[HOW TO] e46m3 6-speed your e30

[matt]

You actually don't need a custom driveshaft... one from a certain e36 auto fits. I don't remember which, but that's what we used on the one we did.

[SpecM]

I don't see why not. It would be tilted 10 degrees or so, so you'd need to further customize the mounts and linkage...

yay... even tho there would be no benift... just dreaming...

[JGood]

awsome wirte-up

any chance that a get 420 will fit an m20? ;)

I don't see why not. It would be tilted 10 degrees or so, so you'd need to further customize the mounts and linkage...

[SpecM]

awsome wirte-up

any chance that a get 420 will fit an m20? ;)

[loonibab325i]

great write up man.

[Aptyp]

awesome write up, answers many questions.

Great job.

[BeirBrennerE30]

I get asked pretty frequently how I fit the Getrag s6s-420g transmission from the e46 M3 into my e30. So instead of answering the question a few times a week I thought I would just do a write up of the parts necessary and some tips and notes.

Parts:

E46 M3 getrag s6s-420g transmission
E46 M3 Flywheel
E46 M3 Clutch
E36 325i clutch slave cylinder(there may be a better option out there but I know this works, the pedal is kinda light for my taste)
Custom trans x-member
Automatic e36 M3 with e30 CSB Driveshaft
E46 M3 guibo
E36 engine to trans mounting hardware(e46 stuff is too long)
E46 M3 driveshaft to trans hardware (12mm bolts)
E36 M3evo shifter assembly(details below)
E30 late model rear shifter mount
Shift knob with 6-speed shift pattern ;)

Install Highlights:

The e30 reverse light switch threads into the e46 trans no problem and functions

You need a lower rear end gear ratio. I run a 3.91 and its very streetable. For a daily driver the 3.73 would probably be perfect.

For the shifter you need the e36 M3evo 6-speed parts:

Thats everything in the above pic EXCEPT 12,13,14,15. You NEED 1-11! this will slide into the late modle e30 rear shifter support. For early e30s(pre '86) you need to convert to the later style mount.

For a drive shaft you need one of custom length made. ( or apparently you can use an e36 M3 automatic driveshaft with an e30 center support bearing swapped in ) Bimmerworld made mine and make a very quality unit. They will send you a sheet to fill out with critical measurements like the one below.

For ME the measurements were the following:
1. 21.5"
2. 54.375"
3. 1.375"
4. Stock e30 non-M length
5. E46 M3 flex disk
6. 12mm bolt hole
These may change depending on your particular set-up. MAKE SURE YOU CONFIRM THESE MEASUREMENTS ON YOUR CAR BEFORE YOU ORDER. IF IT DOESN'T FIT ITS YOUR FAULT!!!


As for the custom x-member your on your own. You can use the stock e30 x-member and weld on extensions so that it reaches the front and rear sliders.

Thats it!

Technical notes:

Gear ratios:
1st 4.23
2nd 2.53
3rd 1.67
4th 1.23
5th 1
6th 0.83

The internals of this transmission are the same used in the 6-speed mkIV supra. So its basically indestructible.

This trans is the upgraded version of the e36 6-speed. The syncro problems of the e36 were fixed to solve the miss-shift problems and early wear.