the smg bell housing and inserted the necessary parts from the manual cars but we have not done this and you could run the risk of machining the bell housing wrong and then you are stuck. Then still have to buy a new bell housing or transmission.)
Transmission with the bell housing off
Inside the SMG Bell Housing
-Install the necessary parts missing on a SMG car that a Manual has. We have the list already and know what needs to be ordered. Some of these parts can be upgraded to aftermarket such as the shifter (short shifter), Clutch slave cylinder line, shift boot, etc. Also this is the perfect time to replace the clutch, upgrade clutch or change flywheel.
Manual Shift lever installed.
Updated Software to have the car recognize that it is now a manual. This will turn off the gear indicator and the SMG fault code lights.
Picture of the SMG indictors off.
-Lastly you will lose your neutral safety switch and cruise control. Only way to make them work is for us to build a harness to the DME since there is no harness to purchase from BMW. This would take a lot of time for us to do on the first car. So instead of doing that we can delete the neutral safety switch. By doing this it means the car will not have cruise control, and the car could potential start in gear. You will need to take extra precaution to make sure not start the car in gear or it can jump forward/backwards potential hitting a car in front or behind you.
Manual Transmission Installed
Shifter boot and knob
For any more questions you have please feel free to ask. For all Pricing please contact us though PM, Email, Phone, or stop by.