E46 SMG Gearbox issues

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

A friend of mine has a E46 52 plated 330i (petrol) SMG. He's got problems and he thinks it's the software/solenoids(?) rather than the actual gearbox itself.

Is there a specialist anyone can recommend that he could take it to in and around London please?

He's been quoted 000's and 0000'sfrom BMW of course and before he bends over and is taken it up the rusty sheriff's badge by BMW he thought he'd ask about alternatives!

Any suggestions gratefully received,

Oi_Oi

[bimmer_87]

I have some experience with this gearbox, i own a 325ci with the same 'box.

Can you give some details as to what problems he is experiencing?

[thehos]

isnt that SSG gearbox?

[paoloh]

thehos said:

isnt that SSG gearbox?

Yes and it's st

[Slurms]

Its based on the SMG box from the E36 M3

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Guys - it is the SSG gearbox - you're right - I misheard him during our phone conversation and thought I'd heard him say SMG.

If it's based on the E36 M3 gearbox - what's different and can we source an E36 geearbox and replace as a whole or are stuck with using BMW?

[bimmer_87]

Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:

Guys - it is the SSG gearbox - you're right - I misheard him during our phone conversation and thought I'd heard him say SMG.

If it's based on the E36 M3 gearbox - what's different and can we source an E36 geearbox and replace as a whole or are stuck with using BMW?

No its not, its based on a 5 speed manual found in the regular e46 3 series.

The system was concieved with the help of Magneti Marrelli, who also did the system for the Vanquish, Ferarri 355 F1 and the selespeed in Alfa's.

Yeh it is 'st' compared to more modern equivalents, but you got to remember, it was one of the early paddle-shift gearboxes to hit the market, so it was relatively new tech and had its issues.

speaking as an owner, it is pretty good, but has its nags, but would consider buying another SSG.

the only thing you can replace it with is another SSG box or a 5 speed manual from the e46 3 series range.

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Excellent help guys - thanks.

In terms of a manual gearbox - do you think this will affect the re-sale value significantly?

[MitchT]

bimmer_87 said:

Yeh it is 'st'

speaking as an owner, it is pretty good

Thanks for clearing that up

[bimmer_87]

MitchT said:

bimmer_87 said:

Yeh it is 'st'

speaking as an owner, it is pretty good

Thanks for clearing that up

Lol, ok i'll elaborate.

I meant it's st compared to it's modern rivals e.g. DSG, the newer DCT by BMW themselves, and even the SMG II on the M3,

When i first drove it i found it really weird, it was the first car of it's kind of 'box i had driven, But you have to adapt your driving style slightly.

For me its the best of both worlds, but with the disadvantages of both aswell.

Its like an auto without the torque converter losses and poor fuel consumption

But its lacks the complete control of a clutch and gearstick, and mechanical simplicity of a manual.

It always puts a smile on my face on those empty NSL country roads, thats where it really makes sense.

It can get fustrating in auto mode in heavy traffic conditions, where it can be jerky and rolls back on hills, but its not horendous (sp) as some people make it out to be

I can see where the negativity comes from, people drive it for the first time, with high expectations, and only drive it for an hour, and hate it.