need a new trans

[thuibers]

My Getrag 250 trans [93 325i] doesn't like to downshift into 2nd so it looks asthough I will either need to rebuild or replace, but I don't like the idea of putting in another used because I could end up with the same problem. I was told the e36 transmissions are known for this problem. I'm thinking it maybe a good excuse to put in a 6 speed. Not quite sure what drive shaft would work with a 6 speed so any help would be appreciated. Zionsvillle sells a kit, but if anyone has anything for sale let me know. I also have a friend living in england that might help source/ship. From what I have read I need a tranny from a 330i, z4 or new 5 series [zf gs6-37bz] or are there other modles with the 6? suggestions on what a good price to pay is?

Thanks

[asubimmer]

a 6spd is going to be about as much as a s50/s52 itself. I have heard that bmw doesn't sell the parts to rebuild the e36 trannys anymore, it may just be the zf's though...

[equate975]

Talk to funkmasta, I'm sure he has a few trannys on hand and can hook you up with a good deal.

[matt]

You can rebuild them... but I wouldn't. Just get a used one from a wrecker with a warranty.

[thuibers]

There is a 1998 e36 m3 trans for sale on ebay and it is close to where I live, can i replace my getrag250 with it and will the e36 325 driveshaft work. Or to rephrase is the m3 trans the same length as my getrag?

[static]

^^ i have 98 m3 ZF tranny and used 98 m3 shaft with no modifications, etc..

btw, my 2nd has a crunch to it and i don't like it.

[thuibers]

So to use a m3 trans i need the m3 drive shaft?

[FredK]

Yes, because the Getrag 250 trans output flange has a 78mm bolt circle diameter. The ZF 310/320 output flange is 96mm.

[So Live]

I have the zf box. It came out of a e46 99 328i and so did the driveshaft. They have the same part #'s as the e36 m3 parts. I think with the e36 m3 driveshafts, some of them had a 6 bolt diff flange while some had the 4 bolt one we need. Real oem has 2 part numbers for the driveshaft. I wouldnt buy a driveshaft if you cant tell what flange it has first. You could always swap the e30 diff input flange with the 6 bolt m3 one but why waste the time and money. Both work with the stock e30 CSB mounted backwards.

Something to think about: The ZF boxes have this problem where the shift lever sits in front of 5th when in neutral instead of in between 3 and 4. BMW has an $11 kit with a tube and a spring to fix the problem but i dont think you can do it in the car easily. Mine has the problem and its really really annoying but it comes and goes. I would say spend the money while the trans is out and fix it even if you think it dosnt need it because it WILL happen (from what i hear). Search the e36 m3 section on bimmerforums and theres a 40 or 50 page thread about the problem.

Good luck!