Driftit 1925 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 So I have been looking at a cheap 04 E46 325ci with an SMG box as a runabout in the US. The one I am looking at has an issue with the hydraulic pump controller for the box. Im thinking a little DIY and a replacement pump from ECS tuning ($500USD) would get me a cheap low mileage car. Has anyone had experience replacing these pumps. It looks like I could run into trouble trying to remove the hydraulic lines from the alloy block. With salted roads up here they are likely to be at least tough to get undone. TBH I did not know you could get the SMG box on any other model other than the M3. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Those early SMG boxes even give the dealers and reputable transmission specialists a run for their money. I'd avoid it Dan. I'd say that's why it's cheap Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Neal 509 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Not sure if the pump is the same as the m3 but here is a electric motor replacement kit video. If the motor in the pump is an issue then it's no longer a 3k plus repair Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Driftit 1925 Report post Posted July 21, 2017 Yeah I think I will give it a miss. Will prob just pick up another similar vehicle with an auto. It is a pain finding E46's here. There are so many manuals. And I don't want a manual as the traffic is like Auckland in DC. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ BMW 368 Report post Posted July 21, 2017 56 minutes ago, Driftit said: Yeah I think I will give it a miss. Will prob just pick up another similar vehicle with an auto. It is a pain finding E46's here. There are so many manuals. And I don't want a manual as the traffic is like Auckland in DC. I liked the "Don't block the box" signs... they made my schoolboy brain laugh. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olaf 3235 Report post Posted July 21, 2017 19 hours ago, Driftit said: Yeah I think I will give it a miss. Will prob just pick up another similar vehicle with an auto. It is a pain finding E46's here. There are so many manuals. And I don't want a manual as the traffic is like Auckland in DC. try CA - more autos around Los Angeles, surely? Rust-free cars too. Or possibly Texas? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Driftit 1925 Report post Posted July 25, 2017 Unless you already have a car it is quite a pain to buy a car from another distant state. DC plates can be changed from your current car to your new one temporary. But if you need temp tags it is the biggest pain in the ass. Especially for non citizens. Trying to buy in VA. Close enough that I can get the metro to it. Looking at a couple of E46's this weekend. 04 330ix - $3000 03 330i - $3200 Both top spec with buying room as I am paying cash and they are at a 2nd hand dealer. SMG one is still for sale. If I had the time and space I would pick it up. This is it BTW.https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/d/bmw-ci-smg-update/6210551415.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
