1985 325e manual swap sanity check

[raymang]

Hiya, had some questions on a manual swap for my 03/85 325e and figured I'd ask the original forum as well as the FB group.

I really just needed a sanity check on my parts list for a manual swap on my 03/85 325e. I was planning to ride out this auto for a while but I fell upon a cheap G260 ('late' early model with deeper bellhousing, described as coming out of a 1985 325e by the wrecker) for $400 CAD with 75k km so I'm now looking for parts. The box has provisions for both the late model shifter and sheet metal shifter, so my preference lies in the late model shifter.

• Clutch, flywheel, throwout bearing etc - probably grabbing this Turner kit, has the longer TOB and the flywheel seems to have the reference sensor boss (https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...wheel-kit-eta/)

• Shifter arm - shifter arm has 2 different PNs depending on a 'late' early model from 06/86-09/87 (25111221053) and late model (25111221201). I'm assuming there's a length difference due to bellhousing depth? DSSR's also have 3 different lengths (190mm, 180mm, 187mm) depending on year of build so it makes sense, but needed to confirm. Sourcing one of these will probably be a pain.

• Shifter arm body mount - my early model won't have the tabs for the late model mount (25111220707), but post #9 (https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...on-early-model) has me thinking I can mount it without the tabs. Anyone done this? I'd rather flip it if possible to give the mount a larger bearing surface.

• Drive shaft - any reviews on aftermarket driveshafts or am I better off finding a used one? RealOEM says my auto driveshaft would be 1337mm long, an 06/86-09/87 manual driveshaft would be 1483mm long. I gotta measure the output shaft diameter on the transmission still to verify for sure if I have the larger (06/86-09/87 supposedly) or smaller output shaft.

Any further feedback is welcome, thanks!

[Panici]

Couple notes.
I used an '86 325e G260 in my '87 325is chassis.
Converted to late model shifter and resealed the trans.
Check out pages 5 & 6 of my build thread (in my sig) for photos.
Also wiring details in there if you want to completely remove the automatic harness.

Going from memory 11 years ago here, but I believe there are two different style front "shifter joints". One offset and one centered. The offset "larger" one doesn't work with aftermarket DSSRs.

Don't use the gall plate/spacer from the automatic flexplate. The thickness is different from the manual.



You will need short bolts (16mm?) for blocking off the old plate style shift carrier. Installed with Curil K2 or other appropriate sealant as they are open to the transmission and not "blind".

[raymang]

Couple notes.
I used an '86 325e G260 in my '87 325is chassis.
Converted to late model shifter and resealed the trans.
Check out pages 5 & 6 of my build thread (in my sig) for photos.
Also wiring details in there if you want to completely remove the automatic harness.

Going from memory 11 years ago here, but I believe there are two different style front "shifter joints". One offset and one centered. The offset "larger" one doesn't work with aftermarket DSSRs.

Don't use the gall plate/spacer from the automatic flexplate. The thickness is different from the manual.



You will need short bolts (16mm?) for blocking off the old plate style shift carrier. Installed with Curil K2 or other appropriate sealant as they are open to the transmission and not "blind".

Appreciate the tips. Yeah I've got the centered shifter joint in my cart, just waiting to source a shifter arm (gonna go with the 25111221053 with all the signs pointing to that age for the trans). And good looks on blocking the older shifter holes, I definitely didn't consider that. Spacer plate is included with the Turner kit so I think I'm set there.

Since you have the 87 body, I see you do have the 2 tabs for the shifter arm body mount. Since mine's an 85 body I don't so I'm gonna try mounting the shifter arm body mount to the top of the trans tunnel and take pics. Someone on the r/e30 discord did something similar so it should work albeit it does raise the shifter height. I do like the Condor shorty shifter so it might work in my favor.

[Panici]

I did eventually go with a chassis mount shifter when I motor and trans swapped to an M52 / ZF320.
That could be an option as well for you.