Originally posted by LJ851
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The m10 (g240), s14 (g265/5 or g265/6), m30 (g260/5, g265/5, g265/6, or g260/6), and s38 (g280) have the same bolt pattern so all of their transmissions are interchangeable.
-The g240 is not as strong so it's likely the m30 will break it.
-The g260/5 is a decent transmission, but BMW scrapped it because they saw high failure rates. You should be able to use this transmission with a stock m20 driveshaft, transmission support, and shifter linkage.
-The g265 has a removable bellhousing, which is cool. The the /5 is the euro dogleg version ($$$) with a 1:1 5th. The /6 is the US version that has an overdrive 5th. This is generally considered the most robust transmission, but is also expensive. This transmission is about 3 inches longer than g260, so you will need to have a driveshaft shortened and balanced at a machine shop and you will need to shorten the shifter linkage. You will also need to use either the e30m3 transmission brace and angled transmission mounts ($$$), or you need to fabricate a transmission brace to use stock e30 transmission mounts.
-The g260/6 is an improved g260/5. It is a good option. You should be able to use this transmission with a stock m20 guibo, driveshaft, transmission support, and shifter linkage.
-The g280 is crazy expensive to both buy and have repaired. I wouldn't seek out this transmission.
The m20 has a different bolt pattern from the rest of the engines. So although it came with a g260, the m20 version will not fit on an m30. However, the m20b27 could have come with a g265/6. In this situation, you can use this transmission if you use the m30 bolt pattern belhousing.
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