Hi, I've been having problems with my 2004 325ci with SMG. The transmission does not downshift properly causing a major performance issue and danger in traffic conditions. Also, engine switches to Neutral at sudden stops and will not re-engage unless turned off and on. BMW Field Engineer says this is normal operation for the 325 SMG...I find it hard to believe...anyone out there with similar problems...please HELP!
Anyone with 325ci with SMG Mapping Problems?
- Thread starter Nmourad
- Start date
It's a true SMG I, not the Steptronic
It's a true SMG. 04/05 offered manual, Steptronic, and SMG I, depending on the package.
SMG I (same transmission as the Z4) was available on 2004 325i/325ci/325cic, 330i, 330ci, and 330cic. (This is not as advanced the SMG II found on the E46 M3, the 530i/545i, or the 645ci/cic).
The SMG was only available on vehicles with the Sport Package (not ZHP--I believe those were 6-speed manual only). For 2005, SMG I was only available on the 330 family (which disappointed me, as I originally wanted it on my 2005 325i).
There have been some other threads on the E46 board about SMG I issues--I recall one about stalling out when the car downshifts back to first at a stop.
It's a true SMG. 04/05 offered manual, Steptronic, and SMG I, depending on the package.
SMG I (same transmission as the Z4) was available on 2004 325i/325ci/325cic, 330i, 330ci, and 330cic. (This is not as advanced the SMG II found on the E46 M3, the 530i/545i, or the 645ci/cic).
The SMG was only available on vehicles with the Sport Package (not ZHP--I believe those were 6-speed manual only). For 2005, SMG I was only available on the 330 family (which disappointed me, as I originally wanted it on my 2005 325i).
There have been some other threads on the E46 board about SMG I issues--I recall one about stalling out when the car downshifts back to first at a stop.
You Are Not Alone!!!!
We have a 04 330ci SMG now with 10,000 miles that has similar problems. It has been back to the dealer several times. I've bitched about it on other forums and we along with many other owners of these cars are getting the same song and dance from BMW. Below is a link to one of the posts I made a short time ago:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108600&highlight=330ci+smg
And here is someone else along with a more recent reply from me.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111011&highlight=330ci+smg
Last week, as noted in the thread above, we had another bout of problems and I made an appointment to take the car in tomorrow. (I think this makes seven.) But, wouldn't you know that the last three days the car has performed like a dream. When this thing works it is magic! When it doesn't aarrgghhhhhh!!!
On Monday I also contacted a laywer and have arranged to fax him some documents so that we can discuss persuing a buyback under CA lemon law. I see you are also in the Bay area. We're in Marin County. If I can be of any assistance to you post an email address and I will get in touch.
Good Luck
We have a 04 330ci SMG now with 10,000 miles that has similar problems. It has been back to the dealer several times. I've bitched about it on other forums and we along with many other owners of these cars are getting the same song and dance from BMW. Below is a link to one of the posts I made a short time ago:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108600&highlight=330ci+smg
And here is someone else along with a more recent reply from me.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111011&highlight=330ci+smg
Last week, as noted in the thread above, we had another bout of problems and I made an appointment to take the car in tomorrow. (I think this makes seven.) But, wouldn't you know that the last three days the car has performed like a dream. When this thing works it is magic! When it doesn't aarrgghhhhhh!!!
On Monday I also contacted a laywer and have arranged to fax him some documents so that we can discuss persuing a buyback under CA lemon law. I see you are also in the Bay area. We're in Marin County. If I can be of any assistance to you post an email address and I will get in touch.
Good Luck
Well, you know your're sort of half right, half wrong, and maybe half again misinformed. What we have is an updated rebadged version of SSG (Sport Sequential Gearbox) that was offered first on the 330 in 2002. (European and British spec., if I recall, as I drove one in England about that time) It is neither SMG II or SMG I as suggested by the poster above. It does however, have more in common with SMG I than SMG II and as noted uses the same manual z4 6 speed gearbox found in other e46s. [bmwdance]
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Brought our 330ci in today and got a "lovely" 05 Jetta as loaner. It is champagne with an interior that is beige everywhere. Yuck! What is VW thinking?
Anyway, After checking my records I find that while we have indeed had the car back to the dealer 7 times, this will make 8, as it turns out this is only the 5th visit for the same SMG issues. (That puts us just in under the CA law with 4 failed attempts to repair.) I had the SA pull a service history and plan to send all my documents to the lawyer this afternoon. If a buy back has to happen, we would prefer that it doesn't, I want to try to find, or order if possible, another new e46 coupe with a manual transmission while this can still be done. We really detest the new e90 styling and are not optimistic about what the new coup will look like.
I talked with the service manager at some length and put all our issues in writing, in great detail. He was not very encouraging, suggesting explicity that there probably wasn't anything that they can do. He said again that they are frustrated with our car and others and frankly that they have not recieved much help from BMWNA. Just the same they are going to try again to address the problems. They want to keep the car, car for a few days as they will do extensive testing. Last time they drove the car around for 40 miles in stop and go traffic to diagnose and road test. I'm feeling like we should get some additional compensation for this sort of thing alone.
We may get lucky this time because it has been pretty warm the last few days and the problems present themselves more frequently when it is warm. Also, the SM is arranging a sit-down for me with the BMW regional service "engineer" that has been saying that our problems are "known characteristics of the transmission system for which BMW has no solution." We'll see what he has to say for himself.![[rolleyes]](/images/smilies/rolleyes.png "Roll Eyes (Sarcastic) [rolleyes]")
Anyway, After checking my records I find that while we have indeed had the car back to the dealer 7 times, this will make 8, as it turns out this is only the 5th visit for the same SMG issues. (That puts us just in under the CA law with 4 failed attempts to repair.) I had the SA pull a service history and plan to send all my documents to the lawyer this afternoon. If a buy back has to happen, we would prefer that it doesn't, I want to try to find, or order if possible, another new e46 coupe with a manual transmission while this can still be done. We really detest the new e90 styling and are not optimistic about what the new coup will look like.
I talked with the service manager at some length and put all our issues in writing, in great detail. He was not very encouraging, suggesting explicity that there probably wasn't anything that they can do. He said again that they are frustrated with our car and others and frankly that they have not recieved much help from BMWNA. Just the same they are going to try again to address the problems. They want to keep the car, car for a few days as they will do extensive testing. Last time they drove the car around for 40 miles in stop and go traffic to diagnose and road test. I'm feeling like we should get some additional compensation for this sort of thing alone.
We may get lucky this time because it has been pretty warm the last few days and the problems present themselves more frequently when it is warm. Also, the SM is arranging a sit-down for me with the BMW regional service "engineer" that has been saying that our problems are "known characteristics of the transmission system for which BMW has no solution." We'll see what he has to say for himself.
![[wave]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_wave.gif "Wave [wave]"){kind=icon}