1988 E30 M3 G265 onto an M20B25?

[robmpulse]

Okay, I have searched until I was blue in the face. All the info that I found did not leave me to a conclusive answer.

If I cross reference the part number of my transmission via realoem, it lists the E30 M3 Coupe as well as my 1993 325i.

However, when I searched realoem specifically for the tranny for an E30 M3, it shows it as having the getrag 265 transmission, instead of the 260 that my car is listed to have.

I happen to need a new trans, and have access to a getrag 265 that was left over from a swap.

Just need to know if I would have any issues using it. linkage, driveshaft, etc.... would it all bolt up?

I have a late model 1993 E30 325i.

[PeaveyBassist]

Old thread BUT... Your 265 will not bolt up to an m20 or m50.

[LJ851]

Yes it will.

[Todd Black 88]

Old thread BUT... Your 265 will not bolt up to an m20 or m50.

So so so wrong.

It will bolt up if you switch the bellhousing to one from a US spec 528e from..........either 1982 0r 1983 iirc. I forget exact year.
The 265 was an option on that year of e28 528e.

[PeaveyBassist]

Then you would have to find someone with that bellhousing for sale and swap to make it worth it. What I was saying was, the way his 265 sits it will not bolt up to his m20. Good luck finding that one bellhousing!

[LJ851]

They are not hard to find if you look. Ive got 1 and have passed up several at the 'yard cause i dont need them.

[weare30]

I have the same question.. I have access to a 82 528e a friend is parting out and was wondering if I would have all the nessacary parts to swap into my 84 325e

[LJ851]

I have not done that exact swap but it should work. The only thing i would be concerned about is the length of the trans compared to your current one.

[briansjacobs]

you will need the proper bell housing and a new driveshaft and you will more than likely want to change your rear diff depending on what gearing you have now. if I had to do all over again I would probably just put in an E36 M3 gearbox as it has a 1:1 5th gear and is cheap

[nando]

why would you want this transmission with an M20?

[bobross]

why would you want this transmission with an M20?

Stronger, More Syncros, Shorter Ratios.
Need more?

I am in the process of getting a ZF S5-31 hooked up with my M20. On top of the aforementioned list, i will gain access to more clutch/flywheel options and power holding capacity, as well as less overall moving parts in the trans.