E36 M3 Evo - SMG to 5sp Conversion

[CHIGS]

Hi all - been a long time since I have been on here so apologies if this has already been discussed....I am looking at getting back into an E36 M3 Evo. Found a nice looking example but then discovered the car was originally SMG and has had a 5 speed manual put in.

Is this something to be worried about or if converted by a reputable garage is that ok? (still need to find out who carried out the conversion).

Any advice appreciated!!

[Elliot2000]

As long as it’s been done properly then I can only see it as a positive- the early smg wasn’t great or particularly reliable.
No idea what it would do to the value of the car though

[supermanraf]

I have a 3.2 with a five speed. Absolutey perfect. Required the 5 speed propshaft too, but easy to get hold of, sturdier than the 6 speed too!

[CHIGS]

Thanks for the replies guys - seems like it could be worth exploring further!!

[CHIGS]

So the work was carried out by BMSport (Bexley) - have searched on here and they seem to have a good following for all things ///M
Invoice billed was just over £2k in 2014 and the conversion included propshaft, instrument cluster etc.

Anyone able to vouch for BMSport?

[Tony B2]

Surely an Evo should have got a 6 speed box?

[Easy_Targa]

I have used them in Bexleyheath. They worked on my 2.8 Z3, including carrying out performance upgrades.
No complaints about the quality of their work or the bill, but I found them personally to be a bit cold and unfriendly. Perhaps it was just a bad day (or two!)

[CHIGS]

Tony B2 said:

Surely an Evo should have got a 6 speed box?

I thought that too but from what I have read the conversions are 5 sp

[CHIGS]

Easy_Targa said:

I have used them in Bexleyheath. They worked on my 2.8 Z3, including carrying out performance upgrades.
No complaints about the quality of their work or the bill, but I found them personally to be a bit cold and unfriendly. Perhaps it was just a bad day (or two!)

thanks - useful to know.

Unfortunately looks like this is one to walk away from now - the conversion was completed and the new cluster fitted with a different mileage....the owner then swapped it back himself to the original to show the correct mileage....not sure how this stacks up and there is no paper trail to support it other than the word of the previous owner

[Origin Unknown]

CHIGS said:

Tony B2 said:

Surely an Evo should have got a 6 speed box?

I thought that too but from what I have read the conversions are 5 sp

The shift from 1st to 2nd on the 6 speed box was a royal PITA. Fine under normal conditions but I frequently missed the change when moving off quickly. Mind you, 3rd in the 6 speed box is a beautiful thing 29 mph right up to 110 without a change.