Debating a Manual Conversion. Thoughts?

[sapote]

I've called multiple places around me and got prices from $5k all the way to $10k, with that shop recommending a whole new transmission from a donor car. Their reasoning for this was no matter how well the bell housing is shaved and put back, the clutch and transmission will still feel bad due to the stress of the SMG put on the synchros?

The synchros in the SMG should be in better condition than most manual boxes, because the computer rev matched the rpm shift.

10K is too high.
I think 5K is reasonable.
Don't swap the bellhousing from another car/box, but machine your stock BH to match with the box to avoid potential input shaft bearing issue.

I don't trust SMG as it has too many components can fail, so higher probability to be standed somewhere than a manual box.

[davidinnyc]

I see an SMG car in my future for the reasons TexaZ3 stated. Do any of you drive the SMG in full automatic mode? I live near busy cities and could use a break during heavy traffic now and then.

I do when I'm trying to hold an iced coffee and turn onto busy Ventura without cupholders because I deleted them...

[Obioban]

Drive an 6mt car, and do what you prefer. That's all that actually matters.

Personally, I wouldn't own an e46 M3 if manual wasn't an option. SMG does not do it for me.

[0-60motorsports]

I see an SMG car in my future for the reasons TexaZ3 stated. Do any of you drive the SMG in full automatic mode? I live near busy cities and could use a break during heavy traffic now and then.

I do in A3 and it's perfect for traffic. Otherwise S5 for manual mode. You just have to learn to modulate the pedal right and it's smooth.

[Kipjames3]

I appreciate everyone's input and advice. I'll definitely try and find a manual car to drive. Hopefully the SMG doesn't give out on me anytime soon and I'll have some more time to think the decision over. In the mean time I think I'll take care of the rear subframe and check that off the list.

[Shonky]

The way I describe it:

You drive a manual like a manual
Drive an auto like an auto
Drive an SMG like an SMG

Its pretty rare my SMG ever jerks when driven properly.

I find the auto modes a bit rubbish though. Lower ones too slow (say D3) and changes gears when not in a good spot eg 1 to 2 taking off and turning in an intersection it changes leaving you without drive temporarily. In a manual you'd probably just hold 1st.

Then in the higher modes it won't change up enough. eg sits in 3rd at very light throttle at 60km/h when it should be in 4th at least.

[Nate047]

The heart wants what it wants, drive both and decide. I have 3 friends who have converted their SMG cars and none of them
regretted it. But clearly there are people who like and even prefer SMG.

Just don’t become an insufferable twat about your choice and make the number of pedals in your car your entire personally.

[Flow]

Just don’t become an insufferable twat about your choice and make the number of pedals in your car your entire personally.

This ^
Being happy while driving the car is all that matters.

[0-60motorsports]

The heart wants what it wants, drive both and decide. I have 3 friends who have converted their SMG cars and none of them
regretted it. But clearly there are people who like and even prefer SMG.

Just don't become an insufferable twat about your choice and make the number of pedals in your car your entire personally.

This 100%. Everyone I know wants to or have converted their M3s to 6MT, and always look at me and laugh with me about it, how I won't do it 🤣

SMG forever for me until we have the means to keep to alive, 6MT when no other choice is available.

[maw1124]

Just don’t become an insufferable twat about your choice and make the number of pedals in your car your entire personally.

That part... LMAO

maw