WATCH ME WORK ON THE COPART E46 M3! (SMG TRANSMISSION NO MORE)

In this video we start working on the #copart #e46 #m3 that we introduced on this channel a few weeks ago. We begin by removing the fan shroud, fan, air box, dinan exhaust, and finally the transmission. To get ready for the SMG to 6 Speed manual conversion we remove the bellhousing from the transmission and get it ready for the machine shop. Be sure to subscribe, like, and share the video so we can continue to make more videos like this! Also hit the bell to get notified of new uploads and visit www.shoplifetv.com for merch or questions you may have! Thanks for watching!
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Disclaimer: Some links will contain affiliate links. Due to factors beyond the control of ShopLifeTV, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ShopLifeTV assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ShopLifeTV recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ShopLifeTV, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ShopLifeTV.

[@dboucher26]

I got this done to my E46 M3 over 3 years ago and I haven’t had a single problem since then. I took my car in to the dealer service center for an alignment and all the techs were gawking at the car, they even came out to talk to me when I picked it up. I was treated like an MVP that day.

[@theochetty6787]

As you should be, e46 M3 are special

[@fredhaagsma6832]

Mate you’re an absolute genius! I’m so impressed with your knowledge of the M3’s and E46’s in general. Love the way you operate, highly organised and meticulously focused. Love your channel 👍👍👍👍

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks a lot Fred! I really appreciate the compliment, and hope to learn more and provide more info on here as well.

[@danielver4484]

I really like the quality of your work to satisfy customers!

[@gtcreels532]

God damn! That’s a lot of work

[@thatct.m3243]

Im doing this swap currently as well as rod bearings at the same time, i didn’t want to get the bellhousing machined so thankfully i was able to source an oem manual trans to directly swap in. Its so impressive how using a lift and having lots of experience makes all this work go so much quicker

[@ShopLifeTV]

What a coincidence lol Thats awesome that you were able to find a manual bellhousing, will make the conversion a bit easier! The lift is definitely the best tool in the garage!

[@thatct.m3243]

@@ShopLifeTV I bought a whole manual trans and clutch assembly before I even got the car. I’m not sure if I want to swap bellhousings or if I should use the whole manual trans (it has 10k less miles, but I’ve heard smg internals tend to wear less). I definitely want to get a lift sometime in the future 🤞

[@thomass3559]

Yes ive been waiting on this for some time now 😎 thank you for such indept videos👌 great stuff

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks Thomas!

[@friguy4444]

Hey been watching you for years now and still love Ya's! Lol. I'm liking the new format. Hello Selena! I have a swapped out 2002 330CI to 2006 M3 (Meaning the drive train and interior of the M3 into the 330CI of course) and so all of this is like home to me. I've never had to do the SMG to Manual swap though I've watched videos on the process. You of course do the best job of showing it in real (Almost lol) time. Keep on rockin in the free world (or what's left of it anyway).

[@razorrich]

Great in depth, step by step vid guys! Those wee-wee pads are invaluable working on greasy parts.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Haha yeah! Thanks so much!

[@razorrich]

@@ShopLifeTV Would like to see a vid Fluffy and Cali. Miss seeing them.

[@monkeywentbananas]

And that Dinan muffkin is worth some money! Nice!

[@jdamore44]

Nice work! This was the best thing I ever did to my M3. Its incredible to be able to lose the anxiety of going out of town and worrying about your car shifting or not.

[@ShopLifeTV]

I couldn't agree with you more. The SMG system was amazing when it first came out, but it just doesn't wear well and at this age even with low mileage it can be problematic.

[@dubvalver]

i love SMG. even tho it failed on me once. i learnt how to fit a pump myself and recalibrate it. they'll be super rare one day with everyone converting lol

[@Nico_335i_DCT]

Great explanation guys, as always. Very nice conversion DIY also. Enjoy your SEMA visit! Dutch regards Nico.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thank You Nico! We are enjoying the trip and will be back to our regular programming soon lol!

[@jalloor]

Great video! Looking forward to the next.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thank You! So many more to come!

[@iainfowler24]

Great work jason. Love it. Many regards from England 😀

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thank You!

[@mperez9745]

One of the former cars I had that I should have never sold except mine was 6 speed manual

[@ShopLifeTV]

Wish I had bought a clean example of a coupe e46 m3 when I had a chance back in LA.

[@rossellcastillo9838]

Smh conversion in depth: Yes please 🙏🏼 wanting to do it soon as my pump goes out

[@antoineduplessy6009]

You are awesome, I love the video 🔥🔥🔥

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thank You Antoine!

[@fartovyigr9446]

As known, recently removed from the tow truck a e36 Convertible going for recycling

[@KiaShah]

Awesome video as always my man! Thank you for the content! Question about removing the metal plate under the car at 6:55, are those bolts single use stretch bolts? Or can they be reused? Do you know the torque specs off hand?

[@craigf314]

Love the channel especially the e46 m3 content. Did you find out where metal particles were coming from in the transmission? I have the same problem with my m3.

[@osvaldorivera1134]

U r so lucky to have fiance that's cool with getting her hands dirty and helping with the video shoot. She's definitely a keeper... i just got my hands on a 97 E36 M3. I'll definitely be looking u up when I get back to the US. Q: Y not just get a manual swap in that doesn't require the bell housing mod u r doing for this conversion?

[@randeepdhillon9607]

Great video I just put my trans back on after a clutch change forgot to change the seals on the transmission guide shaft >.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Aww man! Usually they don't leak that often but it's a good thing to reseal when you have the chance!

[@victorkaminski1747]

Nice.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks Victor!

[@WeAreCarFans]

M3 2006 has fan clutch and not electric fan? Surprising difference compare to M54. Anyway, great content!

[@merrellbean7238]

I would definitely like to see you do some x5s

[@tonymontana897]

When you refill it with fluid, make sure you use Redline D4 ATF. Don't use that horrible BMW gear oil. That's why you have shavings in there. It's bad stuff. Great work man. You are doing a fine job. Kudos to your helpers too.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks Tony, im not a fan with straight D4. I like to do a 50/50 mix with mtl and d4 or a syncromesh fluid.

[@tonymontana897]

@@ShopLifeTV What are your concerns with the D4 ?

[@jerrynavarro9025]

I want an m3 so bad 😩

[@ShopLifeTV]

Don’t give up! You’ll get one!

[@jerrynavarro9025]

@@ShopLifeTV i wont im working hard to get one 👍

[@guayo42]

@@jerrynavarro9025 Be ready for that maintenance. It's a love and hate relationship with mine. lol

[@skaterm231]

same but its not happening anymore people in my country are pricing them starting at 20k D:

[@tommytenzo]

@@guayo42 I’ve learned that very quickly after buying one

[@stymiesnerdly771]

If you’re replacing the drive shaft center carrier bearing, please include that in your vid series! It’s definitely on my to-do list, but it’s a little intimidating.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Already have a video going over this on the channel! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGOzYmeOmcZ-ia8

[@aa240sx]

why not use a reverse lockout type short shifter instead of sending the bell housing out for detent work? In the end, you get a much better shifter (Hint: RTD). based on what you say at 18:30 it's not just a savings in money, but labor and time messing with that bell housing.

[@ShopLifeTV]

RTD/CAE shifters are the quicker/cheaper way to do the conversion, but until they are able to utilize stock shifter knobs and stock look and feel I think most people will prefer the bellhousing machining.

[@diamondplays8944]

Hey man, I'm having a problem with my SMG trans on a 2004 m3. I've had shops tell me it was a broken detent spring. Was wondering if you had any experience with this and any tips for the DIY. I'm gonna tackle the job with a few friends. The shop I trust the most said it can be done by dropping the transmission cradle, and I believe they said something about removing or loosening the fan so that when everything pivots downward, it does get caught. Apparently, the trans will drop almost 6 inches which should give me enough room to reach the detent spring. Any info you have on this would help! Thanks

[@Garagehiroko]

6:26 had me dying

[@ShopLifeTV]

Lmao

[@ricky9720]

Rigid makes good shit, my co worker at the shop has the newest rigid mid torque 3/8 and i like it better then my m18 gen3 3/8 mid

[@ShopLifeTV]

I agree, I just need to get a more powerful impact. Might do so on black friday lol

[@BarbaritoAdolfo777]

Efan conversion for this one

[@brbhave2p00p4]

Could you do more roadtrip videos with your e46 wagon?

[@ShopLifeTV]

Currently on a road trip to LA in Selena's LS3 swapped E46 sedan. Video will be uploaded soon!

[@manuski14]

Anyone know a good north east M shop that shows love like"shop life" ? NJ,/NY

[@zacrichards3604]

If you change Gear Position Sensor for a part worn one will it need coding or computer work? Hoping I can just plug and play and SMG gearbox will work fine

[@YousefRashed8997]

You have to do an adaption using INPA

[@ShopLifeTV]

Yes what ^ Yousef said, you will need to do a relearn procedure

[@grvyrdgang5672]

Need more e36 content

[@ShopLifeTV]

Oh its coming... it just recently broke lol

[@luislluveras423]

I have 2002 BMW m3 que and the hydraulic unit sensor Bad how can i get in touch with You

[@valdimicolchik7975]

At 16: 23 ! How many people You need to have to remove (or install) a Transmission? By the he way You should HAVE a Transmission Jack , hydraulic one !!! Screw jock it is NOT for removing Transmission?

[@ShopLifeTV]

Lol you must not watch my videos. I usually use a hydraulic trans jack, but my fiance and her brother were already there and helping so we decided to just man handle it out

[@valdimicolchik7975]

@@ShopLifeTV - One "super mechanic " tried in the same way to work on Volvo transmission and transmission fell on concrete floor and crack the housing . To me : fir every job have to use right equipment and tools.

[@yrasphong]

SORRY BUT ANYONE KNOW WHERE THE CCV OR PCV ON THE M73 ENGINE IS PLEASE????

[@1robmal]

Why don't do a fan delete?

[@ShopLifeTV]

depending on the climate the e46 m3 actually utilizes the mechanical fan. Custom Electric fan conversion is an option, but makes more sense on track cars as opposed to a daily driver.

[@yhshah21]

Mashed all them driveshaft bolts with the wrong socket.

[@ShopLifeTV]

definitely, its my first time doing it

[@yhshah21]

Get the correct tool it’s like couple bucks

[@alfyer5]

E92 m3 vs e46 m3 what’s your pick? 😂

[@ShopLifeTV]

Both are great in their own regard and I hope to own both in the future. With the current market, the e92 m3 is the better deal and will definitely start going up in a value like the E46 m3 in the near future.

[@randyfleet9968]

You need a second set of tools so that kid can help you get finished sooner!

[@ShopLifeTV]

I have a couple sets, and German is accumulating his own set now as well since he just bought his own project car. I don't really want him learning on someone else's car so for the time being we are just taking it slow lol

[@driversteve9345]

At 16:00, EVERYONE should be wearing SAFETY GLASSES!!!

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

he got robbed on that car lol

[@markt9438]

There really is nothing wrong with SMG as long as your maintaining correctly and don't destroy it but I will admit a male transmission is better

[@manuski14]

Female* 🤙

[@ShopLifeTV]

I agree that the SMG is a great system...when working properly. It is more common to have issues with the SMG system than not. Most people will also prefer the manual transmission as many m3 owners are interested in driving spiritedly and manually shifting gears.

[@driversteve9345]

All this work sounds VERY expensive $$$$$! Maybe your customer should have sold this car and go out and buy another one?

[@user-ym9we2zv1x]

v0wbrk #von.ong

[@christianm.3543]

That kid looks like no help at all….