Overhauling the Getrag "i" transmission

[chet3215]

My 89 e30 is in need of first and 2nd gear syncros and the linkage worn such that it does not activate the reverse switch. Can anyone tell me where i can get repair parts and if there are any upgrades i might make while the transmission is out.

[nando]

well, unless you're going to do this for a project and because you like rebuilding them.. my suggestion would be to find a good condition used one. They are definitely rebuildable, but they're very common and relatively easy to find used for a good price so not many people will do it.

[chet3215]

I'd want that "like new" feeling. I would rather not take a chance on a used transmission.

[nando]

well the bentley manual has a decent step by step on the transmission. that's a good place to start reading.

[SpecM]

I understand chet's position, I like to rebuild things too

[chet3215]

im not concerned with the "how" but more the various parts i will need and where to get them. I repair cars for a living but don't know much about the Getrag 260. Im hoping to find all the nessasary parts and possibly learn about any common failures the Getrag has so i might address them durning the rebuild. I was hoping now that the e30 spec series seems to be doing well that their might be people out there selling overhaul kits or trading advise on strengthening or other wise improving the Getrag trans.

[CorvallisBMW]

subscribed, my syncros are whining and probably could stand to be rebuilt too.

[jlevie]

A Getrag 260 can be rebuilt and you can get the parts from a BMW dealer. But given the availability of good used transmissions and the difficulty of doing the job right, a used transmission make a lot more sense than a rebuild.

[nando]

im not concerned with the "how" but more the various parts i will need and where to get them. I repair cars for a living but don't know much about the Getrag 260. Im hoping to find all the nessasary parts and possibly learn about any common failures the Getrag has so i might address them durning the rebuild. I was hoping now that the e30 spec series seems to be doing well that their might be people out there selling overhaul kits or trading advise on strengthening or other wise improving the Getrag trans.

okay. if you read the "how" it will probably give you an idea of what you need to replace.

common failures of the getrag are broken shifter forks, worn synchros, and bad layshaft and input shaft bearings.

I bet most of those spec guys would just find a used transmission. it might cost you $100. they aren't exactly unreliable/junk transmissions so your chances of getting a bad one really aren't that high..

[jlevie]

While transmission failures in Spec E30 aren't unknown, they aren't a common problem. There might be a Spec E30 out there somewhere running a rebuilt transmission, but I've never heard of it. Everyone I know runs the transmission that came in the car or one from a salvage yard.

[chet3215]

It's unanimous, get a used transmission. Im still going to check prices for replacement parts. My transmission is still in pretty good shape. If i was road coarse racing i don't think the weakening secound and first synchros would make much differance but i autocross this car and 1-2-1 shifts are common and i want my transmission to be at it's best. I have a feeling junkyard transmissions however good they might be are all or mostly going to have weak 1st and 2nd synchros if they have any kind of milage.

[nando]

if you replace anything I would do the input shaft bearing. the layshaft bearing also causes a rattle noise when it goes bad, but I'm not sure how hard that one is to do. and of course all the seals.

if you're concerned about getting a good transmission, look for a low-miles car that's been wrecked.

also, they're realistically good for 300,000 miles or more. it of course all depends on how the car was treated and driven, but I wouldn't expect a ~100k transmission to have any significant wear.

[Adrian_Visser]

So if you were to go ahead and rebuild the tranny, and say wanted to change the gear ratios i.e make your tranny into a close ratio or something where would tou buy the gears and are they a drop in replacement? I know people have had custom close ratio getrag 260's built but for $$$ can a DIY'er attempt this? just wondering.

[quickervicar]

If you're still looking for something to rebuild, I have a core that needs 3rd gear shift fork work. You could rebuild it this winter & install it next spring. Just a thought. All offers considered.

Metric Mechanic also offers beefed-up internals if you need added peace of mind.

[DJB]

I've never heard of a gear set to change the ratios, nor a rebuild kit.

The bearings and seals are reasonably priced, but all other parts are really expensive. It's pretty much $100-$200 for each part. You can buy a complete rebuild kit for a domestic transmission for what it costs for a single shift fork.