We offer the rebuild of the clutch actuator (clutch slave cylinder) for the 5-speed SMG (also known as SSG). This gearbox was installed exclusively in the BMW 3 series E46. For the repair, we replace the piston seal in the cylinder with a seal, which is perfectly designed for the extreme conditions in the SMG in consultation with the manufacturer of the hydraulic oil. The seal is manufactured by a German specialist company. If necessary, we grind the cylinder inner wall with special tools in order to remove score marks.
The clutch actuator (clutch slave cylinder) is probably the biggest vulnerability of BMW’s Non-M SMG gearboxes. Especially with high mileage the chance increases, that the part develops a leakage. According to this defect, the SMG system is not able anymore to engage the clutch properly. The gearbox refuses to engage the clutch or does handle the clutch while stuttering or shaking. Moreover the hydraulic oil is leaking out of the actuator and often dripping on the clutch, which makes it unusable.
There are some tutorials going through forums, saying to fix the SMG actuator with the original clutch slave cylinder repair kit from the manual transmission. This solution is not recommended as the gasket is not suitable for operation in the SMG, neither in terms of dimensions nor rubber composition. After only a few months, this gasket can dissolve and irreparably damage the entire SMG system.
We offer two ways for the repair:
Way A: Direct overhaul of your actuator
In this case you send us your actuator (to Germany) and we’ll refurbish it directly. Normally we finish the work and ship the part back within 24 hours.
Way B: Provision of a ready overhauled actuator
This service is only available under certain conditions. If on stock, we’ll ship a pre-overhauled and ready-to-use actuator towards a deposit payment (core charge) of 300€. You can change the part in one single repair process and the downtime of the car stays minimal. After the change you have to return the old part to us within one month (counting from the day when our part arrives at your place until the day when you ship it back / hand it over to the courier). If you return the part later than one month, but within 6 months, we will refund 70% of the deposit amount (30% deduction). After 6 months we can no longer refund the deposit amount for legal reasons. The return shipment is your responsibility, the costs are to be covered by you. In general the part must be in a repairable condition, which means no damages besides the normal attrition during operating. Please mind: the deposit amount does not include the price of the repair – the amount is to be paid additionally.