M3 E46 SMG Gearbox problem
Discussion
Dear all, my car has developed an intermittent gearbox problem in the last two days wherby it gets stuck in 2nd for a period of time, not allowing me to change up in manual or auto modes. After 20 seconds or so of trying it will change up to 3rd-4th etc and then function perfectly for the rest of my drive. Sometimes it will struggle to get out of 2nd repeatedly though it will usually change up after a bit of trying.
Any ideas where my fault may lie? The first real problem ive had with the car in nearly 4-years of ownership.
Many thanks in advance, Graham.
Any ideas where my fault may lie? The first real problem ive had with the car in nearly 4-years of ownership.
Many thanks in advance, Graham.
Am I right in saying you have trouble changing up but no trouble changing down?
Perhaps it's the little recess of the right paddle that needs cleaning (from what I've heard).
If you can still shift up using the stick, you have no worries.
Otherwise, try the reset that the above poster mentioned.
Perhaps it's the little recess of the right paddle that needs cleaning (from what I've heard).
If you can still shift up using the stick, you have no worries.
Otherwise, try the reset that the above poster mentioned.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Why?My experience of SMG's is one of misery. When a problem occurs it doesn't go away unless you start spending big money.
Even then you'll drive it like Miss Daisy as you pray it doesn't develop another fault. Luckily enough I was covered by warranty but it's a pain having to visit the dealer on a regular basis.
Honestly, sell it at the first time of serious trouble and buy the manual. You'll be grateful that you did in 12-18 months.
What's your experience of SMG's?
Can you give me a little more detail please? When you say it doesn't want to change up, under what engine load situation does this mostly occur? Does it refuse to change down? What warnings do you get on the dash? Flashing of selected gear? SMG general warning light?
If you want to email me (am around for the rest of the evening) I don't mind giving you some advice after spending many hours diagnosing and rectifying similar complaints. It's worth mentioning though that the solution isn't always mega expensive!
If you want to email me (am around for the rest of the evening) I don't mind giving you some advice after spending many hours diagnosing and rectifying similar complaints. It's worth mentioning though that the solution isn't always mega expensive!
Thanks all and Mr T-Bagger
The symptoms start after driving for half a mile or so with no apparent problems. Once i stop at lights or in traffic and then move off i shift from 1st to 2nd at normal revs however when i try to shift to 3rd at normal revs I get no response - stuck in 2nd. The yellow cog? light comes on. Then, usually after trying paddles and also the gear knob for 10 or 15 seconds the gearbox will shift to third or sometimes 5th. Changing down has never been a problem. After a little while of this often all symptoms can go away. Its intermittent as at lunchtime I took the car for a drive and experienced no problems whatsoever despite stopping 2 or 3 times. The yellow cog had disappeared and did not reappear. Its been like this for 2 days. I've had suggestion of low gearbox oil?? (its due for an oil service).
Thanks you guys for your advice!
The symptoms start after driving for half a mile or so with no apparent problems. Once i stop at lights or in traffic and then move off i shift from 1st to 2nd at normal revs however when i try to shift to 3rd at normal revs I get no response - stuck in 2nd. The yellow cog? light comes on. Then, usually after trying paddles and also the gear knob for 10 or 15 seconds the gearbox will shift to third or sometimes 5th. Changing down has never been a problem. After a little while of this often all symptoms can go away. Its intermittent as at lunchtime I took the car for a drive and experienced no problems whatsoever despite stopping 2 or 3 times. The yellow cog had disappeared and did not reappear. Its been like this for 2 days. I've had suggestion of low gearbox oil?? (its due for an oil service).
Thanks you guys for your advice!
Ok, firstly I don't think that it's low gearbox oil. If this was a gearbox oil quantity issue then your gearbox would most likely be scrap by now. What is possible however is that the SMG hydraulic fluid level is low through a leak in the system. Low SMG fluid though, would manifest itself in gearshift problems in all gears most of the time - but check it anyway as a precaution.
So in my experience you're left with a few possibles;
- Faulty SMG pump unit.
- Faulty SMG control unit.
- faulty SMG shift unit.
- Faulty SMG gear position sensors.
- Internal, mechanical fault in gearbox.
I believe that the last is the most likely given the scenario. But it's not all doom and gloom. I have repaired faults almost identical to yours caused by a broken selector rod detent spring - part cost £4!
The SMG 2 gearbox in your M3 is literally a manual 6 speed unit with a shift unit bolted on the back (unlike SMG 3 which is a purpose built unit). And like most manual units has long selector rods attached to forks that change the gears. Changing a gear involves a very precise movement of the selector rods - in other words they can be pushed too far by the shift unit (or gear stick if manual). So the selector rods have notches cut into them into which a ball bearing, aided by a spring, will locate. As mentioned above this spring can break causing the SMG system to become confused when it attempts to disengage 2nd gear.
In my experience this can cause fault codes in the SMG control unit that describe (can't remember exact wording) 'overshooting gear selection' or 'pushed too far'. I would recommend getting the fault memories of the vehicle (not just the SMG) read to see if a broken spring is a likely candidate.
Re-post when you have had this done and I'll take another look.
Hope this helps, oh and despite what some may say SMG 2 is a great system when fully functioning - why do you think BMW M gmbh chose it for the CSL??
Best regards
So in my experience you're left with a few possibles;
- Faulty SMG pump unit.
- Faulty SMG control unit.
- faulty SMG shift unit.
- Faulty SMG gear position sensors.
- Internal, mechanical fault in gearbox.
I believe that the last is the most likely given the scenario. But it's not all doom and gloom. I have repaired faults almost identical to yours caused by a broken selector rod detent spring - part cost £4!
The SMG 2 gearbox in your M3 is literally a manual 6 speed unit with a shift unit bolted on the back (unlike SMG 3 which is a purpose built unit). And like most manual units has long selector rods attached to forks that change the gears. Changing a gear involves a very precise movement of the selector rods - in other words they can be pushed too far by the shift unit (or gear stick if manual). So the selector rods have notches cut into them into which a ball bearing, aided by a spring, will locate. As mentioned above this spring can break causing the SMG system to become confused when it attempts to disengage 2nd gear.
In my experience this can cause fault codes in the SMG control unit that describe (can't remember exact wording) 'overshooting gear selection' or 'pushed too far'. I would recommend getting the fault memories of the vehicle (not just the SMG) read to see if a broken spring is a likely candidate.
Re-post when you have had this done and I'll take another look.
Hope this helps, oh and despite what some may say SMG 2 is a great system when fully functioning - why do you think BMW M gmbh chose it for the CSL??
Best regards
Edited by T-bagger on Friday 8th May 18:07
A good independant should be able to re-program it for you, however there are no gaurantees that it will be the latest version for your car. Depending on where you are try to locate the most recommended independant workshop and have a chat to see what equipment they're running for programming/coding, and how up to date it is. In general the ones that download software for each application via internet are the ones most likely to have the latest versions.
If not then it'll have to be a dealer, try to bartering with them for a fixed price to to do that only and nothing else. Times are hard and a lot of people don't realise that dealer will do 'deals'!
If not then it'll have to be a dealer, try to bartering with them for a fixed price to to do that only and nothing else. Times are hard and a lot of people don't realise that dealer will do 'deals'!
Hi, depending on where you are, i have a genuine BMW diagnostic tool and would be happy to diagnose it for you. There is absolutely no point in speculating about the problem. This system is very complex in operation. In many cases, re learning the shift path for the gearbox sometimes gets rid of minor shift faults.
Cheers
Chris.
Cheers
Chris.
From experience of others misfortune, I'd say that shamrock has a valid point. Hence why my car is a manual.I am taking quite an iterest in this thread as I'm thinking of getting an M3 in the near future. I have read most of the posts relating to SMG problems, but most people would only post once a problem occurs, I'd like to hear from some SMG owners, especially ones who have clocked up significant mileage , who have never encountered a problem
Hi, i've rebuilt, reprogrammed, own and drive an E46 M3 and the SMG is 100% the only choice to be made when buying an E46 M3, the system is awsome and when you adapt your driving skills to the new way of driving with SMG, You will never want a heavy clutch pedal again. Its responsive, never misses a gear and only does what you tell it to. The germans made the track derived CSL and never visioned it with a clutch pedal and notchy gearlever. Its important to remember that its the same manual gearbox and uses the same clutch and flywheel as the full manual, it's not an auto box but can be switched to auto mode where it will lift the throttle, clutch and change gear for you without moving a muscle.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Chris.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Chris.
I love my SMG and would have another at the drop of a hat, i will be changing mine in two years for the new V8 M3 and that will have the new DCT box, i have covered 21,000 miles in mine total 41,000 miles and all is well.
the trouble with the M3 is they are reasonable money now so people can afford them but the servicing and parts are still expensive, do this little test before you buy any car do you home work and price up some of the major parts and labor charges if you cant afford the parts when it gos wrong then its simple don't buy that car. Don't get me wrong i am not made of money and my car is in for a big service and brake fluid change next week but its not like i didn't know it was on its way, if my gear box breaks now after writing this donations will be gratefully received thank you.
the trouble with the M3 is they are reasonable money now so people can afford them but the servicing and parts are still expensive, do this little test before you buy any car do you home work and price up some of the major parts and labor charges if you cant afford the parts when it gos wrong then its simple don't buy that car. Don't get me wrong i am not made of money and my car is in for a big service and brake fluid change next week but its not like i didn't know it was on its way, if my gear box breaks now after writing this donations will be gratefully received thank you.
[report] Friday 8th May
Ok, firstly I don't think that it's low gearbox oil. If this was a gearbox oil quantity issue then your gearbox would most likely be scrap by now. What is possible however is that the SMG hydraulic fluid level is low through a leak in the system. Low SMG fluid though, would manifest itself in gearshift problems in all gears most of the time - but check it anyway as a precaution.
So in my experience you're left with a few possibles;
- Faulty SMG pump unit.
- Faulty SMG control unit.
- faulty SMG shift unit.
- Faulty SMG gear position sensors.
- Internal, mechanical fault in gearbox.
I believe that the last is the most likely given the scenario. But it's not all doom and gloom. I have repaired faults almost identical to yours caused by a broken selector rod detent spring - part cost £4!
The SMG 2 gearbox in your M3 is literally a manual 6 speed unit with a shift unit bolted on the back (unlike SMG 3 which is a purpose built unit). And like most manual units has long selector rods attached to forks that change the gears. Changing a gear involves a very precise movement of the selector rods - in other words they can be pushed too far by the shift unit (or gear stick if manual). So the selector rods have notches cut into them into which a ball bearing, aided by a spring, will locate. As mentioned above this spring can break causing the SMG system to become confused when it attempts to disengage 2nd gear.
In my experience this can cause fault codes in the SMG control unit that describe (can't remember exact wording) 'overshooting gear selection' or 'pushed too far'. I would recommend getting the fault memories of the vehicle (not just the SMG) read to see if a broken spring is a likely candidate.
Re-post when you have had this done and I'll take another look.
Hope this helps, oh and despite what some may say SMG 2 is a great system when fully functioning - why do you think BMW M gmbh chose it for the CSL??
Best regards
hi i hav same prob what was the cuase thanks
Ok, firstly I don't think that it's low gearbox oil. If this was a gearbox oil quantity issue then your gearbox would most likely be scrap by now. What is possible however is that the SMG hydraulic fluid level is low through a leak in the system. Low SMG fluid though, would manifest itself in gearshift problems in all gears most of the time - but check it anyway as a precaution.
So in my experience you're left with a few possibles;
- Faulty SMG pump unit.
- Faulty SMG control unit.
- faulty SMG shift unit.
- Faulty SMG gear position sensors.
- Internal, mechanical fault in gearbox.
I believe that the last is the most likely given the scenario. But it's not all doom and gloom. I have repaired faults almost identical to yours caused by a broken selector rod detent spring - part cost £4!
The SMG 2 gearbox in your M3 is literally a manual 6 speed unit with a shift unit bolted on the back (unlike SMG 3 which is a purpose built unit). And like most manual units has long selector rods attached to forks that change the gears. Changing a gear involves a very precise movement of the selector rods - in other words they can be pushed too far by the shift unit (or gear stick if manual). So the selector rods have notches cut into them into which a ball bearing, aided by a spring, will locate. As mentioned above this spring can break causing the SMG system to become confused when it attempts to disengage 2nd gear.
In my experience this can cause fault codes in the SMG control unit that describe (can't remember exact wording) 'overshooting gear selection' or 'pushed too far'. I would recommend getting the fault memories of the vehicle (not just the SMG) read to see if a broken spring is a likely candidate.
Re-post when you have had this done and I'll take another look.
Hope this helps, oh and despite what some may say SMG 2 is a great system when fully functioning - why do you think BMW M gmbh chose it for the CSL??
Best regards
hi i hav same prob what was the cuase thanks
Dear all, my car has developed an intermittent gearbox problem in the last two days wherby it gets stuck in 2nd for a period of time, not allowing me to change up in manual or auto modes. After 20 seconds or so of trying it will change up to 3rd-4th etc and then function perfectly for the rest of my drive. Sometimes it will struggle to get out of 2nd repeatedly though it will usually change up after a bit of trying.
Any ideas where my fault may lie? The first real problem ive had with the car in nearly 4-years of ownership.
Many thanks in advance, Graham.
what was the the fix pal thanx
Any ideas where my fault may lie? The first real problem ive had with the car in nearly 4-years of ownership.
Many thanks in advance, Graham.
what was the the fix pal thanx
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