I figured I would share my experience so far on my SMG to Manual swap.
I recently purchased a 2003 M3 coupe with 55k miles. Extremely clean, with records and owned by an adult enthusiast who garaged it. I really wanted a manual, but figured I would run the SMG for a while and convert it later.
The bearings were done at 4k, the vanos was starting to make some noise per the last maintenance records and the subframe was not reinforced.
I just did the subframe (my second E46 reinforcement.... first was a '99 328i track car) and figured since I had a lot of the underside off, I would just do the conversion now. The vanos will be done as soon as the conversion is complete.
The transmission removal was straight forward... thanks to this and other forum info. I also have a lift in my garage... so that makes a lot of this easier.
The bell housing machining went as expected. I have access to a good mill and was able to set up the bell housing and machine both detent holes to the specs I found online.
I went the route of threading the holes for an -8AN oring plug fitting, instead of the plugs with the snap-ring. Easier to machine and also service later if needed.
For the spring catch pin on the inside, I used a dowel and machined it to match the pin on the arm inside the bell housing. I bought a pack, and machined a few extra if anyone needs one. Just pay for shipping, and I will send it to you. I have 3.
Happy to answer any questions. The detent springs and parts will be here tomorrow, so I can start assembly this week. I will post more as I make progress. Going on vacation in a week, so it may take a while to get this all back together.
Bill
I recently purchased a 2003 M3 coupe with 55k miles. Extremely clean, with records and owned by an adult enthusiast who garaged it. I really wanted a manual, but figured I would run the SMG for a while and convert it later.
The bearings were done at 4k, the vanos was starting to make some noise per the last maintenance records and the subframe was not reinforced.
I just did the subframe (my second E46 reinforcement.... first was a '99 328i track car) and figured since I had a lot of the underside off, I would just do the conversion now. The vanos will be done as soon as the conversion is complete.
The transmission removal was straight forward... thanks to this and other forum info. I also have a lift in my garage... so that makes a lot of this easier.
The bell housing machining went as expected. I have access to a good mill and was able to set up the bell housing and machine both detent holes to the specs I found online.
I went the route of threading the holes for an -8AN oring plug fitting, instead of the plugs with the snap-ring. Easier to machine and also service later if needed.
For the spring catch pin on the inside, I used a dowel and machined it to match the pin on the arm inside the bell housing. I bought a pack, and machined a few extra if anyone needs one. Just pay for shipping, and I will send it to you. I have 3.
Happy to answer any questions. The detent springs and parts will be here tomorrow, so I can start assembly this week. I will post more as I make progress. Going on vacation in a week, so it may take a while to get this all back together.
Bill
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