different engines, are trans the same?

[Mike_L]

Hello, fairly new and here and it's my sons 85 318i.  My question pertains to the stick shift linkeage and transmission type.  The linkeage is really loose and won't engage 1st gear.  I have a local yard available to see a late 80s 325, will the linkeage be the same?  Would the transmission also bolt up it that turns out to be the problem?  

I have a Bentleys on the way for Jr., just alot to learn.  My car is a 96 318ic, and yes I do my own work on it.

Thanks in advance.

Mike in bristol Tn

[DesktopDave]

Sounds like the plastic shift cup is shot (hopefully it isn't the tranny synchros).  Rebuilding a shifter is pretty cheap compared to a spare gearbox.  Check RealOEM.com for your car...  I don't know if you've been there, but it's a great resource.  You can find BMW part numbers (even for really rare Euro parts) & even do cross references to see if other BMWs carry your part.

There are two manual tranny linkages, one is sheet metal and the other is tubular. IIRC the sheet metal one is older, more likely for your e30 M10. I'm not the expert on tranny swaps, but it's my understanding that all BMW transmissions can use either linkage but parts don't swap between linkages. So if you like the one at the yard and it isn't the same type, grab the whole thing.

Looks like your son's is the earlier type, click here for the diagram.  I'll bet the cup (part #4) is the culprit.  Might be #7 here on the shifter plate too.

If they're that cheap I'd definitely just order them instead of heading to the yard.  Those prices aren't totally accurate, check BMA or Pelican for a more up-to-date price.

Many transmissions will fit your son's car too, but they'll need the right drive shaft to fit.  I'm  pretty sure it's a Getrag 240, so any M10 or M42 e30 would have the parts you need.  260s are longer and I'm not 100% sure they fit correctly.

[Mike_L]

Thanks DesktopDave:

I have a starting place now for problem solving.  Yes, I had been to realoem.com, having found that site from anothers posting on transmission swaps. (moosehead?).  I had thought the isolator #7 to be suspecious when under the car.  does the top of it get a bolt or just hold the sheeting up?  Well I will send this to my son and post again in a few days.  Thanks............Mike

[Mike_L]

Update.............my son took his 85 to a shop and yes, the problem was in the shifting linkeage.  So, right on Dave.  He is now starting to have the same problem and my coment to him is that its getting warm enough in Mich. to start working on it himself.
really do appreciate all the help from this forum.

Mike

[DesktopDave]

It's a weak point on the car.  Or maybe BMWs just last so much longer?

I always look at this as a good time for that Z3 short shifter upgrade...swap it all over from a low-mileage donor...