When my SMG pump started dying I had a tough time finding any information on how to bleed and adapt the entire SMG system. The INPA version I got from Bimmergeeks didn’t have the special test section that was needed for SMG2, and I couldn’t find a version that did anywhere else online. After quite a bit of research I found an older version of INPA that has everything you need. This guide is for all E46 M3’s with SMG 2.
Parts Needed
| Part Description | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| K+DCan USB to OBD2 Cable | 1 | $24.99 |
| INPA | 1 | $0.00 |
Installation Procedure:
If you haven’t already, head over to our downloads page and download the BMW standard tools. Follow the guide to install INPA from the Bimmergeeks standard tools folder. Make sure you run the installer in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP2. Once you have completed the steps in the readme you will have a working installation of INPA.
To install the version of INPA needed for the special SMG tests, first go to your C drive (or wherever you chose to install the tools) and find your EDIABAS and EC-APPS folders. Rename these to EDIABAS2 and EC-APPS2. This will create a backup of the original Bimmergeeks software that you can revert to just by changing the names of the folders back.
Next, download the EC-APPS and EDIABAS folder from the google drive here. Drag and drop these into your C drive (or wherever you saved the old folders). This will give you the correct version that you need for this guide.
Bleeding/Adaption Procedure for SMG:
NOTE: Some of these procedures may take a while. A fully charged battery should have no problem handling these tests, but I recommend having your car on at least a 6amp battery charger just to make sure you don’t run into any issues.
Connect your cable, turn your ignition to ON and open up your new INPA installation. You should see a screen that looks like the one below.
Click on F9 on your keyboard. This will open up a new window with several special tests you can run with the software.
Click on “SMG Adaption for sequential M-Gearbox”. Make sure you click on SMG and not SSG.
This is the screen where you will be running the bleeding and adaptation procedures. To bleed the gearbox actuator (what selects the gears), press F1 on your keyboard. To start the procedure, press F8. This may take up to 15 minutes. You will see a bunch of german words on the screen and the car will make weird noises. This is normal.
Note: If you have had any hydraulic lines disconnected you may need to run this several times to get all the air out of the system. Keep an eye on the SMG reservoir to see how much air is still being released. Make sure the level doesn’t drop too low, either. Top up with Pentosin CHF-11S if needed.
Once this process is complete a green screen will pop up, click print and the error log should say KEIN FEHLER. This means the procedure has completed successfully with no problems. Next, press F10 to go back to the menu above. Press F2 to select the bleed clutch procedure and press F8 to start it. This goes much quicker than the actuator and in my experience may release more air into the reservoir. It will end on the same green screen and say KEIN FEHLER in the error log.
Complete Adaptions:
This INPA version allows you to run the complete adaptions procedure. This teaches the SMG where to move the selector rod in the transmission to find specific gears and teaches the car the bite point of the clutch. If you are not having problems with your SMG I do not recommend running the complete adaptions procedure. Some people have reported issues with the test failing when it gets to 4th gear and leaving the transmission unable to learn the bite point of the clutch, resulting a car that drives worse than before. My M3 had no problems with this, but perform it at your own risk.
To start, press F3 and then F8 on your keyboard. The car will shift through gears and make weird noises for several minutes. Make sure the parking brake is up especially if you are on a hill! Keep an eye on the screen as eventually you will be instructed to start the car. I had to cycle the ignition to get my car to start, this is normal. Soon after you will be greeted with a green screen and an error log that says KEIN FEHLER. Congrats! You have completed all of the SMG bleed and adaption procedures.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions!
