M3 trans in my 325i?

[Exodus_2pt0]

This morning I have stumbled across a reason to believe that I have an M transmission in my 325i. I knew that the 5-speed had been swapped in, but no idea where it came from... Which has lead me on my adventure.

Yesterday AM I ordered a tailshaft seal and selector shaft seal from CQ. When I recieved the seals I didn't think anything of them. Installed the tailshaft seal without issue, then moved on to the selector shaft seal.

First off, that seal sucked. I ended up notching a flat head screwdriver and yanking it out. Didn't take long, just figuring how to go about the task did.

I attempted to install the new seal and realized that there was no way in hell that tiny thing would fit over the selector shaft. (get you damn mind out of the gutter, this is serious!)

Headed back to CQ, Looked at an image of a seal for a 91 trans and it looked like it would fit. (And explains why this transmission likes ATF so much more than gear oil)

This morning I went to pick up the new part, with the original in hand.... Still too small, by about 2 mm. What. The. Hell. My parts guy decides to look up an M3 for shits and giggles, and vuala, a direct match.

So... My question, does this mean anything other than nothing? I tried to find some info but to no avail. This car is a regular I and also has an LSD installed. I am beginning to wonder if someone raped a M3 for its diff and transmission.

[Exodus_2pt0]

that is, if it is even a M3 trans, I don't know if the bellhousings are different... Just looking to find out what the hell is in my car.

[lifeiskaos]

It could have a g265 with an m20 bell housing...

[nando]

M3 what?

the S14 trans will not bolt to an M20. The E36 M3 trans is just a common ZF320. It's unlikely you have a 6-speed 420g.

basically, I don't think there's any reason to believe you have an "M3" trans in your car. I bet you just had the wrong part.

[jlevie]

The numbers on the left side of the transmission should tell what you have.

[Exodus_2pt0]

basically, I don't think there's any reason to believe you have an "M3" trans in your car. I bet you just had the wrong part.

You're right, it was the wrong part. However every model we looked up for this selector shaft seal was incorrect (pictures of each one). When we looked up the m3, it was the correct seal.


Edit: says 260 on the side of the trans. Oh and don't confuse my interest with hopes and dreams. I couldn't care less what trans is in this car, it just helps a whole lot when it comes to finding parts. :)

[nando]

I think your mistake was getting them at a chain parts store. half of the time the parts they have listed to fit any given BMW are wrong. Hell, I got plug wires for my Subaru that their computer said fit, but they were like 3" too short.

also, if you ever do another selector shaft seal - just put the new one overtop the old one. much easier and faster, and no risk of scratching the mount surface..

[jlevie]

With 260 on the side of the transmission it should use part 23121282394 for the selector shaft seal. That seal is a 15x21x5mm seal. meaning that the shaft size is 15mm, the seal diameter is 21mm, and the seal is 5mm thick. Your dealer or most any of the on-line parts houses can supply the seal.

[Exodus_2pt0]

With 260 on the side of the transmission it should use part 23121282394 for the selector shaft seal. That seal is a 15x21x5mm seal. meaning that the shaft size is 15mm, the seal diameter is 21mm, and the seal is 5mm thick. Your dealer or most any of the on-line parts houses can supply the seal.

Thank you good sir! Sounds right from looking at it.

[85e325]

Has anybody bolted a E46 m3 six speed to the back of a M20? I haven't been able to find any info on it...