Best Method to convert SMG to MANUAL in the E46 M3

In this video we show you how to properly convert the SMG transmission from an e46 M3 to a 6-speed manual transmission. If you're attempting to do this DIY, we assume you know how to remove the transmission and replace a clutch so we focused most of the details on the conversion itself to keep the video from being too long. Thank you for watching!
***The KZbin algorithm really likes "Thumbs Ups" and "Shares" Thank you in Advance!!
Thank you AMS Autogroup for providing me the most complete SMG conversion kit ever! Check out their website here: amsautomotivegroup.com
The SMG kit we used in this video: bit.ly/3s0b0AR
**Recommend parts to add
--- Clutch and Flywheel kit: bit.ly/3yHfbFu
--- Upgraded Bronze pivot pin: bit.ly/3T7zu7g
--- Exhaust gasket (x2): bit.ly/3s2vJ7k
--- Rear Main Seal: bit.ly/3SZDk2d
--- Selector Rod Seal: bit.ly/3D1B5G0
--- Panel bond Adhesive: amzn.to/3ToNXLN
Thank you Jason from @ShopLifeTV for the extra hand. Check out his channel and give him a follow if you love BMW content!
Check out Jamie's Store!: ourwearhouse.com/collections/...
**Consider Subscribing to / jamiesgarage1
--I really appreciate it!
---As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
---As a Creator Stash Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie is the Owner of Elite Motor Works in Sarasota Florida, Check out his social media in the links below:
-- TikTok: / jamiesgarage
-- Jamie’s Garage Instagram: / jamiesgarageofficial
Check out Jamie’s Shop Elite Motor Works
-- Elite Motor Works Website: www.elitemotorworks.net
-- Elite Motor Works Instagram: / elitemotorworksfl
-- Elite Motor Works Facebook: / benzandbmwrepair
-- Elite Motor Works KZbin Channel: / benzandbmwrepair
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Jason Volunteers
01:02 Parts used for the SMG conversion
02:32 Removing the SMG Pump
03:51 Removing exhaust
04:08 What's the difference, SMG vs Manual
05:19 Removing the SMG transmission
05:27 Prepare for shifter bracket
05:49 Remove SMG shifter assembly
07:10 Prep for shifter bracket and install
10:38 Convert the SMG transmission to Manual
22:40 Installing the clutch line to pedal
24:06 Installing the clutch pedal and master cylinder
27:00 Wire harness install
30:27 Shifter boot installed onto shifter assembly
31:41 Install shift rod bushing and shifter assembly
32:55 Install clutch line to slave cylinder
34:00 Bleeding the clutch
35:29 Modifying lower panel for clutch pedal
35:52 Wire install for reverse mirror dip and parking sensor
37:58 Final install of shift boot and shifter
38:39 Final check before road test
39:40 Clutch bed in after 400 miles
40:06 Wrap up, Thanks for watching!

[@ShopLifeTV]

I didn't know job interviews were so extensive nowadays lol! Now it's time for the M3 to get some mods, let me know when the turbo kit arrives ;)

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks for all your help dude! It definitely made this job more fun 🤘

[@ShopLifeTV]

@@JamiesGarage1 anytime! It was fun!

[@Michal_Sobierajski]

Do you have any vacancies? I can replace Jason 😁 Great car 🥰

[@chrisfix]

Awesome video and great collab! This will help so many people who want to do this!

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks dude! I agree, I hope this will helps those who want 3 pedals instead of 2 🤘

[@garrettgiuffre5653]

I think a E46 crew is starting to cover take the KZbin game my friends

[@qx4n9e1xp]

I read this is Chris's voice.

[@your-mom_was_here]

@ChrisFix this will also help that small youtuber Tavarish i think his name is

[@razorrich]

Jason/ ShopLife knows his stuff - he is KZbin’s BMW & E46 meister! Awesome collaboration.

[@ShedLifeUK]

So good to see Jason, he's been providing quality E46 content for years. Absolute legend.

[@JamiesGarage1]

He's such a good down to earth dude too!

[@viperocco]

Great video, always good to see Jason. One of the legends in the e46 community IMHO

[@Deutscheautoparts]

I once "voluteered" Jamie for a staycation..... what a glorious stay it was

[@JamiesGarage1]

😂

[@bettybutler8306]

Excellent video as always! I absolutely love this collab with Jason/Shop Life. Keep up the good work 💪

[@adrianlala5044]

It's so great to see you guys working together

[@lefora87]

this was refreshing to watch...u guys got the passion for fixing cars👌✌

[@davym44]

Hi. I came across your channel yesterday. Fantastic content and I find your video’s flawless. I’m hooked. Love your channel !! 👌

[@carloscordeiro6618]

Great video, helped me a lot do my 6 speed swap. I went with a used 6 speed transmission swap instead of the bell housing. One thing I struggled with was to bled the master and slave cylinder. I recommend you pre-bleed those before installing them.

[@marveliosguevara9988]

Shoplife is awesome I've spent countless hours watching his videos and learning everything about my e46.

[@Bowtie12oclock]

Jason (ShopLife) helped me out a lot when it came time to doing my oil filter housing / cooler gasket. Good to see the collab folks!

[@dannyruiz4221]

I’m actually getting ready to do this swap too. Awesome video and perfect timing!

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks and Good luck!!

[@pedrorivera9779]

Extraordinary collaboration and better video, guys.

[@kamleshjethwa4151]

i really love how recent YT videos coming up for E46 from @Jamie's Garage, @ChrisFix @ShopLifeTV. great work and big Thanks . now I don't think i will be selling off my e46 anytime soon.

[@JamiesGarage1]

Keep it forever!

[@sublimetoast1441]

My thoughts exactly. I'd still have some professionals do a manual swap for me but I've been doing a lot of work on my 06 comp m3 and just last week I did a valve cover gasket following shop life's video on it. Very helpful.

[@tyler-huynguyen6636]

Great collab, really high quality content.

[@nathanacuna]

Love it! Awesome 👍 Collab. You guys should get your own show on motor trend!

[@marksantos2276]

That was an amazing change and a good collaboration

[@andrewa.3304]

Great video! Always good to see KZbinrs help one another> I'm a subscribers to both of you guys love all your videos

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks! 🤘

[@ricky_ricardo]

Great collaboration you too and awesome car. That color is amazing.

[@kenvanbuskirk7034]

The slave cylinder lines and wires should be fed through rubber bushings to prevent them from rubbing on the firewall causing damage in the future. Also using the bushings will keep fumes and water out of the inside of the car.

[@zimmy700]

Awesome as usual 🙌🏻

[@pal.thecarmechanic]

Nice to see you working together 👍🌹

[@1320Jason]

Welcome to the shop Jason!!!

[@23tlujan23]

Love when people I’m subscribed to surprise me with an amazing collaboration! More!

[@garrettgiuffre5653]

Colabing with someone to make money is definitely a reason to volunteer

[@tremorflow3614]

Great video, helps me so much ! Thank you!!!

[@mromagachi5194]

J & J Automotive i can already see it now the 2 bmw gods going at it in one shop what a dream my 2 favorite bmw guys in one room mr jalapeño tequila and mr yayson been following shop life since 2016 i’ve learn so much from you both major shout out to both of u we need merch man so we can rock it

[@theelusiveninja362]

Lets get it done

[@shawnhampton9686]

Great video guys.

[@michaelsiwik2817]

Yessss. We need this. Awesome.

[@THE46GUY]

So these videos are really cool and well thought out. What would also make a really cool video would be somebody to show you how to bulletproof the SMG system instead of always just yanking it out for a 6-speed. You can throw a number out there like 60-70% of enthusiast prefer a manual gearbox with the clutch over the SMG automatically actuated system however, there are a lot of people out there that would prefer not to have to yank out everything and would like to bulletproof there system. A video that shows how to use INPA software to run the diagnostics, testing the accumulator, reading and clearing codes. Replacing the pump and accumulator with refreshed units or ones from burkhart etc... The SMG system can be fun and reliable if maintained and updated properly as well. There are lots of videos out there on KZbin. The cover several different pieces of the SMG system and they're all fairly old and outdated. Certainly nothing with the production quality and value that you guys put out so that subject could definitely benefit from your areas of expertise with the updated production value style of 2022/23

[@ShopLifeTV]

Hey Shawn! I plan on doing just that with my SMG vert, even though the SMG system isn’t really able to be bulletproofed, there’s a few upgrades out there but they aren’t cheap either. For those that like the SMG or need to keep it, then it would make sense, just not financially

[@rheinamacher1990]

@@ShopLifeTV Didn't Burkhart swap in a S62B50 engine from the E39 M5 to a M3 and mate it with a SMG-II transmission?

[@fregyt]

manual swapped SMG more reliable

[@adonay944]

I know right. I actually like the SMG system i have in the s54 swaped e36 . All my other cars are manual and i think i can not out shift the SMG

[@THE46GUY]

@@adonay944 I have an E46 M3 sedan that I built and so now I'll be working on an E46 touring and going to be using a convertible M3 that I have it SMG so basically we're going to make an e46 M3 SMG wagon with the fenders in the conversion just like my red car I love the SMG system. It's so cool and was ahead of its time

[@pjay1233]

WHAT?!? SHOP LIFE IS HERE?!?! WHENS THE RIDE ALONG?!?!? Jay you guys are f***in AWESOME!

[@belminzuljko1043]

Hope to see more collabs videos in the future! 😉🔥

[@radomirstanisic3445]

You make it looks easy.

[@riccardo8002]

LUUUUUUUUV this colab!!! AWESOME

[@JamiesGarage1]

LUUUUUUUUUUUV this comment!!!!

[@mariosnikolaou5212]

Absolute legends

[@fazrulrusdi9557]

Top 2 best mechanic

[@DeuceDevious]

I ADORE my dinan s2 SMG M3. I feel like people only call the SMG sloppy is when they want internet points. Yes it's problem prone but that thing is a beast especially when flat out. I just bought a second m3 for dirt and I wanna try this conversion. Can't wait to feel the difference

[@marlonbaird6070]

Facts,still way more reliable than the Vw DSG anyway

[@Jakiirr]

JASONNNNN THE LEGENDDDD

[@user-fl4mv1ti5t]

thanks for tutorial how to repair and change bushings, my shifter is very very worn and sometimes i put in 5ft gear not 3rd thanks for tutorial!!!

[@aaronlindsey6371]

Awesome video getting ready to do the swap myself. I noticed the pressure plate you put in had a weird block off plate in the center. did you guys leave that in or remove it? isn't the transmission spline shaft supposed to go into the hole that its blocking off?

[@31acruz]

Another incredible video, good job guys. Can you give us an idea ballpark how much does a job like that cost on an e46 m3? (I used to have one and loved it but hated the SMG) I am thinking of getting one again.

[@PoringPoring951]

They weren't joking when they said Car is becoming smarter. All these wiring and sensors just to switch out the clutch is eyes opening.

[@GAS.M3]

Awesome. How much did it all cost?

[@giorgioTT88]

So now that you have provided a detailed installation video what is you estimate on how many hours an average shop needs to complete this? Amazing video keep up the good work. These car are only getting more expensive and desirable.

[@Aleks_Mechanics]

Notification squad!🔥🔥🔥

[@luciman9268]

goat collab

[@50sKid]

Pretty cool, guys.

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks dude!

[@VelizarL]

Great video. I have one question about my BMW E46 320D 2003 manual transmission. Can I do this when I engage reverse gear the right mirror to move down only with this cable? I have standard mirrors, not with retracting function. Thanks

[@paulthompson8642]

That's a lot of work what would that cost to get that part of labor?

[@lukastojilkovic9369]

Evo brate Adri kao poruceno za tebe

[@nevrcm3261]

when my SMG pump goes out again...this will be done

[@JamiesGarage1]

It’s well worth it! The car is so much more fun to drive now

[@nevrcm3261]

@@JamiesGarage1 I do have the TTFS SMG tune and I gotta say this is how it should have been from the M Factory. The downshift laziness is gone and the upshifts are even better. Even light throttle takeoffs are better. A well spent $190!

[@nevrcm3261]

...and prior to the SMG M3 always a clutch. I don't miss the 3rd pedal

[@Scooterboii94]

Yea this has been a thing for a while i did this like 2 years ago in my buddies garage

[@chadrowley6933]

Hey guy great video. But I need a little help if you could please I bought an 2008 bmw 550i. I believe the car is out of timing. Do you know where I could rent the timing tool? Plus I have to check a couple of valves that hit the pictons.

[@matthewweitz1949]

Awesome

[@dzlnitro]

Great vid. Why no information regarding programming though?

[@rahdigga6031]

Did I miss the part about the gear identification switch?

[@MajorWTech]

Notification squad!

[@tonydaddario4706]

I might get caned for this but if the undercoating was so tough was it really necessary to remove it before riveting the mounting bracket?

[@butacu.m3s54]

Great content! Still, i'll just slap a CAE shifter, it's plug and play :). No drama.

[@B_WithThe_C]

Wdym by this??

[@organizacionporfiriorivero3619]

Nice, does anyone knows wether the same thing could be donde on an SSG trans?

[@namvo3909]

Awesome video. Except for the coding in the index.html file. I hope they don’t remote in and code the body tag on my homepage 😂. Jk jk. I was thinking about doing a conversion too. Definitely considering buying this kit now.

[@yusufachmat8588]

Are you running the manual gear identification switch?

[@mattiashinno]

If i want to insall these SMG buttons to my BMW M3 e46 what is "manual" then to they work? And how?

[@maxwellmattison6224]

...STOP lying! Please work together gentlemen! You both are awsome. Thanks, Jamie!! #DinanXTouring

[@Kraxt0n]

wouldn a self centering shifter been a hell of alot easier than removing the entire trans/changing bell housings?

[@KrisFlix]

What would be the cost for this? I want to get this done on my M3. Although I can do it myself, I don’t have a lift, or really the proper tools and place to do it. I’m curious how many hours the shop charges to do this.

[@Bad_m340i]

Where can I find a DIY for the programming portion? Thanks

[@cpho]

I just did my smg to manual swap but I’m having issues with reverse. It keeps popping out. I’m not sure if it’s compression springs or possibly gear position sensor but I don’t see you doing that in this swap either

[@Tilljay125]

Great DIY can I get that smg steering wheel 😂

[@JamiesGarage1]

Sure! Do you have a manual competition steering wheel to trade? 😂

[@Tilljay125]

@@JamiesGarage1 wish I did brother. Learned a lot watching you please please 👍 keep it up

[@Froozy_1]

27:02 thank you, your video was very helpful, please tell me the part number for the video

[@jaredbrouhard7947]

Does this apply for non M cars aswell? I have a non M 330i i need to swap my SMG out

[@liver.flush.maestro]

Why is the DME stuff necessary? So you can't start the car without pressing on the clutch?

[@imanhafizi9411]

Hi sir im from malaysia , you change casing gearbox smg to casing gearbox manual ?

[@proflanx6731]

Does this work for the automatic e46's as well? or just the SMG M3's?

[@dennisaraujovski]

Is the smg gear ratio the same as the original 6 speed transmission?

[@E36_boat]

Why use the plastic pivot pin? Should’ve got the upgraded ones stainless steel or brass

[@dennisfuchs8925]

What happened there my friend, you looked a little irritated at 23:10. Looked like you rolled your eyes and shook your head as you looked away from the camera. Love your videos Jamie! E46 my all time fav.....

[@umutgunay7609]

süper ikili

[@eazy__m3]

not sure if i got a different harness from them, but i’m confused on the install

[@bhodges661]

Great video but what happened to the e36 m3 ??? Like i love your vids but there all over the place

[@crisweiser]

Do you do that service for others?

[@jesusvilla2361]

Will this work for the Non-M serious as well?

[@eduardolima8560]

Is that wire going from the cluster to dme needed for non M cars after 03 too? My PDC hasn’t worked since I swapped my 330ci

[@luishinojosa8630]

Yes it should work

[@ventsistoqnov6680]

👌👌👌

[@The28marex5]

Hello. How Can i wire reversing lights?

[@TGMotors-ml2sx]

Can the flywheel/clutch/pressure plate/release bearing be re-used from the SMG setup?

[@liamhallen6842]

Yes

[@xushenxin]

why the epoxy you used in the video cost $148? Is there a $10 epoxy that works the same?

[@eazy__m3]

did you guys use the gps or code it out ?

[@meno7551]

Was all this done within a day ???

[@egiles]

It looked like you had to install the black clutch switch which is the incorrect one for the M3. The M3 has a brown clutch switch, but it’s almost impossible to get them now since BMW only ships the black ones now. Cruise control won’t work unless you use the brown M3 switch…but was Jason able to code it to where cruise control works with the black switch?

[@JamiesGarage1]

Good question but my M3 is the competition and it doesn’t have Cruise control

[@egiles]

@@JamiesGarage1 well now that's a great point! Sorry I forgot about the Competition not having cruise control. Great job on the conversion but I'd expect nothing less from you two. I recently did the same conversion myself on my '04 M3, and the reverse trigger wire to the cluster is one thing I missed. I'll be doing that soon so thanks for mentioning that!

[@Jbonly21]

I am going to be doing this swap in a week, I bought the AMS wire harness, but my car is a 2003.2 so I was just wondering if the pin for the EWS and the DME are the same. Great video and thanks.

[@user-fw1uc2ce3z]

Does the same apply for e85?????

[@gbcismaru6529]

What is the budget on this job?

[@abdellahbouincha3519]

Hello Jamie, I am a fan from Morocco, and probably gonna be lucky and come to the USA, can I work with you?

[@mrwick4875]

What is something like that cost to do. Seems expensive project to conquer for your dyi person .

[@christophertownley6734]

Why rivet and not captive nuts?

[@bobpirzada6323]

jason where is your shop

[@tcaspers]

01:46 Didn't know one could do the coding in HTML :D

[@JamiesGarage1]

😝