6-Speed tranny install

[erik325i]

So I've decided to use the 6-speed tranny with the s50b32 motor in my 325i.

My question is about driveshafts. What works?
Does the auto e36 m3 driveshaft work? I know some people have their driveshafts cut and shortened. I'd prefer to get a driveshaft that fits correctly, but I am willing to have one modified to fit if needed.

Thanks

Erik

[Danny]

Would like to hear this also.

[BeirBrennerE30]

I ordered a custom length one from bimmerworld. They have made 3 for me and they all fit perfect. No idea if there is a OE BMW shaft that fits.

FYI the shafts I have ordered have been 54.375" long guibo to rear flange with a front section 21.5" from guibo to csb centerline. This is with an e46 m3 front guibo that is 1.375" think. I would def check the measurements on your car.

[328ijunkie]

5speed automatic E36 M3 DS works perfect

[Ian Bowers]

I looked into this a while ago, here are all of the threads I bookmarked that might contain information you'd be interested in.

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=64413&highlight=speed

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=98058&highlight=z4+speed

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/98M3/upgrades/E46M3_6SPD/index.htm

[Friedman]

Aboriginal parts has them..

[ChaseN]

Aboriginal parts has them..

For an e36.

I shortened my d-shaft; $65 down at the local machine shop and it was the exact length I needed. I marked the alignment of the two halves before I pulled the front half off, the machine shop balanced the front half separately, and I've had zero vibration issues. Fairly economical way to go, and you KNOW it will fit. You can also get away with using whatever guibo you have on hand (I think mine was from my g265).

[vr4boy]

i had my e30m3 driveshaft front section shortenned/balanced by a local marine machine shop thats specializes in speed boats(can get exact measurements since its been awhile),they high speed balanced both front and rear sections as a whole-did it both on my e36m3 w/ an AA-twinscrew charger and e30 m3 w/ a euro 3.2 swap-both running the e46 6 speed trannies.
the e36m3 auto will work but, i noticed that you'll only be left w/ abt less than an inch of spline play(think it was even down to 1/2 inch penetration)-something to think about when you're playing with 321 ponies on that euro lol.
so,custom shortenned driveshaft i went...
gl

[erik325i]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

Does anybody know if the e36 6-speed is the same length as the e46 6-speed?
It's looking like more of you are using the e46 unit rather than the e36 one.

Erik

[vr4boy]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

Does anybody know if the e36 6-speed is the same length as the e46 6-speed?
It's looking like more of you are using the e46 unit rather than the e36 one.

Erik

if you're talking abt the tranny itself-same exact length/same tranny except for the larger input shaft for the e46m3 unit.
even used the same euro e36m3 tranny support bracket on the US e36m3(e46 m3 tranny installed)
i custom made my tranny bracket to support the 6 speed on the e30.
from my understanding,the e46 tranny was built stronger-flaws of the e36 euro tranny was addressed on the newer one....