Auto to manual swap, will it still pass SMOG?

[Badong]

Trying to get an idea if I should change my auto to manual, or I should just find a manual 318ti out right.

My understanding is that the computer will error out due to the missing auto transmission, but will those errors cause it to fail CA SMOG testing?

Thanks!

Brian

[tiFreak]

you'd just need to swap the computer and you'll have no error codes, only problem is that there's a little light on your cluster that will come on next to your mileage and if the computer has higher mileage than your car the cluster will read the higher mileage when you turn off the light at the dealer

[Badong]

No issues with changing the computer(s) and keys?

Just trying to figure out if I need to 'start over' with different ti or I can just make the change I need on this one. I guess I can check with the folks over at Dinan since I would need their help to finish the last few bits from the sounds of it. ;-)

[tiFreak]

I think you would have to either have your EWS realigned, you could get the module and chips that go in the keys from the same car as the computer, or you could delete the EWS altogether

you could always just buy a manual ti but it depends on the condition of yours and what other ti's are available in your area

[Badong]

after lots more reading, looks like some have been able to get the ECU re-flashed for manual. :-)

[Bluebimma]

Just an update, you dont need any other computers when doing the swap, you just unplug the auto computer and short #5 and 7# in the shift assembly wiring. After that, you remove the transmission bulb from the cluster, as it will always say theres something wrong with the transmission.

[Badong]

I'm just going to have Dinan reflash the computer so it thinks it is a manual. (that is the plan anyway, but cool to know there is another workaround. :-)

[Bluebimma]

The true way to auto-manual is to use an actual engine manual harness.

[cooljess76]

Originally Posted by Badong

I'm just going to have Dinan reflash the computer so it thinks it is a manual. (that is the plan anyway, but cool to know there is another workaround. :-)

It's not so much the computer as it is the wiring harness as Bluebimma said. The DME's themselves are the same. Auto's just have a separate controller which monitors and controls the transmission. The difference is the extra wires in the harness that will be searching for data from the auto transmission controller. I just went through this when I sold my manual 318ti DME to a guy with an automatic 318is. The part#'s for the DME's are the same. It plugged right in and worked perfectly on his car along with his current automatic controller. What you're doing is the opposite, you'll be removing the automatic transmission controller which will leave extra wires on your harness. As Tony said, if you can find a manual harness, the swap will be done correctly with no fault codes or warning lights. The only thing you should have to wire up would be a reverse light and the clutch/start safety switch.