Late model 325e trans into '91 325i: Can I use "e" flywheel instead of euro bearing?

[redrocket328]

Hey guys, Im picking up a '91 325is tomorrow morning and have all the parts for an S50 swap on the way. In the mean time, my Grand Wagoneer is being worked on(not been so reliable lately) and I dont feel like driving the SpecE30 race car so, I want to throw a tranny in this car in the mean time to get it drivable until I have everything ready to do the swap.

I talked to a buddy of mine at the dealership and there is only one 323 throw out bearing in the country. It will take about 3 days to get here and I really want to get this tranny in tomorrow.

Question is, as I understand, the late 325e tranny has a larger bell housing and a large output flange. I can swap the output flange and need to use the 323 throw out bearing to compensate for the larger bell housing. Instead of using the 323 throw out bearing, can I swap the "e" flywheel onto the "i" motor to compensate for the larger bellhousing. Will the flywheel bolt on and will this work?

Thanks alot,
Rich Montoni

[Varinn]

As far as i understand it, the trans are all interchangeable. Flywheel differences depend on wether or not you have a single or dual mass unit, what style is yours?

[xwill112x]

Why do you want to use a 323i throw out bearing ? i thought for m20 stufff you just use the m20 tob?

[redrocket328]

As far as i understand it, the trans are all interchangeable. Flywheel differences depend on wether or not you have a single or dual mass unit, what style is yours?

In a way your are correct. They all bolt up together but early model Eta's have a different shift mechanism that needs to be modified and have a single mass flywheel(like the "i"). The late model Eta's have a larger output flange and a larger bellhousing along with using a doule mass flywheel. When using the late model "eta" tranny. You need to use a throw out bearing from a 323 to account for the large bellhousing and single mass flywheel.

[scottinAZ]

Yes, you can use the dual mass flywheel and clutch. as long as all pieces are matched (fly, disk, PP, throwout, trans) you should have no issues.

[Wanganstyle]

In a way your are correct. They all bolt up together but early model Eta's have a different shift mechanism that needs to be modified and have a single mass flywheel(like the "i"). The late model Eta's have a larger output flange and a larger bellhousing along with using a doule mass flywheel. When using the late model "eta" tranny. You need to use a throw out bearing from a 323 to account for the large bellhousing and single mass flywheel.

incorrect.

early model eta with sheet metal shifter carriers have deep bellhousings.

Late ETA like my 04/1987 has an identical SHALLOW BELL HOUSING G260 to a 1987-1993 325i unit - the only change was output flanges. I have both items on my shelf if you want to compare in person.

323i bearing is for EARLY deep bell transmissions; find the thread and measure your bellhousing to slave cylinder length.

late model ETA cars had dual mass flywheels. They are direct interchange with m20b25 "i" clutch setups.

I installed a complete late model m20b25 "i" thin fly and clutch set into my car with alpina m20 engine + original eta g260. removed dual mass and set it on the shelf.

g260 kept same throw out bearing:

cliffnotes for those hard of reading;


dual mass / single mass thin flywheel is direct interchange items. M20, M50, S52, M30 all interchange.

early stuff with DEEP bellhousing and sheet metal shifters = weird.

there are actually sheet metal shifter g260's with shallow bell housing, but we wont get into that discussion.

this is the g260 reference thread so you can know how to measure yours:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=109919

[long tall eta]

not to thread jack but, my eta is a 86 date of production 11/85. so is it an early or late?

[Wanganstyle]

not to thread jack but, my eta is a 86 date of production 11/85. so is it an early or late?

one kind r3v member made a nice thread to help figure out the bellhousing issue:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=109919

[Varinn]

I didn't realize there were different setups like that. I'm throwing a b25 in my 8/84 eta soon. Can I use my eta trans/flywheel without issue if I use an eta throwout bearing or do I need the b23 bearing? I know mine is single mass, but I heard it's a heavier single mass than the i so I plan on having it shaved.

TLDR: Will this work?
8/84 Eta trans
8/84 Eta flywheel (shaved)
8/84 Eta Throwout bearing
6/87 B25 motor

[Wanganstyle]

I didn't realize there were different setups like that. I'm throwing a b25 in my 8/84 eta soon. Can I use my eta trans/flywheel without issue if I use an eta throwout bearing or do I need the b23 bearing? I know mine is single mass, but I heard it's a heavier single mass than the i so I plan on having it shaved.

TLDR: Will this work?
8/84 Eta trans
8/84 Eta flywheel (shaved)
8/84 Eta Throwout bearing
6/87 B25 motor

no idea whats in your car, but if it works keep it and keep it working?

one kind r3v member made a nice thread to help figure out the bellhousing/flywheel/bearing issue.

I dont understand why it is so popular to talk about using a weird TOB. Not sure everyone mentioning it has actually used or needed it if used.
If you type in the last 7 digits of your vin number into realoem you will be able to pull up the clutch diagram and see what exact parts your car should have on it. You can verify transmission originality by checking for the VIN sticker on the transmission bell housing bottom.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=109919

[TobyB]

Late ETA like my 04/1987 has an identical SHALLOW BELL HOUSING G260 to a 1987-1993 325i unit - the only change was output flanges. I have both items on my shelf if you want to compare in person.

and yet, amusingly, I have an original 2/86 eta that has the cast aluminum shifter,
dual mass flywheel, and a bellhousing that measures the same depth as the one
from the 6/90i that it's sitting right next to...

t