new 325is transmssion question

[e30fix]

hey guys, i ended up buying a 89 325is automatic from some guy on craigslist. the car itself isn't in the best of shape,in fact its actually a pos cosmetically. well iv decided to save the dam car, and will use an 1986 325 es production date 9/86 with a 5 speed in it as the donor car.

iv read a few things about transmission being compatible with the 89is but could i use my complete drivetrain? from rear subframe, differential, driveshaft, center bearing and transmission. iv replaced many of these parts and would like to keep them. will this be a straight forward swap or do i have to mix and match the parts in order for it to work.

[Steve Corbett]

Yes, most all the parts should fit. The flywheel for the I is different then the E motor though. The I is much lighter.

[jeffnhiscars]

You will need to use the drive shaft from the manual trans

[e30fix]

awesome thanks for the replys guys. yeah i figured i would just pull the complete subframe from the e car and through it in my IS since all the bushings are new. ill keep the differential and driveshaft from the e car as well. i should start this project in the next few weeks so ill let you know how it goes. thanks.

[jeffnhiscars]

Stick with the i diff.

[TobyB]

You will need to use a late style csb no matter which driveshaft you use.
It will fit either ds.

t

[e30fix]

ok i ordered the csb today and a few other things im going to need to get this going.
i was also thinking about keeping the i differential but its a 4.10 lsd. the lsd in my es is a 2.93 lsd and would be better for fuel and street driving since i rarely commute long distance.

[e30fix]

still havent order the clutch. any recommendations of which one to get?