s52/auto into e30 chassis

[kgb_m3]

Hello r3v members, I'm new to the forum and have recently picked up a 89 325is from a buddy of mine. The car is a manual and I cannot drive it due to a back injury. (long story as to why I didn't just buy auto e30 to begin with)

My plan is to have it converted to auto in order for me to drive, but since the 4hp22 isn't much fun with the m20. I plan on dropping in the s52/auto combo.

Would the ZF 5HP18 auto tranny from 95 - 99 e36 m3 fit into the e30 chassis and bolt up to the s52 motor?

What driveshaft would I use?

What DME/TCU combo would be best to run considering the auto trans works?

If the ZF 5HP18 will not work, what auto trans is my best bet to go with?

Lastly would the 4HP22 e30 auto tranny bolt up to and work with s52?

TIA

[Danny]

Have to use the OBD1 325i auto due to wiring, user Jahnaboi has done it but hasn't revealed many specifics. I'd try PMing him.

[Jjona5]

I bet you could trade someone your manual car for an auto...

Also if you could figure out how to get the kick down linkage to work couldnt you just use the auto transmission designed for the e30 without a wiring headache?

[kgb_m3]

Have to use the OBD1 325i auto due to wiring, user Jahnaboi has done it but hasn't revealed many specifics. I'd try PMing him.

I pm'ed him on bimmerforums, no reply

That really blows if the m3 auto tranny can't be utilized to work. The 325 didn't come with the ZF 5hp18, I think it came with the GM tranny that isn't reliable what so ever. 95 m3s came auto ZF 5hp18 and OBD1, so I would imagine the DME and TCU should work from the 95 auto.

I bet you could trade someone your manual car for an auto...

Also if you could figure out how to get the kick down linkage to work couldnt you just use the auto transmission designed for the e30 without a wiring headache?

Would hate to trade due to several reasons, but may have to consider it :(

Could you be more specific please on the kick down linkage?

[328ijunkie]

Get the auto trans ECU and trans from a 95 auto M3, shoehorn it in there, do some wiring and call it a day. You need the DS out of the same car.

[jakeb]

If the wiring is similar to the 318 stuff....I have that worked out. To be able to install an m42 auto in a 73 2002.

[kgb_m3]

^^ Thanks for advice guys. I can't track the 95 auto obd1 harness down anywhere. So far bavarian auto recycling has one for $550. I can't justify spending that much on a harness alone though. If I could find detailed schematics of everything. I can rewire anything, but without those, who knows what the germanz did there...

[StereoInstaller1]

The 4HP22 would require tilting, so custom transmission mounts at a minimum, then who knows if being tilted would affect the fluid pickup...so I am gonna say don't even bother.

[kgb_m3]

The 4HP22 would require tilting, so custom transmission mounts at a minimum, then who knows if being tilted would affect the fluid pickup...so I am gonna say don't even bother.

I meant 5hp18. 4hp22 is a dog.

[StereoInstaller1]

Electricals night be a chore...shame you aren't closer, I would love to do that swap.

[kgb_m3]

Electricals night be a chore...shame you aren't closer, I would love to do that swap.

Oh man, that would be cool. I'm about to graduate with electronics engineering degree and I can pretty much make anything work electronics wise, but I don't have any idea what fits and works mechanically.

I'm actually in the process of making some custom hand controls. By taking the readings off the ecu and using a microprocessor to control a linear actuator that will engage and disengage the clutch. I'll be able to drive it. The hand controls will be less work overall than swapping two car's transmissions.