will an m5 trans work?

[coolasacuc]

can I use an e28 and e34 M5 trans for an m30 in an e30? if so, what modifications are needed (crossmember, bushings, linkage etc.?

[JoeMadoo]

just a bigger wallet...

[mooseheadm5]

You can use one, but you don't want one. Trust me. However, if you do want one and can afford to have one rebuilt, I have a core for you.

[Jean]

You can use one, but you don't want one. Trust me. However, if you do want one and can afford to have one rebuilt, I have a core for you.

Care to explain why he shouldn't use one?

[kronus]

Care to explain why he shouldn't use one?

Whatever his reason, Funkmasta agrees with him. I've seen him grumble about the getrag 280 before...

[mooseheadm5]

It is actually a pretty fragile box. It does not take kindly to cold shifts, hard shifts, shifts, use, etc. The synchros are made of peanut brittle and get destroyed very easily. It is only sort of close ratio and not suited for the M30 powerband. Most of all, it is rare and expensive, and expensive to rebuild (need special tools and skills.) You can buy a good used one for about $1500. A rebuildable core is worth about $500. A Getrag 260 is about $200-$300 and a 265 is only a couple hundred more and can take whatever power and abuse you have to offer. To boot, the 265 was used behind an S14, so a direct bolt in trans brace is available.

[oli335i]

Got one at the back of my m30. Its near new and the only one I had, so don't know about it being fragile (yet) and can't compare to other types. Works fine for me though, no issues with it.
Its coupled to a 3.15 LSD.
1st gear up to 45km/h
2nd to 95km/h etc

[coolasacuc]

wow! well after those inspiring posts, i'll be sticking with 260 for sure.
AND DAMN THOSE ARE EXPENSO!!!

[Lurker27]

Were the 280s in anything other than M5s? I was ordering some stuff and plugging around on realOEM and it seemed to think a 1991 535i could have one...better double check my casting I reckon.

[coolasacuc]

91 535 = 260/5

[Jean]

Are you sure? 91 should have a 260/6

[mooseheadm5]

280 is M5/M6 only, but it kinda looks like a 260 from the outside.

[Lurker27]

I am almost certain it is a 260, just thought it was weird on realOEM.

[BDK]

I personally like the 280 myself, I have had all 3 and really liked the 280 in my E28 M5....
the main difference between the 260 and 280 is that the body of the trans is abit longer, maybe 1" TO 1 1/2" longer...

[Jonsku]

Doesn't 280 have the cooling fins also?

Use 260/6, it's the most durable box which has ever been bolted onto M30. 262/5 or 265/5 are expensive, though straight bolt-on's.
If you're going with 280 you need different driveshaft, mounting bracket etc etc..