E46 M3

Twoforty · 06-16-2019, 10:31 PM

Currently considering taking on new toy. Specifically an E46 SMG convertible, around 100,000 km.
Has anyone had experience with these cars?
Should I avoid the SMG?
Can the SMG be cost effectively converted to a manual transmission when it goes?
Is it really going to become a money pit?
All constructive comments welcome.

shannon1 · 06-17-2019, 05:09 PM

Check out the E46Fanatics Australia site. This topic has been covered many times there with lots of info.

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=48

ADEe92 · 06-19-2019, 08:49 AM

Recommendations are generally to avoid the SMG and pick up a 3 pedal manual if you want reliability.

kookie · 06-19-2019, 05:29 PM

Manual conversions can be done. There was even a post by jalopnik with links to diy or the buys at brintech have a solution.

https://jalopnik.com/how-to-own-a-bm...t-t-1747802451

ACTM333 · 07-05-2019, 08:39 AM

Hey mate. Have had a few and still currently own some.
As mentioned, you really should steer towards manual.
Can advise if you want to pm me.

Twoforty · 07-07-2019, 02:53 AM

Thanks guys. Think I've gone off the idea, although it's tempting to see the low prices of the SMG models.
I read up on the manual conversion, but where I live is too far away from knowledgeable mechanics to risk taking one on.
Actually I rather fancy the SMG models in preference to a manual.
What do you think is the life expectancy of an SMG box?

NBTBRV8 · 07-08-2019, 04:58 AM

I ran an SMG for a couple of years and found that it was due for a clutch/flywheel at about 90,000kms, but up until that point it never gave me any issues. I didn't have a problem living with the SMG system either. They are worth a look, just don't expect DCT quality shifts.

shannon1 · 07-08-2019, 04:43 PM

If you do get one, one of the easiest and most common problem is the Salmon Relay. Just make sure you get a spare relay and always keep it in the glove box.

BM335M · 07-08-2019, 07:18 PM

Rear sub-frame cracks, make sure you get it checked out properly. They can be repaired but is costly.

ACTM333 · 07-10-2019, 08:45 AM

The SMG and manual are the same box. Just so you know. It's not a matter of life expectancy on the SMG box itself. It's the clutches and flywheel along with SMG pump. The pump is the most frequent thing to go. Be prepared for that. It doesn't last long at all. In some cases 20k less even. Depends on a range of factors.
SMG models are also more prone to POTENTIAL rear Subframe cracks..
Subframe inspection is advised. But it is a preventative maintenance issue unless it's been thrashed. I have seen manuals with 180k plus with zero sign of Subframe issues. Alot of its down to driving style, tracked etc.
Not to turn you of SMG you just need to be ahead of the maintenance protocols of the system. There are benefits Of the SMG and it's personal preference really. Just look for a service history or strong maintenance records.

Aus335iguy · 07-11-2019, 03:55 AM

I was of the impression that the later model Z4s use a similar or same rear subframe. Is that true ?

ACTM333 · 07-11-2019, 08:20 AM

I believe that's the case with e46 in general. M3 I believe have a different rear Subframe mounting points to e46.

Hoper · 07-16-2019, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM335M

Rear sub-frame cracks, make sure you get it checked out properly. They can be repaired but is costly.

+1 this needs to be checked

06-16-2019, 10:31 PM	#1
Twoforty Private First Class 30 Rep 145 Posts Drives: F30 LCI 330i Msport Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Newcastle, Australia iTrader: (0)	E46 M3 - any advice? Currently considering taking on new toy. Specifically an E46 SMG convertible, around 100,000 km. Has anyone had experience with these cars? Should I avoid the SMG? Can the SMG be cost effectively converted to a manual transmission when it goes? Is it really going to become a money pit? All constructive comments welcome.
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06-17-2019, 05:09 PM	#2
shannon1 Private First Class 683 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 2007 E91 323i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E91 323i [0.00] 1970 Volvo P1800 E [0.00]	Check out the E46Fanatics Australia site. This topic has been covered many times there with lots of info. https://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=48
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06-19-2019, 08:49 AM	#3
ADEe92 First Lieutenant 254 Rep 316 Posts Drives: e92 320d sport plus edition Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: South Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 320d [0.00] 1988 320i with M30B35 [0.00]	Recommendations are generally to avoid the SMG and pick up a 3 pedal manual if you want reliability.
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06-19-2019, 05:29 PM	#4
kookie Lieutenant 75 Rep 460 Posts Drives: e93 335i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (2)	Manual conversions can be done. There was even a post by jalopnik with links to diy or the buys at brintech have a solution. https://jalopnik.com/how-to-own-a-bm...t-t-1747802451
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07-05-2019, 08:39 AM	#5
ACTM333 Private 15 Rep 71 Posts Drives: E36 M3, E46 M3 SC Man VF550 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Australian Capital Territory iTrader: (0)	Hey mate. Have had a few and still currently own some. As mentioned, you really should steer towards manual. Can advise if you want to pm me.
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07-07-2019, 02:53 AM	#6
Twoforty Private First Class 30 Rep 145 Posts Drives: F30 LCI 330i Msport Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Newcastle, Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. Think I've gone off the idea, although it's tempting to see the low prices of the SMG models. I read up on the manual conversion, but where I live is too far away from knowledgeable mechanics to risk taking one on. Actually I rather fancy the SMG models in preference to a manual. What do you think is the life expectancy of an SMG box?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-08-2019, 04:58 AM	#7
NBTBRV8 Captain 141 Rep 862 Posts Drives: LCi E60 530i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I ran an SMG for a couple of years and found that it was due for a clutch/flywheel at about 90,000kms, but up until that point it never gave me any issues. I didn't have a problem living with the SMG system either. They are worth a look, just don't expect DCT quality shifts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-08-2019, 04:43 PM	#8
shannon1 Private First Class 683 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 2007 E91 323i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E91 323i [0.00] 1970 Volvo P1800 E [0.00]	If you do get one, one of the easiest and most common problem is the Salmon Relay. Just make sure you get a spare relay and always keep it in the glove box.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-08-2019, 07:18 PM	#9
BM335M Private First Class 40 Rep 165 Posts Drives: E90 335 M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	Rear sub-frame cracks, make sure you get it checked out properly. They can be repaired but is costly. __________________ 08 335 M-sport \| 6AT \| E30 MHD Stage 2 + \| Wagner EVO 1 \| VRSF DPs \| Lux V7 \| Golf Tee mod \| M3 Style Front bar \| 400hp atw
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07-10-2019, 08:45 AM	#10
ACTM333 Private 15 Rep 71 Posts Drives: E36 M3, E46 M3 SC Man VF550 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Australian Capital Territory iTrader: (0)	The SMG and manual are the same box. Just so you know. It's not a matter of life expectancy on the SMG box itself. It's the clutches and flywheel along with SMG pump. The pump is the most frequent thing to go. Be prepared for that. It doesn't last long at all. In some cases 20k less even. Depends on a range of factors. SMG models are also more prone to POTENTIAL rear Subframe cracks.. Subframe inspection is advised. But it is a preventative maintenance issue unless it's been thrashed. I have seen manuals with 180k plus with zero sign of Subframe issues. Alot of its down to driving style, tracked etc. Not to turn you of SMG you just need to be ahead of the maintenance protocols of the system. There are benefits Of the SMG and it's personal preference really. Just look for a service history or strong maintenance records.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2019, 03:55 AM	#11
Aus335iguy Colonel 660 Rep 2,139 Posts Drives: 2009 e92 335i MSport DCT Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sydney Aus iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [10.00]	I was of the impression that the later model Z4s use a similar or same rear subframe. Is that true ? __________________ When you doppelkaplung you doppel your fun.
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07-11-2019, 08:20 AM	#12
ACTM333 Private 15 Rep 71 Posts Drives: E36 M3, E46 M3 SC Man VF550 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Australian Capital Territory iTrader: (0)	I believe that's the case with e46 in general. M3 I believe have a different rear Subframe mounting points to e46.
	Appreciate 0 Quote