M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: gtatbrissy on July 10, 2010, 08:37:16 PM

Title: upgraded gearbox for m42
Post by: gtatbrissy on July 10, 2010, 08:37:16 PM

i was just wondering if any knows anything about upgrading the gearbox in an e30 318is m42. i have heard u could put an m44 e36 gearbox in, but would this be any stronger. are there any 6 cylinder gearboxes that fit. i ask this because it seems all the diffs are interchangable, so maybe the gearboxes are as well.
thanks guys

Title: upgraded gearbox for m42
Post by: jscribble on July 10, 2010, 08:40:04 PM

Not all the gearboxes are, but from what I understand, the e36 318is trans are interchangeable with e30.  IIRC, steeper (faster off the line, lower top speed) gear ratios from the e36 box.

Title: upgraded gearbox for m42
Post by: gtatbrissy on July 10, 2010, 09:48:58 PM

do u know if the e36 box is stronger?

Title: upgraded gearbox for m42
Post by: jscribble on July 10, 2010, 10:12:10 PM

I don't know for sure, but I doubt it is significantly stronger. Does anyone know what they put behind the s42 engine?

Title: upgraded gearbox for m42
Post by: Hey-u on July 11, 2010, 01:27:17 AM

Is there a 6 speed that will fit?

Title: upgraded gearbox for m42
Post by: jscribble on July 11, 2010, 10:43:39 AM

Quote from: Hey-u;94542

Is there a 6 speed that will fit?

Hmm. Good question. Looks like it's possible.

e30/e36 discussion (http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11516)

R3V thread discussing 6 click m42 (http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=115624)

I'm sure someone has a definitive answer.

Title: upgraded gearbox for m42
Post by: Romrog318is on July 11, 2010, 10:52:36 AM

i had an E36 box in mine and yea it was nice while it lasted... i blew it up within 4 or 6 months... but the gear ratios are a little nicer
2nd i could get 69-70 3rd i could get like 106

you can put a GR260 from the 325 and it would work but you would need a different driveshaft or shorten urs, a custom tranny brace, heat and twist ur shift linkage 12*
and yes the gr260 is stronger

Title: upgraded gearbox for m42
Post by: MikeDE on July 27, 2010, 03:23:03 PM

For 6spd, the E46 M3 trans will physically fit.  As for clutch/DS/etc, someone has to blaze the trail.  Also, this trans is big and from what I remember, a tad noisy, especially in 1st and 2nd, and notchy.  The 6spd out of the 330i ZHP will also fit.  It's a smoother trans, but then again, somebody has to blaze the trail....or they already have and are too stubborn or selfish to share what they have learned.:rolleyes:

Title: upgraded gearbox for m42
Post by: Hodge on July 27, 2010, 07:27:39 PM

The 250 from E36's will fit and yes it is slightly stronger. It is after all behind E36 325's as well.