24 Valve E30 Automatic

[trackjunkie21]

I say go for it, gm trannies have been used in the new 5 series and 3 series.

[scottinAZ]

I also checked into using the 4hp22 behind the M50, and discarded the idea. Mostly because of the 10degree angle and the concern of fluid pickup. GM trannies behind the M50 from the E34 or E36 have been done, check posts by HakenTT or EduardoGomez (whatever entity of his wasnt banned at the time), A bit of a hack job, but it gives the idea of the work that must be done to make the auto work in the E30. All electronics must be swapped over, along with connecting all the sensors for those electronics. Engines are easy and well documented, however the automatic swap is less so just because we as enthusiasts prefer a good 5 speed. You have extenuating circumstances, so you get a pass on the automatic thing. Just do your homework and it can be done, just the level of difficulty goes up when the level of documentation goes down......

[5Toes]

Well oil pump might be going, but I am pulling the pan before I drive it again

[ethrtyiS]

f das autos.

[Jafxod]

After gathering up my thoughts, the easiest thing for you to do is get an automatic e36.

[5Toes]

ewwww

[Wishno87]

Considering the chaos that came from a simple starter replacement you are dreaming. Honestly dude you don't know enough to know that this is lightyears out of the league you are already out of.

[James Crivellone]

You do realize the A4S 310R GM transmission used in several E36 and E34's is electronically controlled? You will need to wire everything properly or the transmission won't even select a gear.

The wiring itself is very involved and you will need to get everything proper in order for the thing to even move.

Same thing applies to the ZF 5HP22's.

If I were you i'd get your M20 proper and completely understand the task ahead of you before you even consider swapping an automatic.

Also, to those talking about Steptronic, we are talking about putting Canbus stuff into an analog car..the wiring is the limiting factor here. Hell, even coughing next to a modern BMW will cause the EGS module to throw it into freaking limp mode

[Killacortes]

I agree man. Stick to your m20. Turbo it like kamotors did he has an auto turbo!

[AndrewBird]

LS1 swap.

[5Toes]

Considering the chaos that came from a simple starter replacement you are dreaming. Honestly dude you don't know enough to know that this is lightyears out of the league you are already out of.

I know, this is down the road a bit and I have ALOT to learn, but I am just kind of dreaming

[Mr.SWISS]

Has anyone ever successfully run a steptronic system in a swap? That would make automatic a bit more appealing ;)

Uhhhhhhhh NO. E46's are for ladies.......



OP in your particulat situation I would boost the M20 and get the power you want without having to deal with the tranny drama. If you blow it swapping in another 4hp22 isn't tough at all.

[george graves]

I know, this is down the road a bit and I have ALOT to learn, but I am just kind of dreaming

If you're smart, you won't do a single mod to that car until it's mechanically in better condition than when you bough it. No more power coating crap - just do maintenance. So far you've managed to spin a bearing, strip all sorts of nuts and bolts, created a vacuum leak, and r3v'ed into a round-about.

Assuming your car is fixable....stop dreaming about m50's. It's not that great of a motor (IMHO) - and it's way more than you can chew.

Sorry 5toes, but r3v needs to give you some tough love and tell you to slow down, and take a chill pill.

No one on this forum got an e30 and started modding the crap out of it - we all do it very slowly over years and years. And don't even think about a turbo. Anyone suggesting FI is out of their minds.

Oh, and Merry Christmas ;)

[5Toes]

Merry Christmas George. And you are damn right. I do need to just do maintenance and stop dreaming out of my ass. I need a car I can drive, not something else. Its my first car.. it doesnt need to be fast and swapped.

Wake up call - thanks R3V

[Jafxod]

George nailed it, that same message should be spread to a lot of people who are just getting started. After all a safe reliable car will ALWAYS be preferred compared to a cool car that doesn't work. And you can never forget you are startling with a 23 year old canvas