2000 323I Auto Tranny Change

[Bob Cosby]

Howdy,

My neighbor has a 2000 323I with an automatic transmission. Reverse is out, and he wants to replace the tranny. Of course, most shops are ridiculously expensive, so he asked if I could do it. I'm experienced with changing transmissions (I do a lot of drag racing, so I do a lot of tranny swaps, LOL), but have never worked on a BMW. My main question: For anyone that has done this, is there anything abnormally special about this car that I should know before I start, or that would make it so that it would be better to let a shop do it?

I will access to a lift, tranny jack, and most common tools. My background includes numerous tranny changes on (mostly) Fords. More manuals than autos, and I've done a couple of GM A4s.

And advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[codex57]

I'm not positive, but it's quite possible that the tranny in your buddy's car is a GM tranny. I've never changed one so I can't help you there. Good luck. If he's just swapping out an auto tranny for another auto tranny, I doubt there's anything really weird.

 

[Kirby]

Doing the swap should be fairly straight forward. I have the Bentley manual for the E36and it goes through the procedure. I'm sure the E46 procedure is in that manual also. You might want to get it just to answer any little questions.

I think the only issue you may have is getting the top bolts out. I believe they are Torx and can be a PIA to get out due to the tight clearances. I think the manual will have specific instructions on how to loosen cross members, motor mounts, etc. to do it the easiest way.

 

[aNoodle]

I remember reading my bentley on this a while ago, but i don't have it front of me. It talked about needing a specail engine support tool from the top. You'll need BMW's Texaco longlife tranny fluid. I don't know if the electronics have to be reset for a new transmission.

 

[Bob Cosby]

Doing the swap should be fairly straight forward. I have the Bentley manual for the E36and it goes through the procedure. I'm sure the E46 procedure is in that manual also. You might want to get it just to answer any little questions.

I think the only issue you may have is getting the top bolts out. I believe they are Torx and can be a PIA to get out due to the tight clearances. I think the manual will have specific instructions on how to loosen cross members, motor mounts, etc. to do it the easiest way.

I remember reading my bentley on this a while ago, but i don't have it front of me. It talked about needing a specail engine support tool from the top. You'll need BMW's Texaco longlife tranny fluid. I don't know if the electronics have to be reset for a new transmission.

Many thanks for the comments/advice. Where might I get the "Bentley Manual"?

Other comments/opinions/advice would also be greatly appreciated.

Bob

 

[aNoodle]

Many thanks for the comments/advice. Where might I get the "Bentley Manual"?

Other comments/opinions/advice would also be greatly appreciated.

Bob

I sometimes see them in stock at Pep Boys or other retailers. Otherwise, you can order it online. It pays for itself in just one DIY....since BMW labor rates are out of this world!

I just had my transmission replaced this past summer. Were you planning on buying a factory remanufacured unit from BMW and then swapping it out yourself? One of the issues for me was whether they would need to replace the control box (the electronics). They do a test on that component and determine whether that is still working....turns out mine was still kicking. But I know they had to do an upgrade to the program for the updated transmission, which must have been modified in some way at a later date.

 

[Bob Cosby]

The owner is planning to get a reman'd tranny, and I am going to install it.

I will most definatly try and find that manual.

Many thanks.
Bob