87' 318i m50 swap, best tranny to run ?

[Paulow]

Hi

I'm about to swap a m50 in my 87' e30 powered by a m10. After a few researches, I've found out that it originally came w/ a 240 Getrag gearbox. Well from what i've firstly heard, it is a direct swap on the 24v engine but it ain't, cause 240s came w/ differents bolt paterns on m10 and m42.
So I need to change my gearbox to fit the m50. The question is, which one to choose ? Would a 318is 240 need any mod to fit the 318i ? (Drivetrain, cross member..) or is it bolt on ? Would a 260 or zf be better ?
The car will be daily driven and the engine nearly stock so i don't need a 300+hp gearbox, just one who can handle the m50 power in a good way.

Any infos will help, thanks in advance

[DesertBMW]

getrag out of 1992-1995 325i would be the best match

[M3PO]

I am partial to the ZF but that's because it was standard on the '95 M3 that my S50 came out off.

[exhaust]

I'd agree that the Getrag 250 would be the best bet. It was originally paired with the M50 and will be cheaper than the ZF. However, I've seldom gotten a used 250 that didn't grind in second. The ZF is a more robust unit.

[Paulow]

Thanks for answers guys. Can you tell me why would the Getrag 250 be a better bet than a 240 (from M42) ? It seems that a 240 w/ m20 flywheel, m20 starter and e36 325i driveshaft does the job pretty well however.

[Paulow]

Early m50 swapped e30 w/ ZF320Z

I finally found a cheap ZF 320z from a 328ci which is only 100k km. I do have some quetions however.

Firstly, will a complete m50 clutch assembly work w/ the zf ? I do have the flywheel, so if it works I would only have to buy a clutch kit. I've seen that m50 stuff is 240mm rather than m52 stuff is 280mm so it might be ok, right ?

Secondly, do you guys know if the original m10 brace will be able to welcome the ZF ?

[M3PO]

I don't think the M10 brace will work. I think you need an M20 brace. My S50/ZF works great with the brace from my Eta.

[Paulow]

It seems that the m20 brace doesn't sit a the best angle from what I've heard, are you sure it fits right ?

[Mwishlist]

Using stock M20/Getrag 5 speed trans brace here with my ZF trans and it bolted right up.

[Paulow]

Yeah that's what I finally discovered. So the plan is: e36 m50b25nv, m20 flywheel/clutch and gearshift linkage, e21 323i release bearing and tranny mounts, e46 328ci zf 320, e36 325tds driveshaft (same as 328i) and e30 3.25 differential. Sounds good ?

[M3PO]

Yeah that's what I finally discovered. So the plan is: e36 m50b25nv, m20 flywheel/clutch and gearshift linkage, e21 323i release bearing and tranny mounts, e46 328ci zf 320, e36 325tds driveshaft (same as 328i) and e30 3.25 differential. Sounds good ?

My only concern is the shift linkage. I think you need the shift linkage from a 328i or M3. The M20/getrag shift linkage won't work I don't think.

I have essentially the same setup (mine is an S50 and M3 clutch) and with the 3.25 I am at 4K at 80 mph on 205/45/16. Just an FYI.

[Miwi]

Zf

[Mwishlist]

I'm using 328i shift linkage and it's right on the money.

[Paulow]

Thanks for info M3PO, it sounds pretty good!
You guys rock, thanks a lot for helping. I'll definitely go for an E36 325 tds gearshift linkage, it is the same as 328i's and easy to find here in France.