I am considering an '02 M3 w/ SMG....did a search and found that SOME PEOPLE think there were "issues" with '01 and '02 SMG's, but did not offer any details. Rather than hijack another thread, I am starting a new one:

What are the pros and cons of SMG in e46 M3's in each model year '01-'04?

SMG was not offered in 01. it debuted in 02. they had a ball bearing issue if i recall which linked the tranny to the engine, so they warranted both for 100k miles...

there was a post about all the changes on the E46 from 01-06 someone plz go dig it out.

i would look 03+ if u were gonna go SMG.
the 6pds tranny was fine from any year.

I am considering an '02 M3 w/ SMG....did a search and found that SOME PEOPLE think there were "issues" with '01 and '02 SMG's, but did not offer any details. Rather than hijack another thread, I am starting a new one:

What are the pros and cons of SMG in e46 M3's in each model year '01-'04?

Most of the common SMG issues were fixed on the late 2004 model year or early 2005.

It's nothing serious though. They're just updated SMG relay, updated relay harness, SMG ECU reprogramming, and an updated clip for the hydraulic line near the transmission.

Many thanks for the advice, guys...if someone could dig up the thread referred to above, I would be most grateful--I could not locate it...

SMG was not offered in 01. it debuted in 02. they had a ball bearing issue if i recall which linked the tranny to the engine, so they warranted both for 100k miles...



I thought the 100K was for only 6-years, whichever comes first--which will expire soon after I purchase an '02. Also, I was not aware that the warranty included the tranny, too. Not to dis WilliamPu, but can I get a second source to confirm that warranty covers both engine and SMG trans?

Thanks!

Most of the common SMG issues were fixed on the late 2004 model year or early 2005.

It's nothing serious though. They're just updated SMG relay, updated relay harness, SMG ECU reprogramming, and an updated clip for the hydraulic line near the transmission.

Do you know if these issues were recalled or just fixed under warranty if someone complained? If it was a recall and has not yet been done, I should still be able to get the fixes at no charge even though the car is out of warranty...right?

Do you know if these issues were recalled or just fixed under warranty if someone complained? If it was a recall and has not yet been done, I should still be able to get the fixes at no charge even though the car is out of warranty...right?

Those issues are covered under warranty and there's a service action on them meaning that if you brought your M3 for an oil change and there was a special bulletin on the relay, then they automatically performed the work.

SIB 23 03 04 is the SMG Transmission Relay Failure. The fix is to install new new SMG relay with new adaptor harness.

SIB 23 01 04 changes the pin assignment for the SMG hydraulic control unit relay

Very helpful BMWguy...thanks!

Those issues are covered under warranty and there's a service action on them meaning that if you brought your M3 for an oil change and there was a special bulletin on the relay, then they automatically performed the work.

SIB 23 03 04 is the SMG Transmission Relay Failure. The fix is to install new new SMG relay with new adaptor harness.

SIB 23 01 04 changes the pin assignment for the SMG hydraulic control unit relay


thanks - I'll have to see if any of those have done to our car before we got it.