ZF310 + M5x/S5x Compatibility

[TRAK WDW]

What's up R3V! Calling out the gurus of this swap section for a quick question that I'm receiving mixed reviews about...

Long story short: I pulled a ZF310 from a 91 E34 525i (with the "225" engraved on trans + "ATF Fluid" ORANGE label). Note: 91-92 were the only years the manual trans used was the ZF310, and the only years they required ATF.

Initially, I assumed this was the same exact trans used in the 95 E36 M3s.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=307602 -- This thread is saying these are the same.

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1236565-95-M3-ZF-trans-vs-96-99-M3-ZF-Trans -- This thread is saying I need a different 'shifter rod'?

My Question is: Is this the same trans used in the US 95 E36 M3s? If so, the length should be the exact same as the ZF320 used in the later 96+ M3s? AND, is there anything else that is different; ie trans mounts, shift carrier, selector rod, flywheel, etc..?

BTW, I am bolting this trans to a US S50 and dropping it into an E30

Regards

- Harp

[mrcheezle19]

Yes it's the same trans used in 95 m3's yes it's the same size as the 320. I am only unsure about the selector rod. I've never heard of that before. I imagine it should be the exact same though.

Edit: selector rod doesn't matter everything is the same. You're good to go.

[328ijunkie]

Only difference is output flange is a little different. but will work just the same.

[jt223539]

I have the same exact transmission and engine setup. There is a slight issue with selector rod length. I finally found and ordered the correct DSSR, I can get you the length tonite, and if you cross reference that with the UUC website, you should get a list of the correct models to pull a selector rod from.

I had issues with a 96 m3 selector rod being slightly longer. I think there is a 5mm difference in length. So not super noticeable, I just wanted to perfectly center my shifter. As far as a shifter carrier goes, I have a solid mounted shifter, so I can't help you there.

Everything else works without an issue. I used a 328i driveshaft, Condor solid transmission bushings, as well as a e30 318is transmission brace.

PM me if you have any other questions.

[TRAK WDW]

Yes it's the same trans used in 95 m3's yes it's the same size as the 320. I am only unsure about the selector rod. I've never heard of that before. I imagine it should be the exact same though.

Edit: selector rod doesn't matter everything is the same. You're good to go.

Thanks! I assumed they were the same trans, regardless of the slight torque rating and different fluid recommendation.

Only difference is output flange is a little different. but will work just the same.

Thank you! Yes, I also read about this. My plan was to use the Revshift adapter guibo for a new e30 drive shaft mated to my e30 lsd diff. I read all of your posts in this thread and it looks like I might have to dremel down the flange a bit to make it work --> http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=243268

I have the same exact transmission and engine setup. There is a slight issue with selector rod length. I finally found and ordered the correct DSSR, I can get you the length tonite, and if you cross reference that with the UUC website, you should get a list of the correct models to pull a selector rod from.

I had issues with a 96 m3 selector rod being slightly longer. I think there is a 5mm difference in length. So not super noticeable, I just wanted to perfectly center my shifter. As far as a shifter carrier goes, I have a solid mounted shifter, so I can't help you there.

Everything else works without an issue. I used a 328i driveshaft, Condor solid transmission bushings, as well as a e30 318is transmission brace.

PM me if you have any other questions.

Thanks! Great info here. PM sent with a few questions

[328ijunkie]

apparently your flange is the only one the r3vshift adapter works properly for :P. I still wouldnt run it however. They had centering/balance issues from the limited experience i have with them...