Inquiry on 325 SMG & 325 Exclusive

[perryyip73]

I went to Klang Jln Kapar BMW workshop, that guy did went to Germany for training b4. He told me that local unit 325 SMG shouldn give any problem on gearbox cause its LIFETIME WARRANTY. Any SIFU here driven smg version, pls share this info. The engine itself are same as 325, suspension, bushing bars should me same as Msport ? Is it comfortable of fetching people on 2nd roll ? or perhaps its more bumpy due to stiffer suspension ?That guy also told me there is an exclusive model for 325 which normally cost more than 30k compare to the normal version and its only 150 units in the world, is this true ? and what are the differents between the exclusive and lifestyle ?

 

[B33mEr]

In regards to SMG (SSG) it's been covered before in this forum and else where also no such thing as lifetime warranty for the gearbox ... I suggest you stay away from that workshop. The gearbox is bullet proof tho and the hydraulic system will last the lifetime of the car but it's the clutch actuator O-Ring that gives the problem as the O-Ring will harden and cause the hydraulic fluid to leak. There are one mech shop in cheras that can install an aftermarket O-Ring but it will not be cheap as the mech will charge RM600 (inc installations). I've never done it tho. There's more info about the cheras workshop on www.udmowners.com

It's a fun car to drive and very addictive on downshifts but not suited for slow driving honestly as it can be jerky and you have to learn how to drive the car. Require slightly more maintenance than an auto but definitely faster than an auto.
Wear and tear items is clutch and flywheel tho it's good for 120-160 thousand km at least.

 

[perryyip73]

Nice Beemers, usually once u have changed the cluth, o-ring and actuator, how long it can last if seldom drive fast ?

 

[hakim_radzuan]

only a few smg owner that happy with their smg..like bro beemer because he know to maintain the smg gearbox...otherwise if you want hassle free,better dont try smg..auto is the best for normal person.low on maintanance and jerk free..

 

[perryyip73]

To maintain well on SMG gearbox meaning ? pls let me know sifus. The rest of the parts like suspension, bushing, mounting and engine parts should b same as normal M-Sport model right ? what else need to be taking care of ?

 

[IanDaddy]

I think I have the Exclusive model. I think it is more like a promotion packaging, throwing many goodies in a limited run to clear stock as E90 coming out.

 

[B33mEr]

To maintain well on SMG gearbox meaning ? pls let me know sifus. The rest of the parts like suspension, bushing, mounting and engine parts should b same as normal M-Sport model right ? what else need to be taking care of ?

Yes bro SMG (or previously known as SSG) cars (CKD version) are equipped with M-Sport goodies such as shadowline trim, suspension components and etc ...

To maintain an SMG car there are two fluids that you need.
1) Gearbox fluid - BMW MTF2 or Redline MTL fluids

2) SMG Hydraulic fluid - Pentosin CHF-11s

You will also need to do a clutch adaptation procedure aka SMG teaching which involves hooking up your car with a BMW diagnostic tools via an OBDII port. What it does is that it resets the adaptation values of the hydraulic system and adjusting the actuating pressure according to the thickness of the clutch plate. This is done every 12 months or when the car start to shifts abruptly ... Doing this procedure will result in a smoother gear change.

This applies to E46 M3 SMG II as well

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=307334

One that concern the most is the oil seal or O-Ring on the actuator. It will generally last a few years before the oil seal breaks down. The actuator itself is robust and it is serviceable. New actuator from BMW dealership can cost around 4k which includes clutch actuator and gear selector actuator.

I will post some pics on the actuator if you're interested.

 

[infinityKL]

hi beemer, Does all e46 smg come wt bumpers like yours?

 

[B33mEr]

hi beemer, Does all e46 smg come wt bumpers like yours?

For the CKD version yes which is M-tech II bumper as all of the CKD 325i's SMG are sold as the sports version. However most of the E46 330i (inc SMG version) that did came into the country is the executive version and not the M-Sport variety tho i have seen a few 330i m-sport on the roads recently.

Mine is CBU M-Sport version

 

[perryyip73]

Im interested in SMG, saw 1 unit selling at 105k year 02, 2nd car dealer. The dealer said recently changed clucth. Exterior are fully accesorries with spoiler, roof spoiler, fender, black grill and 18" wheel. But no doubt i am still worry bout the gearbox. Many BMW friends told me to avoid of smg version and get normal. But so far i found 325ci msport 03' 115k and 325 msport 04' 120k. Being many years experienced of ur SMG, wat u think bout this smg beemer ? im kind of like sport version that also can fetch my wife and son. especially ci

 

[Daiichi]

Im interested in SMG, saw 1 unit selling at 105k year 02, 2nd car dealer. The dealer said recently changed clucth. Exterior are fully accesorries with spoiler, roof spoiler, fender, black grill and 18" wheel. But no doubt i am still worry bout the gearbox. Many BMW friends told me to avoid of smg version and get normal. But so far i found 325ci msport 03' 115k and 325 msport 04' 120k. Being many years experienced of ur SMG, wat u think bout this smg beemer ? im kind of like sport version that also can fetch my wife and son. especially ci

Perry, why dun you go for a test drive for the SMG version first before you commit to buy it. Remember this SMG being a manual gearbox without clutch which is different from auto gearbox. You will still need to manually shift gears like a manual stick albeit without a clutch pedal to work on. So, it all depends finally on your choice, whether you like to keep using your left hand. Also, being a manual whenever you are at a sloping road, you need to keep pressing the gas pedal or use the hand brake.:top:

 

[azeL_Inc]

Perry, why dun you go for a test drive for the SMG version first before you commit to buy it. Remember this SMG being a manual gearbox without clutch which is different from auto gearbox. You will still need to manually shift gears like a manual stick albeit without a clutch pedal to work on. So, it all depends finally on your choice, whether you like to keep using your left hand. Also, being a manual whenever you are at a sloping road, you need to keep pressing the gas pedal or use the hand brake.:top:

one of things that i wouldnt trade for...haha...

 

[B33mEr]

If they say they have the change the clutch ask where did they change it and when? Ideally you change the clutch together with the flywheel. My advise is go for a test drive and have it checked at a reputable workshop for leaks. Send it to APD glenmarie or send it to Ingress Auto as they have a SMG specialist (kidnap from AB ) ... Once everything checks-in then you can decide.

Again I have to stress that you need to go for a test drive and see whether you and the missus can live with the car When test drive the car press the sports mode and pedal to the metal ... You'll see what i mean when i say it's fun
Also do drive the car in a traffic situation.

 

[perryyip73]

ok, i will of course test 1st before buy it. Still my 1st choice is the 325ci msport. feel the different then i choose.

 

[perryyip73]

All the sifu, here is a list of my choice, pls help me to vote which is the best 3 choices. Ur help is really helpful to me and Eric. We both are currently selling our 2.0 UDM and searching for 325 model.

1. 325 year 03, msport converted, 18" wheel, original blue colour, mileage 80-85k, interior wood and 4 spoke mf steering,
selling RM93k
2. 325 original msport model year 05, silver colour, 17" msport wheel, mileage 90-95k, selling RM120k
3. 325 SMG year 02, black colour, fully accessories, 18" wheel, mileage 90-95k, selling 105k
4. 325 year 03, msport converted, 18" wheel, original white (still new), full accessories, mileage 85-90k, selling RM105k
5. 325 SMG year 03, black colour, 17" msport wheel, sky white colour, mileage 70-75k, selling RM108k
6. 325ci original msport, year 03, original black colour, no bodykits, 18" BBS wheel, mileage 70-80k, selling RM115k

Thank you very much.
Your 1st choice =
2nd choice =
3rd choice =