Author Topic: tranny question! (Read 2176 times)

kevins08 · « **on:** December 30, 2008, 10:05:10 PM »

i have the chance to pick up an m42 for very cheap, with an auto transmission, so my question is reguarding interchanging transmissions. i was wondering if a 5 speed manual from an e36 m50 will bolt up with little or no modification to the m42 also from an e36? any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks, kevin

Hodge · « **Reply #1 on:** December 30, 2008, 10:17:54 PM »

Well, it is a bit more involved than that, but yes, the Getrag 250G is the same tranny that was used in the E36 M42 cars in the USA.

And yes, the ZF that was used in 328's and M3's can also work on the M42.

You also need pedal box, driveshaft (might be different for auto and manual), delete the ECU, etc.

kevins08 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 30, 2008, 10:49:42 PM »

will the transmissions from an earlier e36 325 work as well? also, i will be putting this engine in an already manual 1974 bmw 2002, so what all will i need? i will obviously be using my pedal box. i will run megasquirt as the computing system as well. do you know if there is a write-up anywhere on doing this swap?
-thanks, kevin

kevins08 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2008, 04:09:43 PM »

anyone?

Nomadic · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2009, 07:03:22 PM »

The Getrag 240 comes on the E30 M42s and is easy to find. There seem to be many versions of the 240 around.... I'd dig into realoem. I'd be looking for "small" rather than strong.

BMW2002FAQ has a write-up... NOT a simple swap from what I've heard. I was looking into it, but found a 91 318is for $1500 instead.

I'm curious why you are thinking MegaSquirt... The M42 FI works well without being overly complex. MarkD has 2 upgraded ecu chips that folks rave about. My understanding is a chip & lightened flywheel is really all you can do short of supercharging.