getrag 240/260 compatability

[übersteuern]

Hi,
Just curious about gearbox compatability, cos I've heard that the 320i came with a 240.

Does this mean the 240 can be bolted to any M20? How come an M30 swap only works with a 240 not 260?

Thanks.

[tinkwithanr]

Because the 320 came with an M10, not an M20. The M30 and M10 have the same trans bolt pattern, the M20 is the same as the newer 24 valve engines.

[übersteuern]

Really, it's an M10?

I'm pretty sure the 320i is an M20B20?

[liquidgroove]

G240 from M20B20 has same bolt pattern as G260.

G240 from 318 would have different bolt pattern.

[übersteuern]

Ahhhh...thanks for explaining, liquidgroove.

[The Humjet]

Tinkwithanr you've mistaken the m10 320 from an e21 not e30.
m10, m30, s14, s38 ect. Have the same bellhousings.
m42, m20, m50/52/54, s50/52/54 ect. Have the same bellhousings

[liquidgroove]

Ahhhh...thanks for explaining, liquidgroove.

No problem. I happen to have a M20B20 so i know.. ;)

[nrubenstein]

Tinkwithanr you've mistaken the m10 320 from an e21 not e30.
m10, m30, s14, s38 ect. Have the same bellhousings.
m42, m20, m50/52/54, s50/52/54 ect. Have the same bellhousings

Not exactly. The M20 shares the same main bolt and starter pattern as the other motors, but the smaller bolts are not the same. Additionally, the M20 is angled differently.

[ForcedFirebird]

Not exactly. The M20 shares the same main bolt and starter pattern as the other motors, but the smaller bolts are not the same. Additionally, the M20 is angled differently.

Correct.

Also, the g240 is shorter than the g260.

after reading tons of info about the g240/g260 compatibility behind an m42, a friend and I tried bolting a g260 in his 318. After a long weekend of cursing, modifying parts and trying to find a driveshaft, we ended up locating another g240 and leaving the m20 clutch set in it.

[übersteuern]

Also, the g240 is shorter than the g260.

Hmmm... I'm guessing this means that the 320i uses a longer driveshaft than the other M20s.

I find it strange that BMW went to the trouble of adapting the G240 just for a single model (320i) rather than just bolting in the G260 like the rest of the M20s.

[ForcedFirebird]

Hmmm... I'm guessing this means that the 320i uses a longer driveshaft than the other M20s.

I find it strange that BMW went to the trouble of adapting the G240 just for a single model (320i) rather than just bolting in the G260 like the rest of the M20s.

They did. Perhaps another D/S from another model fits correct for the g240/m20 combo, bit all the online data/threads said that the m20 D/S worked on an m42/g260 and it had about 1/4" spline engagement vs the normal ~2", the locking nut couldn't even be threaded on properly.

[The Humjet]

Interesting info. And I apologize for my false information given. I'm just gonna nod along with the more experienced members and take their word for it.
So I'm kinda confused now. Could you put a g240 from an m42 onto an m20b20? Or do they have their slight differences?

[tinkwithanr]

My mistake, I was thinking US market only. Thanks for the clarification.