7 year review of my SMG (from clunk to no clunk)

[spx.garage]

Use Mikes easy bmw tools installer. Works like a charm and the smg tests are available without messing with any config files.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/m...ackage.879366/

+1 best thing I've ever found for working on E46/92 chassis! I've become quite the hit with my other BMW track buddies lol

Great thread!

[Ubaderb]

Use Mikes easy bmw tools installer. Works like a charm and the smg tests are available without messing with any config files.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/m...ackage.879366/

I can not thank you enough!

[eacmen]

So I was looking in to doing this to my car while it is down and I only have basic options for special tests. Someone mentioned having to instead go in and modify a .DMF file but that didn't help me either. I tried to change it to an .ini but did not make a difference.

Use Mikes easy bmw tools installer. Works like a charm and the smg tests are available without messing with any config files.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/mikes-easy-bmw-tools-package.879366/

[Ubaderb]

So I was looking in to doing this to my car while it is down and I only have basic options for special tests. Someone mentioned having to instead go in and modify a .DMF file but that didn't help me either. I tried to change it to an .ini but did not make a difference.

[0-60motorsports]

MLR also offers an aluminum expansion tank for a CSL type mounting that is less expensive than the plastic version that they also offer. Go figure. Burkhart has the best relocation bracket that I have seen. They may be the only one that still offers one. The fewer suppliers there are, the more expensive the parts will become.

The best relocation bracket was made for me (prototype) by VinceSE2 This is for vehicles with the bin empty on the passenger side. It was also made to fit perfectly with the radium oil catch can.

Right now the best one for sale is Burkhart though as Vince never put the SMG bracket into production.

[MacCube]

MLR also offers an aluminum expansion tank for a CSL type mounting that is less expensive than the plastic version that they also offer. Go figure. Burkhart has the best relocation bracket that I have seen. They may be the only one that still offers one. The fewer suppliers there are, the more expensive the parts will become.

[0-60motorsports]

I agree that relocating the pump makes total sense. Anything to protect it from the high heat generated by the engine. On the MLR Engineering site mention is made of relocating the pump to the trunk even, which could make sense if it were a track car. They once offered their own relocation bracket but discontinued it because few were buying it. They also offer hydraulic lines made to any length needed. MLR also has a custom aluminum enlarged oil pan for the smg pump designed to help with cooling, which I have ordered.
As more and more people do the conversation to manual it will become harder to find replacement parts or upgrades for this system. Just not enough incentive to make the investment with a declining customer base. And the same is likely true on the knowledge side as fewer and fewer repair shops know anything about troubleshooting or repairing the smg system. There’s just too much money to be made with the conversion to manual. Having said all that, this is why this forum and these threads on the troubleshooting and repairing this dinosaur of a system are so critical. Just sayin’.

https://mlreng.com/products/e46-m3-smg-upgraded-aluminum-reservoir-tank-21532229715?variant=39549850157143

It'll be interesting to see this installed. They seem to have a lot of good parts for the SMG pump/System. The thing is the cost of some of the parts is absurd, I can see why people would do the 6M conversion and be done with it.

[MacCube]

I agree that relocating the pump makes total sense. Anything to protect it from the high heat generated by the engine. On the MLR Engineering site mention is made of relocating the pump to the trunk even, which could make sense if it were a track car. They once offered their own relocation bracket but discontinued it because few were buying it. They also offer hydraulic lines made to any length needed. MLR also has a custom aluminum enlarged oil pan for the smg pump designed to help with cooling, which I have ordered.
As more and more people do the conversation to manual it will become harder to find replacement parts or upgrades for this system. Just not enough incentive to make the investment with a declining customer base. And the same is likely true on the knowledge side as fewer and fewer repair shops know anything about troubleshooting or repairing the smg system. There’s just too much money to be made with the conversion to manual. Having said all that, this is why this forum and these threads on the troubleshooting and repairing this dinosaur of a system are so critical. Just sayin’.

[0-60motorsports]

Actually the best is deletion.

Hahaha Yes I agree and 99% of my customers prefer the conversion But as an SMG guy relocation is best, the earlier the better.

[jet_dogg]

The best thing you can do is relocation.

Actually the best is deletion.

[0-60motorsports]

I also want to thank everyone for this thread and all of the valuable information here. I've also gone through my nightmare of problems with a 2004 M3 about three years ago with my attempt at relocating the pump with the Burkhart Engineering kit, but hit a wall during bleeding and adaptation and ended up having the conversion to manual done. Not one to completely give up, I just traded that car for a 2006 M3 SMG with the intention to eventually try it again. So you will most likely hear from me again with a call for help sometime in the future.
I haven't seen anyone mention another company that can provide replacement parts for the SMG which is MLR Engineering in Toronto. I've bought parts from him before and was very satisfied. I've noticed that the parts suppliers such as MLR and Burkhart seem to be moving away from the SMG 2 support as their websites seem to be hiding some of their listings requiring you to do a search to find a specific part. I may be wrong about this, as it's just my observation. Thanks again.

The best thing you can do is relocation.

[MacCube]

I also want to thank everyone for this thread and all of the valuable information here. I’ve also gone through my nightmare of problems with a 2004 M3 about three years ago with my attempt at relocating the pump with the Burkhart Engineering kit, but hit a wall during bleeding and adaptation and ended up having the conversion to manual done. Not one to completely give up, I just traded that car for a 2006 M3 SMG with the intention to eventually try it again. So you will most likely hear from me again with a call for help sometime in the future.
I haven’t seen anyone mention another company that can provide replacement parts for the SMG which is MLR Engineering in Toronto. I’ve bought parts from him before and was very satisfied. I’ve noticed that the parts suppliers such as MLR and Burkhart seem to be moving away from the SMG 2 support as their websites seem to be hiding some of their listings requiring you to do a search to find a specific part. I may be wrong about this, as it’s just my observation. Thanks again.

[karter16]

I realise I'm reviving this thread from the archives but wanted to say thanks for this thread and the great info contained in it. I was coming from the opposite direction to OP - drivetrain had been rebuilt, but was still experiencing clunk. I had done the soft reset of SMG but wasn't aware the full reset in INPA was different. Ran that today and oh boy what a difference. Clunk gone!

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[maw1124]

Great writeup. Thanks. My takeaways are (1) bleeding these systems is difficult and time consuming (check)... I have to think that works better with fresh fluid than sludge (check); (2) chassis rubber needs to be taken care of (check)... sure it’s expensive but no free lunches (or course); and (3) a proper functioning engine and sensors helps (check). The first 2 I’ve taken care of... the 3rd makes too much sense and will have my attention going forward. I’m also paying increased attention to sensors on other cars of this era, so I appreciate its application here.

Cheers,

maw

I just realized I forgot to update this thread with my experience... car has approximately 90k on it ('05) and the salmon relay, trans fluid and SMG fluid were done twice by 90k as preventative maintenance... also running a OETuning engine tune for the midrange torque boost... over Covid I did TTFS SMG tune and diff bushings... I'm sure the guys ran adaptations as part of the procedure... completely clunk free... had I known that I would have done the diff bushings long ago... I'm convinced they were the culprits, along with adaptations, fluid and tune.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

maw

[coolchill]

really great thread here, I will be following the procedure and steps here, thanks!