SMG wouldn't go into gear...

danp · 09-09-2010, 06:27 PM

Went for a spin last night, car was driving fine but SMG gear indicator was flashing...

So... pulled into a dark layby (one apparently well known for dodgy nocturnal goings on) - thought I'd only be there a minute to reboot the car.

Rebooted, but car then refused to go into gear at all, the gear indicator just flashed. Tried a few times but no joy! Had visons of waiting hours for the AA, and then needing a new SMG pump/clutch or suchlike.

A little while later I had a brainwave, sure I had read that the bonnet sensors can cause SMG issues, so popped it open and closed it... and all was well!

So... worth bearing in mind if you ever experience similar, google would indicate it's quite a common thing with SMG on E46 M3's. Sounds like it's also worth having a spare "salmon relay"!

**DazBlackCSL** · 09-09-2010, 06:56 PM

You forgot to put 'Officer' at the end of that post

sailorbaz · 09-09-2010, 10:21 PM

That's a relief for you I'm sure. I had the same thing happen, progressively got worse before it got to the point where it wouldn't go into gear at all. Luckily enough I was at a Main Dealer, handed the keys over and took a Courtesy car in replacement. Turns out it was some sensor, I forget what. Warranty took care of it.

Which reminds me, I never get any documentation of work carried out on my car whenever it's been done under warranty, despite asking on different occasions. This normal? Would be good for history.

**glendog74** · 09-09-2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailorbaz

Which reminds me, I never get any documentation of work carried out on my car whenever it's been done under warranty, despite asking on different occasions. This normal? Would be good for history.

They don't like giving it out straight away as it hasn't been processed by the warranty company meaning the dealership hasn't been paid at that stage.

You can ask for it after a week or two later and they should send it out to you. Often they blank out the cost of parts so that you don't know what they paid for the job!

Bounce · 10-09-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glendog74

They don't like giving it out straight away as it hasn't been processed by the warranty company meaning the dealership hasn't been paid at that stage.

You can ask for it after a week or two later and they should send it out to you. Often they blank out the cost of parts so that you don't know what they paid for the job!

I always ask how much the warranty work costs,then write a note on my invoice.The last one was £1440 for new clutch and fly wheel.

09-09-2010, 06:27 PM	#1
danp S4 - Getting the hang of it Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 177 Casino cash: $6280	SMG wouldn't go into gear... Went for a spin last night, car was driving fine but SMG gear indicator was flashing... So... pulled into a dark layby (one apparently well known for dodgy nocturnal goings on) - thought I'd only be there a minute to reboot the car. Rebooted, but car then refused to go into gear at all, the gear indicator just flashed. Tried a few times but no joy! Had visons of waiting hours for the AA, and then needing a new SMG pump/clutch or suchlike. A little while later I had a brainwave, sure I had read that the bonnet sensors can cause SMG issues, so popped it open and closed it... and all was well! So... worth bearing in mind if you ever experience similar, google would indicate it's quite a common thing with SMG on E46 M3's. Sounds like it's also worth having a spare "salmon relay"!

09-09-2010, 06:56 PM	#2
DazBlackCSL CSL Register Uber-poster! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Shaboogling Posts: 7,199 Casino cash: $28478	You forgot to put 'Officer' at the end of that post __________________ CSL Register Lifestyle Coach and Social Secretary Last edited by DazBlackCSL; 09-09-2010 at 07:03 PM.