Close Ratio trans, AKA E36/Z3 trans swap. Tell me more...

[Euro Nation]

Those who have done it, and I know theres a few out there (mostly euro guys). What does it take other than a Getrag 250? If I'm buying a trans I might as well upgrade.

[doigal]

The ratios are quite different - eg 5th gear is 1.00 on the G250 and 0.81 on the G240, so i hear that its best to change the diff to the 3.9 big case LSD at the same time.

[Euro Nation]

What about the actual mounting of the trans and driveshaft length?

[doigal]

I think (may or may not have any basis in reality) that the bellhouse will line up ok, but i think that the rear tranny mount needs a bit of simple work to fit. Also if you use half the e30 driveshaft and half the e36 then you get around the length issue.

Having never actually done this though i cant say for sure.

[romkasponka]

I fitted gearbox from E36 318is with my stock driveshaft. You have to check inside bearing diameter in rear of the crankshaft.

Clutch slave cilinder rod was lenghtened about 4 cm. It's better to make it adjustable, because it's difficult to make it right.

To fit lambda sensor you have to cut small bracket. I done this after gearbox was already fitted.

[nickmpower]

any details on the clutch slave rod? err, further details? I have my tranny and engine out and would really like to do this

[nickmpower]

also does the tranny have to be from a e36 318?

[romkasponka]

My tarnny was from E36 318is.

Jus make a tread on rod and long nut, because other way you have to cut and weld your stock clutch slave rod 3 times or more ;)

[nickmpower]

what about just using the slave cyl from a e36 318?

I have a tranny on the way, and i suppose i should probably think about getting a different diff ratio. How is the 3.91? what the rpm at a certain speed in 5th?

[romkasponka]

195/50R15

100km/h (not true because tires are smaller) ~3100rpm

[nickmpower]

3100 at 60 are you sure? the e30 gearbox has a .81 5th and the e36 is 1:1 so i dont think that makes sense

[doigal]

You've lowered your diff ratio though havnt you?

[romkasponka]

3,9!

[doigal]

Thats what i thought. Is it a hassle on freeway/highway driving?

[romkasponka]

Thats what i thought. Is it a hassle on freeway/highway driving?

No it isn't. 95% I driving in town so it is even better ;)

[nickmpower]

i'll probably get a 3.46 since .81 x 4.1 = 3.3

[nickmpower]

was your trans slightly longer then the stock one? and did you have to use a different selector rod?

[romkasponka]

was your trans slightly longer then the stock one? and did you have to use a different selector rod?

yes it was, adjust your driveshaft CENTER MOUNT bearing max front.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AF91&mospid=47256&btnr=25_0026&hg=25&fg=05
selector rod was stock, but you have to instal part nr. 14 from your old gearbox.

p.s. To make short shifter the shift lever was modified, lower part was cut apart and peace of bolt welded in. Just make shure that gap between driveshaft and lever is about 1-2cm. And remove all plastic part when welding ;)

[nickmpower]

yeah. ive welded my x5 shifter already, though the clearence is definatly less then 1cm. Anyways, its good to know i have the right tranny! i just put a new e30 slave on but i havent used it at all so i think I am going to swap it for an e36 slave assuming the fittings are the same.

thanks

[nickmpower]

it looks like the tob arm needs to be different too

[romkasponka]

it looks like the tob arm needs to be different too

my tob arm is from E30 stock gearbox, but slave cilinder strut is custom made.

[nickmpower]

so you didnt use any think to secure it on the end oppside the slave like it has stock?

[romkasponka]

I used spring clip and ball pin from E36 gearbox.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BE51&mospid=47425&btnr=21_0140&hg=21&fg=05

part 6 and 7.

[2002maniac]

What are the ratios for 1-5 in this tranny?

[nickmpower]

search bimmer forums or something for them. I know that with my 3.46 1st will be longer and the rest will be shorter