What's the best trans?

[Gordo0208]

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a garage kept '86 325es through my job.
It is automatic with an LSD (not sure which one, I haven't looked into it).
The first thing I would like to do this car is swap the trans but, I might S52 swap it in the future.
With that in mind, what's the best transmission I can use?
Can I bolt the stock ZF trans from an S52 to my M20?

Thanks in advance.

[MR 325]

If M20, go with the 260 trans.

If S52, go with the ZF trans.

[Gordo0208]

Thank you!
I'm guessing it isn't possible to mate the ZF to the M20?
I would prefer to buy one transmission as opposed to two transmissions; the 260 now and the ZF later.
I've read the 260 works fine on the S52 but, I would prefer ultimately keeping the ZF with the engine it comes with as that's what I'll end up with.

Thanks again.

[Wanganstyle]

the tilt of g260 5 speed and ZF 37DZ 6 speed matches the SOHC engine; I had a 6 speed euro box from e46 320D on my E30 with M20 engine; the 6 speed is worlds better than 5 speed if you can stomach the expense.

the tilt of ZF sg320 5 speed and ZF 37GZ 6 speed and Getrag 420 6 speed match the DOHC engine; so those are the 3 best choices avail for a DOHC engine swapped e30; 1x 5 speed and 2x 6 speed options.

[Gordo0208]

the tilt of g260 5 speed and ZF 37DZ 6 speed matches the SOHC engine; I had a 6 speed euro box from e46 320D on my E30 with M20 engine; the 6 speed is worlds better than 5 speed if you can stomach the expense.

the tilt of ZF sg320 5 speed and ZF 37GZ 6 speed and Getrag 420 6 speed match the DOHC engine; so those are the 3 best choices avail for a DOHC engine swapped e30; 1x 5 speed and 2x 6 speed options.

That's some great info, thank you!
How is the ZF 37DZ swap compared to the Getrag swap?
Are there any parts or installation differences?
Roughly how much did this swap run you?

Thanks again!

[Wanganstyle]

That's some great info, thank you!
How is the ZF 37DZ swap compared to the Getrag swap?
Are there any parts or installation differences?
Roughly how much did this swap run you?

Thanks again!

37dz is diesel euro only and sohc engine tilt.
37gz is gas usa avail and paired with m54b30 in e46 330 and e60 530 usa.


You can interchange a sohc engine and dohc gearbox or vice versa: only the main bolts will line up though; small ones dont. Shifter tilt will also be all wack and selector rod tilt; both items need to be customized.

Getrag is m car specific but honestly nothing special; all e34/39 540i uses the same unit.

Probably 2.5-3k to do it all nicely.

Get an entire e46 330 or z4 3.0 setup if possible

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