e36 tranny with m/s5x swap

[browntown]

I plan on doing the swap later in the year. Came across a local ad for a 1995 e36 325 tranny (getrag make, don't know what model) with only 50k miles.

I think I can pick this up on the cheap, and since the original getrag in my car has a quarter million miles on it I thought I should snag it.

Couple questions:
What do I need to ask the seller? My impression was that these e36 tranny's were zf, not getrag.

I assume this will bolt right up to any m/s5x I buy down the road. Does going the e36 tranny route introduce new costs like custom brackets, driveshaft, or taking the bfh to the tunnel?

[FredK]

1992-1995 325i Getrag 250
1995 M3 ZF 310
1996-1998 328i ZF 310/320 (310 came on earlier models)
1996-1999 ZF 310/320
1991-1992 525i ZF 310

E36 transmission will require another driveshaft but no sheetmetal mods as far as I know. The Getrag just requires an E36 325i driveshaft. The ZF requires either an E30 M3 driveshaft or 1997+ E36 M3 driveshaft. I believe the 328i driveshaft _should_ work, but I am not certain. I am going to try this combo out myself.

[Stu]

Be careful putting that trans behind anything over 2.8L, swapped 3.0/3.2 cars that keep the 325 gearbox seem to shred them fairly easily.
You should have no problems with a 2.5L.

[browntown]

excellent, thank you. I've arranged to talk to the seller tomorrow, and wondering what (if anything) can be ascertained about a transmission without splitting open the case when it is already out of a car? I suppose I might have to take his word about miles, and working condition. I plan on asking about leaks and history, any bolt tabs that are cracked or sheared, condition of output shaft, etc.

[japspecvr6]

1992-1995 325i Getrag 250
1995 M3 ZF 310
1996-1998 328i ZF 310/320 (310 came on earlier models)
1996-1999 ZF 310/320
1991-1992 525i ZF 310

E36 transmission will require another driveshaft but no sheetmetal mods as far as I know. The Getrag just requires an E36 325i driveshaft. The ZF requires either an E30 M3 driveshaft or 1997+ E36 M3 driveshaft. I believe the 328i driveshaft _should_ work, but I am not certain. I am going to try this combo out myself.

Or the driveshaft from a "e" or "es"

[browntown]

Or the driveshaft from a "e" or "es"

well that's just down right convenient having an eta myself.

[browntown]

well I wish I was a little more careful about this transaction. Drove up to PDX today and picked up the transmission, couldn't find a model # on it but it did have a vin. Guy told me it was a 1995 325i tranny under 50k miles. I get the thing home (1.5 hour drive each way), look up the VIN, and its a Getrag 240 from a 91 318i convertible. Called him up, thankfully he's taking it back. Friggin craigslist.

[Mot]

If you still need a e36 tranny, we have 3 here at autobahnsport up in portland. Send me a pm if your intrested.

Also the 328i and m3(97-99) driveshafts are identical, also be sure the e36 driveshaft you use with your e36 tranny comes out of a manual, there is a difference between auto and manual ds.

[hugh jass]

According to the yahoo twincam list and theeurodepot web site, you can use the stock e30 325i driveshaft with the getrag s5d 250 also. thats what i'm planing on using.

[browntown]

Good news is that I got my money back today. 6 hours total driving over the last two days, thank goodness I don't pay for gas.

If you still need a e36 tranny, we have 3 here at autobahnsport up in portland.

Thanks man, I was after this more due to the low cost than the immediate need. If anything I've been eyeballing the s50 you guys have on ebay; but alas I can't afford it right now. Next bonus I'll get in touch with you to see what you have lying around the shop.

[FredK]

That engine looks pretty sweet! It ain't got no accessories, but if someone can score that for close to the starting price, they're making out like a bandit. Especially if they pick it up locally. Too bad I already have an S50. :D

[DanThe]

According to the yahoo twincam list and theeurodepot web site, you can use the stock e30 325i driveshaft with the getrag s5d 250 also. thats what i'm planing on using.

Thats what im using, just need to drill the 3 prop holes out to 12mm and use the E36 guibo.
But beware, there are Getrags and ZF's out there with a larger diameter output flange, these will need either an E30 M3 or a custom made propshaft.

[FredK]

Uh, can't you just swap the output flange by loosening the 30mm nut that's holding it on?

[DanThe]

"Apparently" not.

[hugh jass]

Thats what im using, just need to drill the 3 prop holes out to 12mm and use the E36 guibo.
But beware, there are Getrags and ZF's out there with a larger diameter output flange, these will need either an E30 M3 or a custom made propshaft.

Why not just use the 10mm e30 guibo? I've never heard anything about swapping out the output flange. I guess I'll find out soon....