transmission of choice?

[lifeiskaos]

so im thinking about doing an m50/52 swap, and im wondering what transmissions you guys prefer to use? my buddy's m50 w/ a 260 tilts the shifter quite a bit. i've heard the 240 wont tilt the shifter, as wells as any zf e36 tranny, but they arent as strong as the 260 i already have. assume m50 will be boosted ;)

[318isbmw]

so im thinking about doing an m50/52 swap, and im wondering what transmissions you guys prefer to use? my buddy's m50 w/ a 260 tilts the shifter quite a bit. i've heard the 240 wont tilt the shifter, as wells as any zf e36 tranny, but they arent as strong as the 260 i already have. assume m50 will be boosted ;)

The zf. Its the tranny of choice for strength for the e36 guys so their holding up quite well. Card counter runs them in his m52 and such on bimmerforums so I think it should hold up quite well, as well as be able to put the larger clutch setup that the zf can fit. But if you insist that the 260 is stronger, then I think you answered your own question...

[hoveringuy]

I run the 260 and am happy with it. I didn't choose it; it chose me.

It's the tranny that most people have when they swap and keeping it let's you avoid the driveshaft/differential issues that you have with the ZF.

Eventually, I'm sure I'll go with the ZF.

[Jean]

I run the 260 and am happy with it. I didn't choose it; it chose me.

It's the tranny that most people have when they swap and keeping it let's you avoid the driveshaft/differential issues that you have with the ZF.

Eventually, I'm sure I'll go with the ZF.

Don't you have MORE driveshaft issues with the e36 getrag though? At least with e36 ZF you can get an off the shelf 96+ driveshaft for a direct fit?

[daveyboi]

On a similar note...
Will the zf gearbox match up easily with an e46 clutch (which i may get with the m50 motor) or would i be better off using the matching e36 unit?

cheers

[lifeiskaos]

The zf. Its the tranny of choice for strength for the e36 guys so their holding up quite well. Card counter runs them in his m52 and such on bimmerforums so I think it should hold up quite well, as well as be able to put the larger clutch setup that the zf can fit. But if you insist that the 260 is stronger, then I think you answered your own question...

nahh, just telling you what i read, and thats why im asking :)

[hugh jass]

Don't you have MORE driveshaft issues with the e36 getrag though? At least with e36 ZF you can get an off the shelf 96+ driveshaft for a direct fit?

you can run the getrag 250 with a e30 325i driveshaft, which is whats in my car

[318isbmw]

On a similar note...
Will the zf gearbox match up easily with an e46 clutch (which i may get with the m50 motor) or would i be better off using the matching e36 unit?

cheers

To use the e46 clutch I believe you need the e46 6 speed, which you can use in the swap as beirbrenner did. Personally, I would use the zf as its strongest of the e36's and by using the e36 tranny you'll be able to keep the drivetrain all the same by having the e36 motor and tranny and clutch all from the same.

[rThor432]

I'm using the ZF gearbox, but only because we had a good low mileage box at work that was growing cob-webs. It's strong and has nice gear spacing (though I would like it a good bit closer). I just dont like ZF boxes, they dont ever seem to operate as nicely as a similar Getrag unit. E36 M3's have some of the worst shifting characteristics I've experienced outside of the Porsche/VW world.

I would rather have used the G240 trans that comes from M42 cars. That would be a quick no-hassle transmission to use, because you could rob the trans, linkage, and drive shaft from the same car.

[whysimon]

question:

I'm using a ZF Tranny off of a 95' M3. I'm using a 3:25lsd from a E28. What drive shaft do I need. I realize I need to use the CSB from my E30, or modify the E36. But I need to know which driveshaft.

Thanks

[whysimon]

question:

I'm using a ZF Tranny off of a 95' M3. I'm using a 3:25lsd from a E28. What drive shaft do I need. I realize I need to use the CSB from my E30, or modify the E36. But I need to know which driveshaft.

Thanks

[m3_eater]

I'm running the 6-speed Getrag from an '06 M3, and the big benefit is the ability to run a 3.46 LSD for good acceleration but still have a reasonably quiet & efficient cruise in 6th on the freeway. The first 5 gears are the same ratio as the E36 ZF 5-speed (5th is 1:1), with 6th as an overdrive gear. Another benefit for you if you're going FI is that the stock E46 M3 tranny is built for the 333HP (crank) of the M3, and can handle more.

If your car is for fun or fuh raze though, I'd say spending extra to get the 6th gear is a waste of $$. The ZF is the best unit overall for the cost.

Oh - and after 250K+ miles with a 260 before, I miss the feel of that transmission. The M3 6-speed is much more notchy.

[Van Westervelt]

I love my little 260. With the shifter linkage altered, mine is centered right where is should be.

IF I build whats in the back of my head and garage, I will be going FI, and using the e46 6spd. But only because of the 400+bhp.

[evil_twin]

I love the ZF, I just need to fix the detent springs now.

[daveyboi]

Hmmm looks like it's time to start looking for a zf transmission then.
Should be fun locating one in adelaide... Not [/Borat]
aah well i could be lucky