E46 ZF vs. E46 Getrag Six Speed Transmissions

[ACHTUNG]

I've read Jordan's write up of his E46 ZF 6 Speed swap into an E30 found here:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1107163

and I've read BeirBrenner's write up of his E46 Getrag 6 speed swap into an E30 found here:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=120381

I currently have the E36 ZF 5 speed trans, the F1 E36 stage 2 clutch kit with lightened flywheel and a 3.07 torsen diff.

Which box would you go with and why?

[318isbmw]

I would stick with what you have. That's a lot of money to switch to the 6 speed so unless you have a specific reason for needing one, or really want one badly, its not worth the extra money.

[e30rapidic]

I'd have to drive both and see which one shifts better and go with that. That's what I plan to do before I buy my 6 speed.

I have a zf 5 speed behind my S50 but think the old G260 shifted better.

[nrubenstein]

The Getrag is tougher, but a balky shifter. IIRC, it'll require a different clutch as well.

[Wh33lhop]

I'd have to drive both and see which one shifts better and go with that. That's what I plan to do before I buy my 6 speed.

I have a zf 5 speed behind my S50 but think the old G260 shifted better.

That is a common sentiment among ZF swappers I think.

I used to believe the G420 from the M3 was a lot stronger than the ZF 6 speed, but from what I understand now, the ZF 320 is actually stronger than the G420.

Gearing-wise, the transmissions are near identical, with the M3 having an ever-so-slightly taller first and second and 2.4% taller 6th:

http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/GearRatios.htm

[Bimmerman325i]

Considering that many E46 M3 racers go to the E36 ZF because it is far stronger, has the same relevant ratios, and is drastically more serviceable and cheap, I don't know what the benefit of going to the 6spd transmission is. The E46 M tranny is known for synchro issues, being unable to repair/rebuild, and wearing out prematurely. The E36 ZF is a well known quantity, costs $300 from a junkyard, and can be repaired by anyone.

I wouldn't switch from the ZF/5 to a G/6, but that's just me.

[jrdeamicis]

We are in the middle of developing some parts for the E46 330 / Z4 trans in the E30 and E36 Platform.

You will need a different flywheel / Clutch Setup for the e46 trans.

You will need a custom trans mount

You will need a custom shifter carrier

You will need a custom shifter selector

You will need the Auto M3 Driveshaft

All of these things we are dealing with and will have ready to go out the door for the E30, E36, E36/7 Platform.

I have the 330 trans in my Z and its great. I also had it in my e30. I just added a weight to my shifter for my 6 speed and it made a HUGE difference in feeling.

If you have any questions please feel free to message or call me with any questions.

[nrubenstein]

That is a common sentiment among ZF swappers I think.

I used to believe the G420 from the M3 was a lot stronger than the ZF 6 speed, but from what I understand now, the ZF 320 is actually stronger than the G420.

Gearing-wise, the transmissions are near identical, with the M3 having an ever-so-slightly taller first and second and 2.4% taller 6th:

http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/GearRatios.htm

There are a couple of issues with running the 6-speed. One of them is that running a diff low enough to support a 6spd, especially if you have an elevated redline creates its own problems. IIRC, the littler teeth just can't take the torque, so 4.45s and their ilk would blow up.

It's also true that the ZF 5 seems to be more durable, and it's certainly disposable. I haven't seen any evidence that the ZF 6 is more durable that the Getrag, though.

[ACHTUNG]

It's also true that the ZF 5 seems to be more durable, and it's certainly disposable. I haven't seen any evidence that the ZF 6 is more durable that the Getrag, though.

Disposable I get but is the ZF 5 speed more durable than the E46 ZF 6 speed?

Can anyone else support this?

[jrdeamicis]

The ZF320 is pretty stout box. Proven.

[Bimmerman325i]

Does the zf6 have the same 1-5 ratios as the zf5?

[nando]

link to the $300 junkyard ZFs?

[dude8383]

link to the $300 junkyard ZFs?

lol, was thinking the same thing... i don't see them fetching any less than 500.

[Bimmerman325i]

I've seen many around $300. When mine had the 5th gear lean, and i thought the trans was dying(my mistake), i called recyclers for a low mileage zf320. Avg price was 375 with a warranty.

[nrubenstein]

link to the $300 junkyard ZFs?

I bought mine from LKQ for $200. Remember that the ZF was in a ton of cars. It's usually cheaper out of an E36 328 or something similar. They will often mark up the exact same transmission if it came out of an M3.

The one gotcha is to make sure you have the correct clutch fork. Mine came from a 328Ci, and it is very definitely not compatible with the E36 clutch. It's a very cheap part but very annoying if you forget.