Looking for good transmission shop in Bay Area for Getrag s6s-420g

[A.J.]

I have a Getrag s6s-420g transmission out of a 2002 M3 with a sticky 3rd gear (probably a bad synchro). Can anyone reccommend a good tranmission shop or mechanic in the Bay Area that has experience with these transmissions? I need it fixed for my '89 325i/s54 swap project:mrgreen:.

[nrubenstein]

Doubt it. Last I checked, there were only a couple people in the country who can rebuild them (IIRC, Alex Lipowich has a line on at least one of them). The problem is that parts are basically unobtanium. Unfortunately, this means that it's cheaper to replace not rebuild.

[A.J.]

Doubt it. Last I checked, there were only a couple people in the country who can rebuild them (IIRC, Alex Lipowich has a line on at least one of them). The problem is that parts are basically unobtanium. Unfortunately, this means that it's cheaper to replace not rebuild.

I got the part numbers...supposedly they can be ordered though BMW's VT-T1 division (http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39...tml#post611676). but I haven't checked out prices or availability. Your right tho...the consensus on the e39 M5 board is that there are only a few people that know how to rebuild them. I'll check with Alex.

The Supra folks use a variant of this transmission...do they have the same problems with getting them fixed? I imagine they have breakage issues with the massive HP some of them run. More leads on rebuilders or feedback on the feasibility of rebuilding the s6s-420g would be greatly appreciated.

[Wanganstyle]

The Supra V160-161 has a slightly different design that protects it in MEGA power situations:

Main difference is in the Clutch actullation style; the bmw is a push style and the internals are also, Transmission / clutch manufacturers like to spec "Pull style" transmissions in turbocharged higher power applications.

compare:

7mgte and 7m-GE; both toyota 3000cc dohc I6. the 7mgte uses a R154 with pull style, the 7m-GE uses a W58. both boxes are about the same weight, strength, same source and manufacturer supply chain. the pull unit takes more power, its designed with turbocharged torque in mind.

subaru 5 speed boxes share gear dna and actual items between turbo and non turbo boxes, the case housings come in both pull and push styles.

pull style ones setup with similar items tend to take ~ 15%-20% more torque without failure..... Subaru gearboxes break ALL THE TIME@!@!

Toyota uses a "pull style" clutch that has a very annoying assembly - common choice for subaru awd turbo/toyota rwd turbo cars also as well as ....VW beetles!!!! why? Because Dr. Porsche :)

the Pull style setups in mega power situations tend to last longer compared to similar equipped same gearing material etc push setups? This has been time tested in subaruland as the Gears are interchangable between both NA an turbo transmission case housings.

when you step on the clutch pedal with a "pull style" pressure plate its throw out bearing is fixed to the pressure plate, this stresses the imput shaft less in some ways I do not fully understand.

Perhaps talk to a trans guy who builds subarus rally trans, I used to have a good one in the midwest but no longer :(

I have a shop doing Getrag e46M 6 speed re-builds in overseas, they are making proprietary tools to handle it as standard Getrag set tools are not the same. I did not know of this division before, but will inquire if possible within the SF bay area network as there are many top end original BMW racing weapons here...

[A.J.]

Thanks for the great info Wanganstyle. It makes sense that there are very few people that can work on the s6s-420g if it requires special tools. Let me know if you hear about these tools making their way to a shop in the US or if your network has any leads...

[Wanganstyle]

Will do, getrag has closed off rebuilding boxes for the last decade ON PURPOSE!!! it's just business (gearbox monopoly)