Re: SMG into a 95 M3

["Greg Koenig" <gregk@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Can any one use their best guesstimate at how difficult installing an SMG 
>transmission into a '95 M3 would be?  Also, what would the cost be?  Aside 
>from importing a Euro engine with the SMG transmission, what if we tried it 
>on a US spec car?  Maybe I should call Dinan and see if they'd be willing 
>to give it a try!

Kirk,
Well, first off, an SMG is not going to work with a US spec engine, so you
would have to swap your motor for a Euro one.  The reason is that the SMG
computer also interfaces with the engine in order to control the throttle
(so it can match revs).  If the SMG sees an engine there that it doesn't
expect, it probably won't work.
Retrofitting an SMG will be a real major PITA.  You would need another
wiring harness, a new instriment cluster, new center consol (for the SMG
controls), new driveshaft, new differental, new engine... you get the point.
 O, it can be done, for about $25k (20k for the parts, the 5k for labor). 
It isn't even all that hard of an install (though running the wires from the
tranny to the engine bay might be sort of hard, but your automatic tranny
will already have all the proper wire runners).  

Greg

P.S.
Does the cold air intake still work?

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