auto to manual tranny conversion....

[UDM Motorsport]

Hi Gruppe,
Just wanna know how involved is this conversion?
I'm looking for a 325is manual and can mostly find nice ones locally, and they are all auto. So just wanna know how difficult it is to convert it back to manual?
Thanks
Franklin

[86325e]

Here is a URL to a how-to on converting from an automatic to a manual. http://themurrays.homeip.net/bmw318/...speed-conv.txt Reading the how-to the conversion doesn't look that involved more of just a swap. Maybe someone will post that has actually done it.[/url]

[Bill 84 318i]

Yeah, I just kinda skimmed that guy's article, but it seems halfway decent.

There are lots of little parts to make sure you pick up. If you're somewhat experienced with turning wrenches, it's not a bad job. Expect to set aside at least $1000 for the parts.

[M-technik-3]

I'm getting mine done this week for a turn key of $1500 and that includes parts but I am negioate it down. Thru other sources, Euro-depot's kit for $995 includes all you need for a conversion and free shipping and a sixty day warranty on parts.

Kinda hard to beat than gather your stuff from a junkyards unless you have a good parts car source.

I had some of the parts gathered but don't want to lose my car for more than 2 days of use. I didn't want to get it going with out proper tools and have a major issue. Only cause I was being lazy.

[Bill 84 318i]

Even if you do get the Euro-depot's kit (which is a good deal for $995), make sure you double check all the parts. A guy I know that ordered the kit was missing a few things like pressure plate bolts and stuff like that.

[M-technik-3]

So true but they are doing the conversion for the figure they quoted me. So that's turn key.

[ColdAccord]

for turn key thats straight

but if you're going to buy an e30, its worth it just to travel a bit and get it in 5 sp.

I got my e30 in may from Harrisburg Pennsylvania, which is about a 6 hour drive from buffalo, NY.

but in my dad's jeep, with the e30 on a full trailer it took about 8 hours to drive back

but for $1600, i got my 5 speed black 2 door 325e with a blown headgasket, oil pan gasket, and one of the hard brake lines was rusted. interior is immaculate, although it's the shitty "leatherette." exterior is great too, one dent on the trunk lid but that's it. bought a loaded caliper for $60, and paid $125 to get the hard line replaced, and soon my m20b25 will be going in

and so far i've spent approx $2900 total on everything. car, parts, m3 diff, m20b25, etc. blue book on a 325is is around 4000 i think. so I'd say it was worth it lol

[M-technik-3]

for turn key thats straight

but if you're going to buy an e30, its worth it just to travel a bit and get it in 5 sp.

I got my e30 in may from Harrisburg Pennsylvania, which is about a 6 hour drive from buffalo, NY.

but in my dad's jeep, with the e30 on a full trailer it took about 8 hours to drive back

but for $1600, i got my 5 speed black 2 door 325e with a blown headgasket, oil pan gasket, and one of the hard brake lines was rusted. interior is immaculate, although it's the shitty "leatherette." exterior is great too, one dent on the trunk lid but that's it. bought a loaded caliper for $60, and paid $125 to get the hard line replaced, and soon my m20b25 will be going in

and so far i've spent approx $2900 total on everything. car, parts, m3 diff, m20b25, etc. blue book on a 325is is around 4000 i think. so I'd say it was worth it lol

So true to travel the extra distance but when you buy your car at a steal of a price it's not so bad. I spent $2800 and with $1500 equals $4300 a good buy being my car was an unmolested 87 325iS with 105k on it and no accidents. Needs a set of shocks and struts but I have them and just needs to be installed.

It was worth the wait for a nice unmolested car, and it was local to me. Mine was a 6 minute drive from the house. I could have walked. 8)

[rwh11385]

There were NO good E30s around me, auto or stick.

But i waited and looked and looked and looked.

I picked up a really great 5spd E30 with GC coilovers for a sweet price.

I had to drive 4 1/2 hours to get it, but it was well worth it!!!!

[86325e]

Franklin, Did you look in the Autotrader online? There are some 5 speeds listed on there.

[M-technik-3]

Franklin, Did you look in the Autotrader online? There are some 5 speeds listed on there.

Yea but both rwh11385 and I both bought our cars quite some time ago and we did use the www.autotrader.com and all of the online services.

That was one of the reasons I wated for a local car. After making three 4 hour trips to look at what was advertised as a well naintained ride, we'll just say they were hoopties. Or poor choice of bad modification or no records when it cam to timimg belt with 170k on them and the seller want $4500. Bah hahah what a joke. I waited got my car local called the owner talked to him for awhile, I was even invited to the house for dinner with wife and him.

[rwh11385]

Franklin, Did you look in the Autotrader online? There are some 5 speeds listed on there.

Yea but both rwh11385 and I both bought our cars quite some time ago and we did use the www.autotrader.com and all of the online services.

That was one of the reasons I wated for a local car. After making three 4 hour trips to look at what was advertised as a well naintained ride, we'll just say they were hoopties. Or poor choice of bad modification or no records when it cam to timimg belt with 170k on them and the seller want $4500. Bah hahah what a joke. I waited got my car local called the owner talked to him for awhile, I was even invited to the house for dinner with wife and him.

I didn't buy my car from autotrader. I looked on a mulititude of resources, daily, for over a month. Turnermotorsports.com, roadflty.org, autotrader.com, us.trader.com, cars.com, the local classifieds, and the BEST: BMWCCA site's classifieds of all the chapters in my region.

I ended up seeing an ad for the ideal car i was looking for, with suspension upgrades and 16" wheels. I was ready to go up there and put down for the car without seeing it. Then i saw the picture on cars.com, and loved it. The PO was a CCA member, so i assumed he took good care of, and he DID. It was a great deal and definately well-maintained.

I'd say check the BMWCCA local chapter sites, and CARS.com!!! The best places to look! Oh, and roadfly.org and turnermotorsports.com are cool too.

1990 Red/Black 325is, 118K, 16" wheels, GC suspension, Alpine CD, great interior and well maintained! For $3500. I saw the ad on wednesday and wanted to buy it on saturday.

I went up there with $3500 in cashier's checks and traveler checks, and bought it on the spot. The owner wanted to know if I wanted a test drive, and although i didn't need one, i did anyway.

[Bryson]

remember that the 89+ 325isA came with a LS 4.10:1 diff :) bonus if you're swapping to stick anyway. I say pick up one of those cars then get a mechanic friend to help you do the swap, it should be a walk in the park for him.

[alex]

remember that the 89+ 325isA came with a LS 4.10:1 diff :) bonus if you're swapping to stick anyway. I say pick up one of those cars then get a mechanic friend to help you do the swap, it should be a walk in the park for him.

I have 89 325iA that has open 4.10. Did I get ripped off? :-) Wanna swap?

[M-technik-3]

Mega off topic but, Alex what springs do you have in your DSP car to get front tire lift on the inside???