An e36 question, involving e30 parts.

[rahgbag]

Hi guys, I on an e36 325i that I'm doing a manual swap in. I have a getrag 260 at my disposal, and by looking at the gear ratios, it would be favorable to use this with my M50 and 3.91 lsd. I know that the 260 has been mounted by others in an e36, but there isn't much info out there. I'm hoping you guys can help me.

Here are the things I "think" I know.

1. I can use my e36 starter, manual flywheel, and clutch kit.
2. I can use my e36 manual driveshaft and differential.


Here are the things I have questions about.

1. How will I mount this to the e36? My e36 transmission brace bolts up here in my living room, but I've heard that it will not bolt properly into the car.

2. Some of the bellhousing bolts won't line up properly. Is it ok to not use all of them?

3. What kind of shift linkage should I be using? I currently have the e30's selector arm and rod. I want to use a shift lever from an e36 M3 as a budget ssk, like the one understeer sells. What kind of modification is necessary to make it fit properly?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate any help you can give me.

[rahgbag]

Bump for some help?

[Uber E30]

I believe this may have some of the info you are looking for.

[rahgbag]

Thanks. I sent that guy a message, he hasn't answered back yet though. From what I gather, I'll have to twist the selector rod about 10 degrees toward the driver's side and bend the shift arm to the driver's side a little bit too. Also, I've heard that if I use a stock e36 shifter I'll not be able to shift into 2nd and 4th, so the M3 shifter from and e36 is a better choice. Is that true?

[Uber E30]

As far as i know you wont actually need to bend the shifter itself. The stock e36 m3 one already has a slight bend towards the driver. Mine shifts fine on a g260 but removal of the harmonic was necessary.

Im pretty sure you will be happy with it if you want a knotchy feel. I deffinatly need two "clicks" to get into the next gear. Make sure you upgrade the bushings, circlips, etc while you are down there.

[rahgbag]

Oh, I wasn't talking about bending the shift lever, just the rod and support arm thing. And I've got all new hardware for the shifter, I want it to feel nice and tight. Thanks.

Any ideas for the mount on an e36? I had a guy tell me to shim it and use longer bolts on the passenger side. Will that work?

[Uber E30]

Ah yes i misread, and i have no idea about mounting it on an e36. Have you asked on BFc in the e36 section?

[rahgbag]

Yeah, no response yet. There's one guy I found on there that has one in an e36. That's where I got the shim info from.

[rahgbag]

Alright, I think I've answered most of my previous questions. I'm going to need to use the e36 shift carrier because the e30 one is too short. Now, if I use the e36 carrier and E36 M3 shift lever, which selector rod will I need?

Also, I've read about people having issues using the wrong flywheel because they have an early/late 260. I'm pretty sure my 260 is a late version, it's part number is 260.0.1346.90. Is it ok to use the e36 flywheel/clutch?

I'm really hoping to find another guy who has done this on an e36 m50, and I don't know where else to ask. Most of the guys on bfc can't even spell e36.