This describes the wiring changes needed when swapping a manual transmission into an E46 that originally had an automatic transmission.
Remove EGS
First step is to remove the transmission control module (EGS), located in the electronics box near the brake master cylinder. Connector A7000 disconnects and the EGS module is pulled out. Tuck in the EGS wiring harness, tape off connector pins, etc.
Clutch Switch
The clutch switch triggers the EWS to enable the starter to crank and the DME to cut throttle (idle/overrun signaling) and disable cruise control. There are several types of clutch switches. Here we only cover the clutch shift module, a 4-pin hall-effect sensor mounted on the clutch master cylinder, BMW part number 35426876898. This type is more effective than previous ones because it signals the DME at the start of clutch press but signals the EWS after full clutch press.
See this excellent post with the full details.
www.e46fanatics.com
The clutch shift module requires power and ground connections, and provides two signals: one to the DME and the one to the EWS.
Clutch module pin 1 to ground
Clutch module pin 2 to DME X60004 pin 23
Clutch module pin 3 to +12V via fuse #9
Clutch module pin 4 to EWS X1659 pin 8
clutch shift module wiring diagram
X13635 clutch shift module connector (4-pin, black)
Reverse Switch
The reverse switch informs other electrical systems in the car on when to enable their features, such as backup lights, park distance control, etc. Automatic transmission cars provide this signal from the gear selector while manual transmission cars provide this signal from a dedicated switch mounted to the transmission.
The automatic cars have relay socket X6325 inside the electronics box under the hood. Its pin 2 is already connected to X6021 pin 3 which connects to X428, the reverse signal junction point. So just connect the manual transmission reverse switch wires into relay socket X6325 pins 2 and 6.
X6325 wiring diagram
X6325 connector location
X6325 Component connector (9-pin, black)
Reverse Mirror Dip, Park Distance Control (PDC)
Models: facelift 2003+
If you have already done the previous steps and your reverse mirror dip and PDC aren’t working, you need to follow these steps. To enable PDC and reverse mirror dip, add a wire from cluster connector X11176 pin 7 to the X428 jumper block. X428 is a Blue/Yellow wire bus connection above the fuse block in the glove box.
Remove EGS
First step is to remove the transmission control module (EGS), located in the electronics box near the brake master cylinder. Connector A7000 disconnects and the EGS module is pulled out. Tuck in the EGS wiring harness, tape off connector pins, etc.
Clutch Switch
The clutch switch triggers the EWS to enable the starter to crank and the DME to cut throttle (idle/overrun signaling) and disable cruise control. There are several types of clutch switches. Here we only cover the clutch shift module, a 4-pin hall-effect sensor mounted on the clutch master cylinder, BMW part number 35426876898. This type is more effective than previous ones because it signals the DME at the start of clutch press but signals the EWS after full clutch press.
See this excellent post with the full details.
DIY: Manual Swap Clutch Pedal Sensor Wiring
I am fairly OCD and try to keep my mods as close to factory as possible. I love the videos by @50sKid, and he does a great time explaining how to install and wire, but he uses t-taps, which I cannot stand (personal preference), and it is almost as easy to wire it factory. Here is how to do it...
The clutch shift module requires power and ground connections, and provides two signals: one to the DME and the one to the EWS.
Clutch module pin 1 to ground
Clutch module pin 2 to DME X60004 pin 23
Clutch module pin 3 to +12V via fuse #9
Clutch module pin 4 to EWS X1659 pin 8
clutch shift module wiring diagram
X13635 clutch shift module connector (4-pin, black)
Reverse Switch
The reverse switch informs other electrical systems in the car on when to enable their features, such as backup lights, park distance control, etc. Automatic transmission cars provide this signal from the gear selector while manual transmission cars provide this signal from a dedicated switch mounted to the transmission.
The automatic cars have relay socket X6325 inside the electronics box under the hood. Its pin 2 is already connected to X6021 pin 3 which connects to X428, the reverse signal junction point. So just connect the manual transmission reverse switch wires into relay socket X6325 pins 2 and 6.
X6325 wiring diagram
X6325 connector location
X6325 Component connector (9-pin, black)
Reverse Mirror Dip, Park Distance Control (PDC)
Models: facelift 2003+
If you have already done the previous steps and your reverse mirror dip and PDC aren’t working, you need to follow these steps. To enable PDC and reverse mirror dip, add a wire from cluster connector X11176 pin 7 to the X428 jumper block. X428 is a Blue/Yellow wire bus connection above the fuse block in the glove box.
- Remove the instrument cluster
- Unplug the white connector X11176
- Slide off the white connector cover and expose the black connector block
- In slot 7, insert a new wired pin that clicks into place. BMW Part no: 61130005197
- Run the wire to connector X428, you can tap into the BLUE/YELLOW wire. It is a bundle of wires that sits above the fuse box.
- Thanks to @TitaniumCranium for his 6-speed swap thread
- Thanks to @neil1138 for his 5-speed swap thread