Hornung's ZHP Adventure

[brettbimmer]

Reading up on SMG repairs.

Sent from my GS3.

Haha...still reading...and reading...and reading...

6MT what?

[cakM3]

We'll see what Justin's up to soon enough Brett.....

[Hornung418]

Haha...still reading...and reading...and reading...

6MT what?

Printing off threads and repairs regarding SMG repairs, Salmon relays, S54 maintenance.

Then, over on Rennlist, I'm printing off threads about timing belt, water pumps, sealing the front and rear of the block, and clutch changes. Lots of reading to do while I'm in Cabo San Lucas.

Calling insurance in an hour.

Sent from my GS3.

[brettbimmer]

Got it buddy! Have a good trip and enjoy the reading/vacation.

[BCS_ZHP]

SMG = Sucky (non)Manual Gearbox

[mbeckel]

SMG = Sucky (non)Manual Gearbox

+1 real manual transmission is where it's at, it's the way driving is meant to be

[Hornung418]

+1 real manual transmission is where it's at, it's the way driving is meant to be

...I know...but if it's priced right, I have to take it. Plus, the CSL transmission software is apparently insanely fast. Theres a few fixes out there for high temp SMG pump fails, which needs a simple resistor wired inline, and I can always switch to a manual trans with the appropriate parts found in the junkyard.

Sent from my GS3.

[Avetiso]

SMG failure rate is highly overrated. Mostly hyped by 6MT fanboys who only offer anectodal evidence including but not limited to:

"My buddy had an SMG and didn't like it."

"My Indy said they are problematic."

"I want total control of the car." (Lmao at this one)

"Only girls get SMG."

"I don't want a computer shifting for me." Aw, mad it does it twice as good and three times as fast?

Or any other variant where a person wants to make them self feel like more of a man because they drive a true manual.

[Johal E32]

yeah but when they fail its lots of money.. you could 6 spd manual swap once the smg pump does, but eh. Just get the 6 speed from the get go. Different strokes for different folks

ant they suck on the daily grind, they shine on the track where the fast shifting is nice.

[Avetiso]

yeah but when they fail its lots of money.. you could 6 spd manual swap once the smg pump does, but eh. Just get the 6 speed from the get go. Different strokes for different folks

ant they suck on the daily grind, they shine on the track where the fast shifting is nice.

If the SMG pump itself fails, it's a lot of money. But that happens very rarely. Usually, it's other stuff. Hood sensor, salmon relay, tranny temp sensor, that $2 spring for the 3-4 issue, etc. The second most expensive fix is the accumulator, which is $450, or the gear position sensor, which is like $350. Both of those aren't that bad, and considering that M3 owners like to charge like a $3k premium on manuals (which is hilarious, by the way), SMG to 6MT swap is financially viable. Not only that, you can jump straight to nice parts, like AutoSolutions SSK and new bushings all the way around.

Don't get me wrong, I'd still rather get a manual, as well. It just gets on my nerves because I'm looking for an M3 as well, and tons of people tell me to avoid SMG like the plague, but the only thing they can offer is "my buddy with an M told me so," when I ask them why. RAGE.

For example, two Jet Black M3's listed FS in the bay area. One is a 2004 with 95k miles and is in cherry condition. It's SMG, and he's asking 16.5k for it.

The other is a guy from M3Forum. Car has visible dents down to the paint, a few decent mods, but is overall in far worse condition. His kind old soul graciously dropped the price to $21.75k recently. What a nice guy. All because it's a manual.