BMW 2004 e46 330ci SSG SMG Transmission COG error troubleshooting. Adding fluid / test drive.

My 2004 BMW e46 330ci has given me the cog of death on the instrument panel... SMG Problems. The light looks like a gear with an exclamation point in the middle. Perhaps it should be a dollar sign in the cog instead. I asked a local mechanic the cost to look into this and it quickly became clear that the repair costs would exceed the book value of the car. This will be a boring video for 99.9% of you, but may just save the day for someone who had my problem.
This literally stopped the car from shifting out of first gear into neutral and I could not start it.
The car shifter says it's SMG - it has a sequential manual gearbox, but it is NOT an M3. It has also been called SSG to not be confused with the M3 equipment which is very different. It seems to be a rare car with a funky transmission. Here I will show you part of the troubleshooting procedure I worked through to get the car running again. I use a ratcheting 10mm wrench, a flex head ratcheting 17mm wrench for the best fit on the tank cap, a syringe with tubing, and Pentosin CHF 11s hydraulic fluid.
The car is jacked up, the heat shield is loosened to expose the hydraulic fluid tank. The cap is removed and fluid level seems low, so more fluid is added with the syringe. I would suggest a better syringe than the one I had on hand. Buy the pump, I made a mess. Ultimately, this seems to have solved the problem of the car not shifting.
I do a test drive and show the shifting and dash readouts. Is the car fixed? Time will tell, but I am still concerned with the pump as well. That will be a topic for another troubleshooting video.
Disclaimer - I am not a professional mechanic, but I read a lot and have been wrenching longer than most viewers here have been alive. I am sharing this video to illustrate a problem I was presented with and the steps I followed to address it. Any work you do on your own car is done at your own risk. If you are a pro and can share your experiences, problems and solutions, they are welcome.
I had a really hard time finding much info on this topic, so I made the video to help. This is why I make the videos - a way to pass it forward. If you're troubleshooting the "COG" error in a BMW 2004 E46 330Ci with SSG/SMG transmission, here are some relevant keywords:
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These keywords should help your video reach individuals seeking information and solutions for troubleshooting the COG error in the SSG/SMG transmission of a 2004 BMW E46 330Ci. Always refer to the specific model's manual and consider seeking professional assistance if needed.
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Always refer to the vehicle's service manual or consult with a qualified mechanic for accurate diagnosis and repair.

[@zuramatchavariani8773]

tomorrow I will have one.Please keep this videos up it will literally save me

[@robdude1969]

It was a lot of digging to find what made this video happen. Good luck!!!

[@StevenPerez-ge9ch]

Hopefully you make new updates ill be waiting

[@robdude1969]

I will be sharing a pump replacement video as follow up shortly.

[@robdude1969]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHvJp4uEhdqNY8Usi=2n7AsWFsZfYLL32o

[@StevenPerez-ge9ch]

Check air intake boot and Maf sensor readings maf sensorcan cause transmission to stay on 1 gear on auto mode if your car is 2004 to 2006

[@robdude1969]

Thanks for the tip! I changed the pump motor... it's been great since!

[@jesusvilla2361]

Hey bro, do you know a way to drain the old fluid?

[@ThugzBunnyYT]

The other 9mm Allen bolt on the bottom and not the top😂

[@volkandemir8146]

Hello my friend. I also have a 328i. And a wheel sign warns. I haven't checked the oil and filter yet. I would like to receive information on how to fix this malfunction. Has this error been fixed on your car? Thank you from now...

[@robdude1969]

How can I help you? Oil change instruction?

[@tonymontana897]

I didn't know that the E46 330i had SMG. I thought it was only available on the M3.

[@robdude1969]

Yup, and it’s a little different than the M3 with very tech little info on it.

[@ThugzBunnyYT]

You forgot to start the car while filling😮

[@joelselman668]

This repair is most likely the transmission pump. Pump cost is about $1,000 new and not difficult to change yourself BUT you'll also need a BMW computer/software program that allows you to depressurize the system prior to changing the pump and bleed the system afterwards. I would expect a good INDY should be able to do the job for $3-500 labor.

[@irambler4791]

Someone has speedo issues

[@robdude1969]

Did you see me sunbathing? 😂

[@irambler4791]

Bahahahahaha