[eforty6_m3]

Hey folks,

Looking to pick up an E46 M3 as a weekend/second car:

• 6MT only (no SMG -> 6MT conversions, though)
• no convertibles
• sunroofs are OK, but obviously a slicktop would be preferred
• no titanium silver and would prefer no black
• properly maintained (e.g. INSP I & II, ideally, vanos rebuilt and/or rear subframe reinforced, etc.)

Looking to spend $15-$18k. Let me know what you have! I'm located in MA but potentially willing to travel (to an extent) for the right example.

Service records/receipts are a bonus!

Thanks in advance!

[eforty6_m3]

still on the hunt

[tdott]

Originally Posted by sed335i

• 6MT only (no SMG -> 6MT conversions, though)

Curious, why wouldn't someone consider a conversion?
You'll likely have fairly new clutch/etc and less chance of engine over-rev/abuse with the smg.

Saw a few people say that but never understood it.

Unless you were looking for a low mileage collector worthy car then fine, but not for 15-18k cars, i don.t think it should matter if done right and the car checks out.

[eforty6_m3]

Originally Posted by tdott

Curious, why wouldn't someone consider a conversion?
You'll likely have fairly new clutch/etc and less chance of engine over-rev/abuse with the smg.

Saw a few people say that but never understood it.

Unless you were looking for a low mileage collector worthy car then fine, but not for 15-18k cars, i don.t think it should matter if done right and the car checks out.

Fair points, but I guess I just don't want to get into a potential pitfall of transmission issues. Sure, if the conversion was done right, you'll likely be fine, but there's really no way to tell if it was done right except to see how it lasts. Could a shop catch something during a PPI, perhaps. But they aren't about to disassemble the tranny/clutch and make sure everything is copacetic.

I'm just trying to rule out one potential headache, as I know these cars have other areas that need attention/upkeep. Thus, I'd like the car how it left the plant, as a 6MT!

[tdott]

Originally Posted by sed335i

Fair points, but I guess I just don't want to get into a potential pitfall of transmission issues. Sure, if the conversion was done right, you'll likely be fine, but there's really no way to tell if it was done right except to see how it lasts. Could a shop catch something during a PPI, perhaps. But they aren't about to disassemble the tranny/clutch and make sure everything is copacetic.

I'm just trying to rule out one potential headache, as I know these cars have other areas that need attention/upkeep. Thus, I'd like the car how it left the plant, as a 6MT!

You are not out of the woods even with an original 6MT car either, many have cold shifting issues and worn synchros. Clutch could be original if lower miles, or it could have been replaced with a non-oem clutch. Both cars once driven would be obvious if there is an issue with the clutch/flywheel. There are no longer term issues for an SMG conversion that a 6MT won't have.

A conversion can be inspected, you check the work and parts that were used (shift linkage, bell-housing, transmission mounting, clutch lines, pedals etc.) If all OEM parts were used, you wouldn't be able to tell much unless they left the SMG dash.

[Obioban]

The SMG conversion is pretty cut and dry. If everything works (check cruise control), it'll work like it came from the factory that way.

That said, SMG can be hard on things, so that's a legit reason to possibly avoid converted cars. But, in exchange, most people replace the wear items when doing a conversion, so fresh parts there.

If I drove a converted car and it felt normal, I wouldn't avoid it.

[eforty6_m3]

Originally Posted by tdott

You are not out of the woods even with an original 6MT car either, many have cold shifting issues and worn synchros. Clutch could be original if lower miles, or it could have been replaced with a non-oem clutch. Both cars once driven would be obvious if there is an issue with the clutch/flywheel. There are no longer term issues for an SMG conversion that a 6MT won't have.

A conversion can be inspected, you check the work and parts that were used (shift linkage, bell-housing, transmission mounting, clutch lines, pedals etc.) If all OEM parts were used, you wouldn't be able to tell much unless they left the SMG dash.

Understood. Thanks!!

Originally Posted by Obioban

The SMG conversion is pretty cut and dry. If everything works (check cruise control), it'll work like it came from the factory that way.

That said, SMG can be hard on things, so that's a legit reason to possibly avoid converted cars. But, in exchange, most people replace the wear items when doing a conversion, so fresh parts there.

If I drove a converted car and it felt normal, I wouldn't avoid it.

Good to know. Thank you for your input!

[edu09]

i just bought a super clean and rare E46 M3, slicktop individual Stratus Grey with leather/alcantara interior, one of a kind but with smg transmission, I am doing the swap to 6MT this coming week, what I have read is exactly what they are commenting here, if it is done by the right shop it will be just like any 6MT coming out of the factory, I will post reviews when done

[kabuda]

Mine is for sale if you are interested.

[eforty6_m3]

Originally Posted by kabuda

Mine is for sale if you are interested.

I actually picked one up back in February. Might do an intro thread in the near future.

But thanks, anyway!