Debating a Manual Conversion. Thoughts?

[Kipjames3]

That IS funny! I noticed it too.

So I bought one of those perfectly functional SMG systems for dirt cheap when everyone was busy giving them away, stuck it away in storage and put the issue out of my head.

Zero regrets here.

maw

EDIT... I think I have one of the factory alcantara shift knobs (didn't like it) that may pay for the spare SMG system if sold.

Every time I see those and are reminded are how much they go for, I just upset all over again.

[oceansize]

Every time I see those and are reminded are how much they go for, I just upset all over again.

With your mileage and usage scenario I'm going to be surprised if you have any issues for quite some time. Mine lasted 100k miles without an issue and was still going strong when I relocated it to the drug bin. At that time I did a pump DIY rebuild to understand how it all worked.

The pump unit itself is very simple. Motor, accumulator, couple of sensors, and some solenoids. It is not rocket science. However, diagnostics can be tough.

The less easy part is if something should go wrong with the actuator or the little compression springs break as that's going to be transmission out (some say trans can be lowered, but darn tough).

Remember, you're on a car forum where people generally only post when they have problems, ergo many problems seem more common than they are.

[Kipjames3]

With your mileage and usage scenario I'm going to be surprised if you have any issues for quite some time. Mine lasted 100k miles without an issue and was still going strong when I relocated it to the drug bin. At that time I did a pump DIY rebuild to understand how it all worked.

The pump unit itself is very simple. Motor, accumulator, couple of sensors, and some solenoids. It is not rocket science. However, diagnostics can be tough.

The less easy part is if something should go wrong with the actuator or the little compression springs break as that's going to be transmission out (some say trans can be lowered, but darn tough).

Remember, you're on a car forum where people generally only post when they have problems, ergo many problems seem more common than they are.

I was talking about the OEM alcantara SMG shift knob but your point stands also. Ha.

[PetrolM3]

That IS funny! I noticed it too.

So I bought one of those perfectly functional SMG systems for dirt cheap when everyone was busy giving them away, stuck it away in storage and put the issue out of my head.

Zero regrets here.

maw

EDIT... I think I have one of the factory alcantara shift knobs (didn't like it) that may pay for the spare SMG system if sold.

Good for you!

On my end, I did the swap over 10 years ago when SMG parts were in demand and worth decent coin. They literally paid for all the parts I needed for the conversion.

[maw1124]

Every time I see those and are reminded are how much they go for, I just upset all over again.

Nuts right?? I certainly didn't and wouldn't pay that.

maw

[TexaZ3]

Nuts right?? I certainly didn't and wouldn't pay that.

maw

They are not gonna be any cheaper. Original and in good condition SMG knob would be one of those things people will be paying attention to on BaT soon when valuing an SMG car.

[maw1124]

They are not gonna be any cheaper. Original and in good condition SMG knob would be one of those things people will be paying attention to on BaT soon when valuing an SMG car.

Right… it’s sitting wrapped in the box this showed up in…

But I don’t think either are available anymore.

maw

[TexaZ3]

Right… it’s sitting wrapped in the box this showed up in…

But I don’t think either are available anymore.

maw

Is this Will's knob/gaiter ring? Looks good.
I bought two genuine SMG knobs just before they went into stratosphere - one leather (in the car now) and one alcantara (sitting in the box). I think I paid maybe $300 shipped for both at the time.

[maw1124]

You’ll double that up easily.

I think I’m sitting on my original leather one + a like new alcantara one, which I put on and didn’t really like.

Will’s all aluminum one was just what I was looking for, better than factory, IMO. Weighty, craft quality, milled, doesn’t hold a bunch of prints, won’t flake off, on and on and on.

maw

[mr pete]

I did the manual conversion after 6 months of ownership. This is not a daily driver, but a 'fun car.' Not a single regret after having this car 4 months post-conversion.

Kaiv/Kevin did the conversion. I vouch for his work. Shipped the car to him, got it back not long after. Never met the guy haha

[Kipjames3]

I did the manual conversion after 6 months of ownership. This is not a daily driver, but a 'fun car.' Not a single regret after having this car 4 months post-conversion.

Kaiv/Kevin did the conversion. I vouch for his work. Shipped the car to him, got it back not long after. Never met the guy haha

I've heard great things about him but I'm on the East Coast so the shipping would be kinda crazy. I think I'm going to go to Kassel in PA for mine. They're close and I've heard good things about them.

[TexaZ3]

You’ll double that up easily.

I think I’m sitting on my original leather one + a like new alcantara one, which I put on and didn’t really like.

Will’s all aluminum one was just what I was looking for, better than factory, IMO. Weighty, craft quality, milled, doesn’t hold a bunch of prints, won’t flake off, on and on and on.

maw

I thought about getting one, but decided against it just because it would get extremely hot in Texas.

[maw1124]

I thought about getting one, but decided against it just because it would get extremely hot in Texas.

Surprisingly that's not been a problem in SoFL, and I'm in a vert, if that's helpful.

maw

[///Marecki]

I have an SMG car I bought with full intent of the 6MT conversion. Recently concluded I won't be for a few reasons:

1. Cost. It's not worth the $6,000 or more it takes to do this at a reputable place. I don't have the tools or the know-how to do the work. It also doesn't help that I was under the impression it ran about $3,000.
2. Not wanting to modify an all original car that extensively. At the rate you see this mentioned on the average e46 m3 conversation, SMG cars will be non-existent in 10 years.
3. SMG is an enjoyable drive. I have been impressed with the feel of it, I was expecting some horrendous experience. The criticism is far overblown.

I still have the itch to row gears, but I'll would just sell my SMG car and buy a 6MT.

[Kipjames3]

I have an SMG car I bought with full intent of the 6MT conversion. Recently concluded I won't be for a few reasons:

1. Cost. It's not worth the $6,000 or more it takes to do this at a reputable place. I don't have the tools or the know-how to do the work. It also doesn't help that I was under the impression it ran about $3,000.
2. Not wanting to modify an all original car that extensively. At the rate you see this mentioned on the average e46 m3 conversation, SMG cars will be non-existent in 10 years.
3. SMG is an enjoyable drive. I have been impressed with the feel of it, I was expecting some horrendous experience. The criticism is far overblown.

I still have the itch to row gears, but I'll would just sell my SMG car and buy a 6MT.

I knew going into the purchase how much the swap would be so I kinda already set some money aside for it in case I ended up hating the SMG. I think I'm going to get the subframe re-enforced this winter and put some of that swap money into other modifications. I'm also thinking about the CSL intake and even the idea of a carbon roof has caught my interest.