The definitive transmission compatibility guide, with pictures

[Andy.B]

So you cannot put a an I tranny in an 87 or older E right?

Idk about the 88 seta, but regarding an 87, no, not without swapping the dual mass flywheel for a single mass flywheel.

[Bullhead]

Idk any the 88 seta, but regarding an 87, no, not without swapping the dual mass flywheel for a single mass flywheel.

Right on, the newer I's didn't have the bosses or provisions for the sensors either.

[Andy.B]

Right on, the newer I's didn't have the bosses or provisions for the sensors either.

Right. Basically, eta cars require eta transmissions

[Bullhead]

I'm learning, I'm a decent mechanic but back in the day I could throw money at cars, not a lot but I could roll into a parts store and spend $400 on parts needed. Now with 4 kids, wife and bills (not any different than other folks) I have to be much more resourceful lol. Anywayz back under the Hunnybadger, that's what I'm calling my car. My wife badgers me on it and it sounds mean at the same time lol.

[Bullhead]

Everything I have researched indicates that 87 and older E cars must have the trans with the longer bell housing and the holes or provisions to drill hole bosses for the speed sensors. This is due to the sensor location and the fact that the E cars have the Dual Mass flywheels. The later I cars can take a tranny from any E30 because the sensors are on the front of the engine and not the bell housing of the tranny, but if you get an older tranny with the 10mm longer bell housing it is advised but not completely necessary that you get the 323i throw out bearing.

[324tdi]

Funny that I just posted about the 265 trans. Found one in a junkyard Monday, noticed that engine had aluminum cover plate for trans, car was 1982 528e, had engine replaced from some sort of later ETA car, they retained the dual mass flywheel which will not work with shallow bellhousing. When I took the last bellhousing/engine bolt the trans backed itself off, all the bolts were under whatever pressure the clutch holds, maybe 200 lbs? I guess the car never moved again after engine change....poor owner.

So on my own 528e I now have ETA trans and single mass, clutch seems to work OK...

Al