Automatic to Manual transmission conversion help

[E30=OneLove]

This is my first time to post on the website so bear with me if any reapeats come up. I just got a 1989 325is with an automatic tranny. However, the car is on a lift 200 miles away at my uncle's shop. My dad and I are currently searching for a parts car of a kit to complete the conversion from auto to 5spd. We have the tools and know what we are doing. My question is: Does anyone know of a website where I can find the transmission codes for the e30? If so, please help me...the auto is completely shot and I can't drive the car unil this swap is done. One more thing, I know of someone that is selling a 1983 527e (is that right?), and as I understand, It's practically the same engine but I need to know the details about flywheel, clutch and of course, the tranny itself.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[xLibelle]

I just bought a manual for my 325i. you would be looking for a Getrag 260. dont even ask what the codes should specify or gearing could be.
But an "is" with an automatic?!

On being the same, it depends on which parts. but yeah, the e28 had similar engine parts

 

[E30=OneLove]

Yeah, it's definately an IS. All orginal parts...from wheels, LSD, badges, even the little lip spoiler on the trunk lid. Plus my dad bought the car so it is for sure. But anyway, thanks for the help, I will try to find a website that tells which drivetrain parts work with the 3 series engine.

 

[equate]

Off the topic, but could you post some pics on the install? ive always wanted to see a conversion happen

 

[xLibelle]

i'll do mine of course. but yeah, chris, post it once you get it going.

 

[E30=OneLove]

Sure thing. I'll be there with my camera, as I'm looking forward to it like no other. The auto trannsmission is already out, but I still have it just sitting there. As far as pulling the old tranny goes, it wasn't that bad. I got a good look at the exaust I had to pull of and I was happy to see such smooth bends and fairly wide pipes from the factory. Anyway, the drive shaft is going to have to go as well because I need the maual one. $$$ That is why I need a parts car that's been wrecked, so I can have all my pieces ready. I plan to go with an OEM clutch and flywheel because I want this thing running...performance later. So this is what I'm looking at: (2.5L parts) Flywheel, clutch assembley, pedal assembly including master and slave cylinder, transmission itself, and driveshaft. I really need to get this thing started...lol. Well once again, any help locating parts or part #'s is appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris

 

[equate]

try www.roadfly.com

 

[equate]

http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/classifieds/general/detview.php?view=21205

 

[xLibelle]

damn. i didnt realize to think i would need a drive shaft. damn. thanks for the heads up.
fortunate for me though, i have access to car pull-a-part yards.

btw, since you are near dallas, you should be able to find a good parts yard.

Yo, that is a great deal on tranny, shaft and lsd. for a grand and ~70k miles on it, no doubt.

 

[E30=OneLove]

Thanks for the help equate, I sent the guy an email. Shipping will be expensive though (NY to TX). I have been checking car parts centers around dallas/ft. worth and havn't had too much luck. I found a rusted flywheel, tranny, and pedals (that's it) at this place in ft. worth, but it was nasty stuff for 700!

 

[Kether]

I just pulled the head on my 318. It seems the block is cracked, and sadly the car is now a writeoff. The thing is, it's a 5spd, and my 325 is automatic. It's the first automatic I've ever willingly driven P I'd love to trade the 318's Getrag 5spd for that nasty ZF automatic. Here are the questions:

1) I assume the pedals will fit, but what about mounting the Getrag, is there any fabrication required? I'm also assuming the Getrag's mounting hardware will be needed.
2) Does the ECU have to be touched at all or are all the ZF's electronics self-contained?
3) Average cost for this, or length of time I can expect the car to be off the street while I'm working on it in my garage?

Thanks a lot in advance for any replies; I'd love to have access to the real power of the M20 through a *real* transmission. Plus with 202k on the clock, the ZF is nearing the end of its life and I need a replacement. (I wish the Bentley manual covered trans swaps P )

 

[xLibelle]

1) pedals should fit. there are two getrags, 240 and 260. 240 is the 318, 260 is the 325. plus there is a diff with the e and i 260's. you need to find out exactly which will fit.
2)ECU needs no modifications. i will fill you in later if i find the auto control lines need special attention.
3)i will have spent 900-1000 without labor. that wont be an expense on my project. the time i think was estimated at 40 hours. but i think it varries at all levels. i plan on driving my car to my shop on weekend, starting and trying to finish, fly home, fly back to finish unless done. might need extra parts and i dont have a guarantee that i have the correct tranny - which is a BIG bummer!!!

the bently does cover tranny removal, a swap is not considered usual though. just get all the right parts and it comes together like a well built, german puzzle.

 

[equate]

If anyone whos doing this could get some pics up I would be interested in seeing how its done. I can even host if needed