M3 CS SMG - manual conversion...insurance implications?
Discussion
Hi all,
I've had the 'near-perfect' car for a while (M3 CS SMG) and I want the *perfect* car (M3 CS manual).
My car's never had any SMG problems in the nearly-2 years I've had it, but I miss swapping cogs myself.
To have 'the perfect car' I'd rather just get my SMG converted to a manual. For me, that's a better alternative than the hassle of selling it, then having to look for a good manual on the open market. The replacement car might even have problems that my current car doesn't!
So, "to hell with the cost", I'm getting a conversion done.
My car's V5C makes no reference to the car either being 'SMG' or 'auto', nor does it say 'manual'. Neither does the insurance certificate. It's also worth me mentioning that the comparison site I got the insurance through only had auto/manual as gearbox options and I chose 'manual' at the time.
I have previously run an HPI check and it was stated to be a '6 speed manual'.
My question: Given the above, do I need to tell my insurer about the conversion from SMG to manual? Is there any chance they might not pay out if in future I had an accident, and I hadn't told them of the change?
Thanks.
I've had the 'near-perfect' car for a while (M3 CS SMG) and I want the *perfect* car (M3 CS manual).
My car's never had any SMG problems in the nearly-2 years I've had it, but I miss swapping cogs myself.
To have 'the perfect car' I'd rather just get my SMG converted to a manual. For me, that's a better alternative than the hassle of selling it, then having to look for a good manual on the open market. The replacement car might even have problems that my current car doesn't!
So, "to hell with the cost", I'm getting a conversion done.
My car's V5C makes no reference to the car either being 'SMG' or 'auto', nor does it say 'manual'. Neither does the insurance certificate. It's also worth me mentioning that the comparison site I got the insurance through only had auto/manual as gearbox options and I chose 'manual' at the time.
I have previously run an HPI check and it was stated to be a '6 speed manual'.
My question: Given the above, do I need to tell my insurer about the conversion from SMG to manual? Is there any chance they might not pay out if in future I had an accident, and I hadn't told them of the change?
Thanks.
Edited by M3CS on Saturday 23 November 19:03
Edited by M3CS on Saturday 23 November 19:10
ady702 said:
I don't see them not paying out, its not like its a engine performance mod which would bump up the premium. Probably best to call them just to make 100%
Trouble is, when I've spoken to them before, they've been really unintelligent....struggling to even understand very basic questions. Trying to explain to them exactly what SMG is (and why it's more like a manual than an auto) just fills me with dread. They'll start jumping to the wrong conclusions..."he's got an auto currently, and hasn't told us!".
It's just going to be really aggravating to do that, so I'd rather not talk to them at all if I can.
I guess I'm asking the people out there: what would you do?
OP
M3 CS was available in Manual or SMGII.
As you know SMGII is basically the same manual (Getrag I think?) gearbox underneath except actuated hydraulically via steering wheel mounted paddles or the gear lever.
I would be surprised that yours is not classified as "Auto" even though technically the gearbox underneath is not.
When i have seeked valuations online for my M3 CS i have to select whether is "Manual" or "Auto" (ie SMGII).
If yours is classified as "Auto" i assume would only be simply because has two pedals even though this behaves NOTHING like an auto. I would double check exactly what it says on your log book, insurance. Giving your chassis number to BMW UK will bring up the spec you have SMGII.
As for telling your insurance company i suspect there is NO difference between premiums of Manual M3 CS or SMGII M3 CS. Might be worth finding out online by getting a quote to verify this for a NEW policy with SAME insurer and OTHER insurers to vertify this ?
Then if you do tell your insurance company tbh they SHOULDNT change your premiums.
However, they might because
- generally, cars that are "modified" from standard attract drivers that drive fast, cause more accidents, more points etc so basically a higher risk factor as you are tinkering from standard spec. If they increase premiums could be possibly because of this they are deciding to class to a HIGHER risk driver (even though you may not be?)
- just to squeeze a profit out of you potentially ?
I was rambling on a bit there hope it makes sense.
M3 CS was available in Manual or SMGII.
As you know SMGII is basically the same manual (Getrag I think?) gearbox underneath except actuated hydraulically via steering wheel mounted paddles or the gear lever.
I would be surprised that yours is not classified as "Auto" even though technically the gearbox underneath is not.
When i have seeked valuations online for my M3 CS i have to select whether is "Manual" or "Auto" (ie SMGII).
If yours is classified as "Auto" i assume would only be simply because has two pedals even though this behaves NOTHING like an auto. I would double check exactly what it says on your log book, insurance. Giving your chassis number to BMW UK will bring up the spec you have SMGII.
As for telling your insurance company i suspect there is NO difference between premiums of Manual M3 CS or SMGII M3 CS. Might be worth finding out online by getting a quote to verify this for a NEW policy with SAME insurer and OTHER insurers to vertify this ?
Then if you do tell your insurance company tbh they SHOULDNT change your premiums.
However, they might because
- generally, cars that are "modified" from standard attract drivers that drive fast, cause more accidents, more points etc so basically a higher risk factor as you are tinkering from standard spec. If they increase premiums could be possibly because of this they are deciding to class to a HIGHER risk driver (even though you may not be?)
- just to squeeze a profit out of you potentially ?
I was rambling on a bit there hope it makes sense.
From my experience in the past like for like models tend to cost slightly more to insure in auto guise, so from that aspect you should be OK. However, as mentioned above where you might see an increase is where you now technically have a modified car which will see an increase.
In your shoes, seeing as its cuurently insured as manual despite SMG, I'd be happy leaving that, continuing with your insurance with it stating "not modified" would make me nervous should a claim need to be made.
Suppose its a decision only you can make.
In your shoes, seeing as its cuurently insured as manual despite SMG, I'd be happy leaving that, continuing with your insurance with it stating "not modified" would make me nervous should a claim need to be made.
Suppose its a decision only you can make.
Hungrymc said:
They ask a question along the lines of....
Has it been altered or modified in any way from the original makers specification.
I really wouldn't lie about it. You'll find yourself in a world of trouble if the worst happens.
This. Just not worth it in IMHO. If you're going to go to the trouble and expense why not just ask them before....say you are thinking of doing it and you want to know how much it would cost.Has it been altered or modified in any way from the original makers specification.
I really wouldn't lie about it. You'll find yourself in a world of trouble if the worst happens.
In one respect it's not a major modification but I reckon it's probably a pretty big job with all the electronics etc and lets face it it's a major drive line component!
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