Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Auto/manual Trans Swap for ix???

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Auto/manual Trans Swap for ix???

    I'm looking at buying a pretty decent 89 325ix. The only problem is that it is an automatic and I would prefer a manual. I have a 90 325i eufgr now with a tight manual transmission. Can I switch them?

    Any opinion on the performance of the automatic transmissions in xi's? Maybe I should not be so quick to reject it, but I have just always had manuals and I can't imagine anything else.

    How much gas milage do you lose?

    #2
    I just read a post about switching the clutch on "air bag cars vs. non air bag cars". Sounds like they are different. My 90 325 has an air bag and the 89 325ix does not. Can I swap the whole clutch/break assembly. This is sounding more complecated as I think about it.

    Comment


      #3
      on a non-airbag car, it's really easy. just find a non-airbag 5 speed pedal box and swap the whole thing over.
      Build thread

      Bimmerlabs

      Comment


        #4
        Thanks. So there is no differnece between the actual manual transmission itself between a 325i and 325xi? It bolts on the engine the same. It hooks up to the drive shaft the same. I expect there might be some differences in the electronics??? I read on a post that the holes for the master cylinder are still in the firewall.

        Comment


          #5
          Before you do anything on this one, talk to me on tuesday or give me a call. The 5 speed swap for a iX needs more parts than you have right now... expensive parts...
          Tri color fabric for sale here!
          http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=105922

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by AV325i View Post
            Thanks. So there is no differnece between the actual manual transmission itself between a 325i and 325xi? It bolts on the engine the same. It hooks up to the drive shaft the same. I expect there might be some differences in the electronics??? I read on a post that the holes for the master cylinder are still in the firewall.
            no the transmissions are different. it does not hook up to the driveshaft the same.
            Build thread

            Bimmerlabs

            Comment


              #7
              Thanks. Maybe it is not worth the swap. The automatic drives nice and I have my 5-speed convertable 325i for the summer. I just wish the shifter was not so dated looking. Can I get a different handle for the shifter--one that looks more like the manual?

              Comment


                #8
                bavauto has a bunch of different auto shifters if you're into that sort of thing
                Build thread

                Bimmerlabs

                Comment


                  #9
                  I'm actually right in the middle of this swap.

                  It seems complicated, but really isn't once you get into it.

                  You need:
                  5 speed tranny from an e30 ix (normal e30 won't work)
                  transfer case from a 5 speed ix (casing is different than on the auto)

                  clutch disk
                  flywheel and new flywheel bolts
                  pressure plate and bolts
                  pilot bearing
                  clutch master/slave cylinder
                  line from brake/clutch resevoir to master cylinder
                  line from slave cylinder to master including the hard line (i bent my own, but would never do that again).
                  throw out bearing
                  shift fork (should come with transmission)
                  pedal box from non airbag e30
                  shift selector assymbly, shifter, shift knob, shift boot (hopefully this will come with your transmission
                  driveshaft spline grease
                  gromets for the firewall where the new clutch lines/master cylinder go through
                  exhaust gaskets where it connects the manifold
                  brake fluid
                  clutch switches (there are two on the ix)
                  clutch stop (easy to make one)

                  things you could replace while in there or at least inspect
                  all 3 guibos (yes there are three)
                  guibo bolts and nuts
                  transmission seals, t-case seals (mine were fine)
                  fluids
                  exhaust studs/bolts
                  exhaust hangers
                  exhaust rubber rings that hold the muffler on
                  shifter mechanism bushings (rebuild this, you'll be happy you did)
                  rear main engine seal and gaskets
                  tranny/tcase mount (there is only one, if it is not in good shape you'll need to press a new one in - mine was fine.)

                  I put a z3 1.9l shifter in mine, shorter throw.


                  tools:
                  set of e-torx sockets (you need 3 different sizes, can't remember which ones so just get a set)
                  4 feet of extensions for you ratchet
                  universal joint for your ratchet set
                  clutch alignment tool (may come with your clutch kit)

                  You can get a complete kit shipped to you from www.theeurodepot.com with everything you need, or you can peice it together on your own.


                  here are some links that helped uswith the swap. You'll need 2-3 helpers to get the tranny out and back in.

                  Parts List:


                  Linkage parts:






                  Good write up but pictures are dead.


                  Webs.com has been shut down on the 31st of August 2023. Find out what that means for your site and how to move it to another provider.


                  One of the most active bulletin boards in the BMW world, extensive technical support pages, feature photos of member E30s, user surveys, special features and contests, Free Homepages and Email - all packaged in an exciting and easy-to-navigate design.


                  Wiring stuff

                  did I miss anything guys?

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Wow! Great description! I appreciate all the detail. I think this will be a project for next summer. My biggest problem will be finding the transmission/transfer case. I'm in Minnesota and there are not a lot of 325's around--even fewer iX's. I suspect shipping those parts would be pretty expensive.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      I will keep my eye out for one for you.
                      Tri color fabric for sale here!
                      http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=105922

                      Comment

                      Working...
                      X