E36 SMG Problem
Discussion
Hi All
I own a e36 Evo smg which was built in Apr 98.
The problem is thus - the smg shift electronics light(Amber gear cog symbol with exclamation mark in it) has been coming on and off several times over the last few months. Initially there was no problems with the gearbox/starting in any of the auto or manual modes. However the problem has now developed into the following
First thing in the morning the light is out and the car behaves itself. After 10-15 mins of driving the light comes on but car still operates in normal way. however if i park up and turn off ignition for a couple of mins and then turn it back on the gearbox fails to motor to neutral so you can't start the car. By turning ignition on and off several times the gearbox eventually motors to neutral and car now works again fine until the next time the ignition is off for a bit.
If the car is left for longer(couple of hours) everything resets to the first thing in morning scenario
Other Info - BMW dealer diagnostics said the system had a massive overpressure in it(pressure sensor fault?), although gearbox works fine once its started. They simply suggested replacing pump at cost of 3000 quid which may or may not cure problem - muppets. When asked could it not be a sensor/electrical issue i got a blank response - long and the short was they knew less than i did!
Since then i have been all over the system - there are no leaks/fluid loss anywhere and the fact the gearbox works once engines started makes me think the Pump is ok, pump sounds fine as well. So that leaves electrics. Anyone know what causes the light to come on?- pressure sensor?
Thats it..any ideas folks, anybody had this before?
I own a e36 Evo smg which was built in Apr 98.
The problem is thus - the smg shift electronics light(Amber gear cog symbol with exclamation mark in it) has been coming on and off several times over the last few months. Initially there was no problems with the gearbox/starting in any of the auto or manual modes. However the problem has now developed into the following
First thing in the morning the light is out and the car behaves itself. After 10-15 mins of driving the light comes on but car still operates in normal way. however if i park up and turn off ignition for a couple of mins and then turn it back on the gearbox fails to motor to neutral so you can't start the car. By turning ignition on and off several times the gearbox eventually motors to neutral and car now works again fine until the next time the ignition is off for a bit.
If the car is left for longer(couple of hours) everything resets to the first thing in morning scenario
Other Info - BMW dealer diagnostics said the system had a massive overpressure in it(pressure sensor fault?), although gearbox works fine once its started. They simply suggested replacing pump at cost of 3000 quid which may or may not cure problem - muppets. When asked could it not be a sensor/electrical issue i got a blank response - long and the short was they knew less than i did!
Since then i have been all over the system - there are no leaks/fluid loss anywhere and the fact the gearbox works once engines started makes me think the Pump is ok, pump sounds fine as well. So that leaves electrics. Anyone know what causes the light to come on?- pressure sensor?
Thats it..any ideas folks, anybody had this before?
Hello there mate, i've recently had my SMG unit replaced but not because of the problems that you've had. Mine was down to the thing losing its oil.
Give Highams Park Motor Co. 0208-523-3443 a call as they are a indipendent BMW specialist who delt with both my BMW's. The guys there are all ex-BMW master technicans so they know there stuff.
To be honest it sounds pretty spooky to me. The gearbox itself is actually the same as a regular M3 `box but it just lacks the centralizing spring that usually returns the gearstick to nutral.
M3John.
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