Not the SMG !!!!!

[fridgemiester]

Hi

I have 1998 M3 evo with the SMG BOX, The car has covered 95k with full service history the box was replaced by the previous owner 2years ago at 85k. The car has been parked up for 6 weeks I have just charged battery and took ti for a run after about 1/2 mile the cog of death came on and error code E1.

Anyone help???

[Liam79]

Try www.e36coupe.com , lots of knowledge on there.

[ecain63]

I had the red cog of death on my E61 M5 when the battery was low on juice due to failed tailgate wiring shorting out. Apparently its a common fault and the cause is the smg pump not getting enough current to operated at normal speed / range. Keep the battery topped up and it shouldnt come back. If it does then you know its the box and you know your in for a big bill.

Eddie

[fridgemiester]

Thanks for the info Guys.

Cog of death in this instance is amber. Battery fully charged.

Just lost my job so money pretty tight at the moment, any further advice?

[jontysafe]

check and re check you bonnet catch and if needs be make sure the connectors are meeting.

[fridgemiester]

Ok

Battery and Bonnet Catch all ok.

No warning lights. Put car into drive, foot on acelerator engine revs to about 1500 rpm then huge "clunk" and car "shoots off".

Does this seem to be a clutch issue or something else?

Anybody help?

[ecain63]

Sounds to me like either the pump or release bearing. Its not the clutch as its not slipping. The pump will do this if its fooked but also if the bearing is dry then it might stick. If you have a warranty you might be ok, otherwise ..........

[fridgemiester]

Pump runs as usual fo about 20 seconds after door is opened would that indicate its ok? or could it still run and not pressurise the system?

Just lost my job so money really tight at the moment.

[ecain63]

No idea mate. Only way to know is to pull the box. Either way your gonna be risking a big bill. Do you have a warranty?

[fridgemiester]

No warranty! Just checked through service history tha whole smg system was replaced by BMW at 77k total cost £3,600.00 this included clutch pump the lot. The car has now just hit 95k. WHATEVER HAPPEND TO GERMAN ENGINEERING??????

[ecain63]

Was it done in the last 2 years? If so you'll have 2 year parts warranty. If not then your gonna be very skint! Sorry mate.

[fridgemiester]

No mate work done end of 2007 by previous owner.

Any body want to buy a F****d M3 ?????

[fridgemiester]

Update.

Car been with indy for almost a week now ! And they have stated possible sensor fault an low pump pressure? Has anyone got information on these pumps? read some threads with costs of 2-3k to replace how can BMW JUSTIFY THESE PRICES?

its a pump for godsake is it made from solid gold?????

[fridgemiester]

just found out the clutch has failed and requires replacement.

They also state the fly wheel has "high spots" and should be replaced ? I have asked to see the offending parts as I have not heared of a fly wheel failing due to "high spots"

ANY THOUGHTS???