Additional tasks to complete during SMG to 6MT swap

[RustD0ntSle3p]

Starting the SMG to 6MT swap on my '04 M3, and I am curious what recommendations you all have about other maintenance tasks to take care of while I'm in there.

Car is 99% stock, CA/west coast car, 134,4XX on the odo.

Overall car looks like it has been maintained well, nearly every bolt/screw/etc looks factory. Everything works fine ATM.

Radiator was replaced at some point with a CSF unit, looks newer.

Service history is a bit checkered over the past few years, but the VANOS was done, and I am planning to do the subframe reinforcement either during the swap or later, not sure yet. Also still trying to figure out if the rod bearings were done.

I'm just thinking of what else I might tackle in the engine bay that would otherwise be hard to get to once intake manifold is back in.

IE starter maybe? various hoses.connectors? I am relatively new to the E46 world, I see CCV popping up as recommended sometimes too.

Apologies if there is an identical thread floating around with all the answers, I did not find a match in the search tool.

Thanks.

[Cubieman]

While the intake is off you should clean the throttle bodies and cleaning the ICV out with brake cleaner would probably be a good move.

There is also a TPS sensor down there you could replace if your into preventative maintenance, however the one that usually fails first is the one up top.

[6speedS54]

Replace transmission seals (input, output, shift shaft seal)
Replace detent springs/balls/pins, especially https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...kaAn-JEALw_wcB
Replace shifter bushings and new shifter rod joint (install SSK)
Replace exhaust gaskets (make sure to torque difficult to reach bolts well, otherwise you'll develop a rattle that will be annoying and difficult to track down)
I would do starter for sure.
Perhaps oil filter gasket and sensor https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...IaAl7JEALw_wcB
Coolant temp sensor

[RustD0ntSle3p]

While the intake is off you should clean the throttle bodies and cleaning the ICV out with brake cleaner would probably be a good move.

There is also a TPS sensor down there you could replace if your into preventative maintenance, however the one that usually fails first is the one up top.

Thanks, I looked at the throttle bodies and did have that thought after noticing a bit of crud on the edges. A light dousing of brake cleaner on a rag should do the trick?

[RustD0ntSle3p]

Replace transmission seals (input, output, shift shaft seal)
Replace detent springs/balls/pins, especially https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...kaAn-JEALw_wcB
Replace shifter bushings and new shifter rod joint (install SSK)
Replace exhaust gaskets (make sure to torque difficult to reach bolts well, otherwise you'll develop a rattle that will be annoying and difficult to track down)
I would do starter for sure.
Perhaps oil filter gasket and sensor https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...IaAl7JEALw_wcB
Coolant temp sensor

The kit I bought comes with a machined bellhousing as well as a SSK thankfully. Torquing down exhaust bolts might be a good idea.

Is the M3 coolant temp sensor the same as a standard E46 piece?

[xansabi]

The kit I bought comes with a machined bellhousing as well as a SSK thankfully. Torquing down exhaust bolts might be a good idea.

Is the M3 coolant temp sensor the same as a standard E46 piece?

That AMS kit huh

[terra]

Probably a good time to replace the drive shaft flex disc and center support bearing

[Cubieman]

Thanks, I looked at the throttle bodies and did have that thought after noticing a bit of crud on the edges. A light dousing of brake cleaner on a rag should do the trick?

Yeah, brake clean and blue shop towels, you can open them by hand to really clean it up.

[RustD0ntSle3p]

That AMS kit huh

Indeed. Have you experience with it? Good or bad?

[xansabi]

Indeed. Have you experience with it? Good or bad?

Derek over there's my guy! I installed the kit myself and have had no problems in so far around a year. Def one of the best options to swap, and THE best option for a full kit.

[6speedS54]

Is the M3 coolant temp sensor the same as a standard E46 piece?

seems like it https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...433076#fitment

[RustD0ntSle3p]

Derek over there's my guy! I installed the kit myself and have had no problems in so far around a year. Def one of the best options to swap, and THE best option for a full kit.

He has been quite helpful so far, and he seems like a good guy. I had a read a few reviews online prior to pulling the trigger, and they were centered around the post-purchase support, but from what he told me (I actually had set up a call with him ahead of the purchase to ask a few questions) he's "pretty much a one-man band", so I get that a customer may feel like they are not getting corporate-level support via chat/phone calls from just his small shop.

That said, I am a little disappointed the PDF does not have more photos. But I'm making do. I was hoping to have the gearbox out of the car Thurs night, but there's 1 E14 that is extremely uncooperative, so I think I need to use some penetrating fluid or something.

Did you do the short shifter? How is the height?

[xansabi]

He has been quite helpful so far, and he seems like a good guy. I had a read a few reviews online prior to pulling the trigger, and they were centered around the post-purchase support, but from what he told me (I actually had set up a call with him ahead of the purchase to ask a few questions) he's "pretty much a one-man band", so I get that a customer may feel like they are not getting corporate-level support via chat/phone calls from just his small shop.

That said, I am a little disappointed the PDF does not have more photos. But I'm making do. I was hoping to have the gearbox out of the car Thurs night, but there's 1 E14 that is extremely uncooperative, so I think I need to use some penetrating fluid or something.

Did you do the short shifter? How is the height?

Derek is a busy, busy man who does more than just AMS. He also has a shop and I've seen him working on at least 4+ customer cars always. Honestly, he is such a helpful dude who will help whenever he can. He is a one man show, so as long as you are understanding with him he will be great to you. He overnight UPS shipped the salmon colored connector which was too short in the kit, his customer service has always been spot on for me. As for the pdf, I was the first kit that used it after he updated it, as I remember I had to slightly delay my swap due to him writing the instructions, so you can also let me know if you have any questions!

[xansabi]

Did you do the short shifter? How is the height?

For me, the short shifter is great. I like it a lot, a good feel and short throws!

[RustD0ntSle3p]

seems like it https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...433076#fitment

Thanks. Looks a little different from the one I removed from the last 325 I worked on and have in my hands, maybe there are two.