SMG detent replacement accessibility and advice questions

[BigDave]

I found a few tutorials. Mostly abouyt the GPS replacement procedures, NOT the SMG tranny detent procedures.
E46 M3 2005 cabrio SMG. Miles on tranny: 125K. My SMG has been largely trouble free until a few months ago when my GPS would be intermittent. Its failed now completely only leaving me with the default 2,5, and 6 gears.
I have a replacement GPS. I will be getting extra long Husky 4mm ball end hex bit for 3/8' drive ratchet.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Long-Ball-End-Bit-Socket-Set-Metric-7-Piece-H3DMMLBBS7PCNN/304755234

Without dropping the tranny what can I access to replace/refurbish the SMG detent and spring system?

Genuine BMW Repair Kit, Locking - 23317506947 - looks like it is on the upper rear tranny passenger side and not easily (or at all) accessible without dropping the tranny (not an option ATM)
I have not purchased that kit yet. its pricey at $231.00 as well.

The driver's side of the rear portion of the tranny I believe IS accessible.
I have two Compression springs, Part #6, top rear 23311228397, and Part #9, bottom rear spring 23311228405 ordered.
Plus Part #7, Locking pin 23311282539

I'll have a spare FEBI guibo handy in case I need it.

Any other parts while I am down there? This my daily driver and has recently been quite reliable after I refurbished a few things.

What about this part? Part #8, 23317530787 Locking device. It is pricey at $80, and does not seem to have any wear surfaces. IDK. That's why I am asking.

My reference parts schematic is for the E46 M3 S6s420g inner gear shifting parts.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BR93-USA-04-2005-E46-BMW-M3&diagId=23_0956#23317530787

OR....finally should I just bite the bullet and get a Turner assembled Genuine BMW SMG Shifter Detent Kit - E46 M3 W/ SMG Transmission. Pricey at $381. The tranny still has moderate miles on it. But it is also not getting any younger. LMK your opinions. Thanks.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-6...-transmission/

That contains everything in the parts schematic: E46 M3 S6s420g inner gear shifting parts
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...56#23317530787















and a locking

[robgill]

The GPS, Parts 5-6-7 & 8-9-10 are all relatively accessible with the trans in the car. Parts 1-2-3-4 can only be done with the trans out of the car.

It is all MUCH easier if you take some extra time and drop the exhaust and driveshaft. You can then lower the trans brace and make everything a lot easier to reach.

[Eazy__m3]

Like robgill said, removing the exhaust and driveshaft will make things much easier. Remove the transmission brace to let everything tilt down.

The repair kit on the passanger side is only held on by two 10mm bolts. it might be hard to see, but i believe you should have enough room. I just removed my transmission entirely for a manual conversion. I would try a mini wrench over a ratchet

As for the locking screw # 23317530787 , i reused mine with a tiny dab of blue threadlock. 19mm bolt

I would replace that guibo while you’re down there. And possibly part number 12142296184 and it’s O-ring. And also 13621433076 and it’s crush washer. Mines were not
leaking. But i did anyway.

Other than that, driver side detents are easier than you think.
The top one can be pried out with a flat head.

For the lower one behind the “locking device” , simply unscrew the 10mm mounted over it. This holds the harness to the gear actuator. Now you can use a 19mm socket to loosen it off. Careful not to let the tiny pinball inside fly out and get lost.

[sapote]

The GPS, Parts 5-6-7 & 8-9-10 are all relatively accessible with the trans in the car.

It is an SMG, so these parts have nothing to do with GPS sensor, which is on the actuator at the rear end of the tranny.

[sapote]

Its failed now completely only leaving me with the default 2,5, and 6 gears.

I don't know what can cause the problem and only 2nd, and 5/6th gears work.
What error codes read out when using INPA app?
If I have to guess, I say the GPS encoder on the actuator at the rear end. Swap out for a known good unit.

[BigDave]

The GPS, Parts 5-6-7 & 8-9-10 are all relatively accessible with the trans in the car. Parts 1-2-3-4 can only be done with the trans out of the car.

It is all MUCH easier if you take some extra time and drop the exhaust and driveshaft. You can then lower the trans brace and make everything a lot easier to reach.

Thanks. I have XL hands. I definitely plan to drop the exhaust and shaft, but leave the rear attached to the diff. I have a spare FEBI Guibo...always. Thanks!

[BigDave]

I don't know what can cause the problem and only 2nd, and 5/6th gears work.
What error codes read out when using INPA app?
If I have to guess, I say the GPS encoder on the actuator at the rear end. Swap out for a known good unit.

Especially when the problem comes and goes and fails over a period of time, it ALWAYS seems to be the GPS. That's not saying the detents and other parts should also not be changed at the same time. I have a KNOWN good GPS waiting to go in. I have some, but not all of the other parts I want to replace. I am taking the advice of Eazy m3

[BigDave]

Like robgill said, removing the exhaust and driveshaft will make things much easier. Remove the transmission brace to let everything tilt down.

The repair kit on the passanger side is only held on by two 10mm bolts. it might be hard to see, but i believe you should have enough room. I just removed my transmission entirely for a manual conversion. I would try a mini wrench over a ratchet

As for the locking screw # 23317530787 , i reused mine with a tiny dab of blue thread lock. 19mm bolt

I would replace that guibo while you’re down there. And possibly part number 12142296184 and it’s O-ring. And also 13621433076 and it’s crush washer. Mines were not
leaking. But i did anyway.

Other than that, driver side detents are easier than you think.
The top one can be pried out with a flat head.

For the lower one behind the “locking device” , simply unscrew the 10mm mounted over it. This holds the harness to the gear actuator. Now you can use a 19mm socket to loosen it off. Careful not to let the tiny pinball inside fly out and get lost.

Brother! Thanks for taking the time to write such comprehensive advice. Your advice will be put to good use. I now plan to replace ALL the items you mentioned. I actually had a crank sensor go BAD on me many years ago. Accessibly will all be there when we go to so much effort to drop the exhaust and drive shaft. Might as well replace all those items while I have access. We will!.

My buddy has smaller hands than me, Ill put him on the passenger side box with a good mechanics mirror. Ill do the driver's side. I bought a flexible magnet that should fit in the holes to fish out any detent parts.

I was planning on doing the work Saturday Jan 7th. I am, postponing the repair tp Saturday Jan 14th to await these parts that I will order today. The best news is that my GPS made a ;last gasp and started working again on the way to work. I have ALL gears again. Hopefully it can hold on for another week.

[BigDave]

Like robgill said,

For the lower one behind the “locking device” , simply unscrew the 10mm mounted over it. This holds the harness to the gear actuator. Now you can use a 19mm socket to loosen it off. Careful not to let the tiny pinball inside fly out and get lost.

Ohhhh, i was wondering what the threads were in the 19mm locking device. The schematic does not show anything on top of it. So, its a 10mm that holds a harness. Great. All great tips. Thanks again so much.

I just ordered the fairly expensive "locking pin" 23311282539 because (I can be a bit OCD) and it has a wear item...a roller bearing in it ($65 express shipped so I get it well before the 14th).
I do NOT want to revisit the detents any time soon. Coming from ZNM Performance, the only place that looked like they could get it to me in time for less than $100. My local BMW stealer wants over $120 for this $44 part now. My guy is PROHIBITED to give me any kind of discount like he used to. Fuk em!!!
And they couldn't get it to me for FIVE days. I really hate that.

I also use Eeuroparts.com. They are fast shippers. I was able to use points from previous modest order to get $15 off the very expensive passenger side detent kit. BMW Manual Trans Detent Ball and Spring Kit 23317506947 Shipping in 1-2 days FEDEX ground for only $5.00 more. Total was "only" $211.

I would use FCP and ecstuning more, except they are always so backed up it takes DAYS before your order is shipped....most of the time drop-shipped. I can never rely on them for fast delivery without over spending on pricey shipping. FCP said they would not ship until a full WEEK later!! Jeez!

[BigDave]

Update and huge shout out to eEuroparts.com They shipped the SAME day. I will get the passenger side detent kit by Sunday. Best price and lightening fast shipping.

germanautosupply on eBay also have awesome prices and ship WAY faster than Turner. FCP and ECS. I ordered both sensors from .germanautosupply (the Viton o-ring is already shipped from nearby Miami) .
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