BMW 2002 E46 330i with an SSG or SMG gearbox?

[BMW KIWI]

Hi Everyone. I was hoping someone could help me out. First time on the chat so thanks for taking some time to respond or not haha

I've tried a few VIN decoder sites but they can't find my specific VIN. CarVertical said it was a BMW X1 which is odd given they only came out in 2009.

I've had the car for 8 years and my friend had it for 3 prior to that and he purchased it from a car dealership here in NZ. It is ex-Singapore import and has the MSport extras but no badge - maybe just the bodykit, suspension, SMG/SSG? Gearbox, and M floormats lol

Can anyone help me ascertain the build specs for this vehicle - as the gear box is playing up (read as, is skipping and clunking) and I need to know what it is I'm having to repair here.

Thank you for sharing any info or help you have!

 

Cheers, Barry

[Greydog]

Morning Barry

Welcome to the Forum

Have you tried www.mdecoder.com always worked for me.

I do know there is an SMG hydraulic control unit on the side of the Gearbox I would start there, check for leaks etc. If you aren't aware have a look at www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your vin into the search box it will call up your model. There are small exploded drawings that will help identify where stuff is fitted. You could also try www.pelicamparts.com an American site so the steering is on the wrong side but they have loads of excellent "how too's" with pictures. 

If you need professional help avoid BMW they will just say "change the box $xxxxxxx thank you very much" A BMW Independent would be better

Hope this helps

Dave

[BMW KIWI]

Wow!! Thanks so much for coming back so swiftly Dave @Greydog and pointing me in the right direction. I'll use those decoder sites and check out the pictures and "how too's". Agreed the BMW dealer quoted telephone numbers for the swap out... Love the signature mate re prior cars Ranger Rover (arrrgghhhh) hahaha

All the best this Christmas and New Year let's hope 2021 settles a bit for everyone.

[Greydog]

Hi Barry

You are very welcome what is a Forum that can't share stuff 

The Range Rover was an er "experience" P38 in the end I wasn't sure who had it longer me or the Dealer ?? Just talked to my BMW Indi he said the early SMG boxes had a detent spring that broke quite often it causes slow changes between gears. He said it is a changeable item without taking the box out.

Have a Great Christmas

Dave