The definitive transmission compatibility guide, with pictures

[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

[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.

[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.

[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]

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]

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]

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

[Andy.B]

I would love it if you could measure the other transmissions and post up what you find.

I don't know for sure if large flange means dual mass flywheel. That would actually make sense.

And as far as the euro cars/265 goes, I have no idea. Please let us know what you find!

[324tdi]

But what about the 82 528e, euro type 13.8 lb flywheel, m20 and 265 gearbox...I just swapped in a 325e large flange trans 260 trans with that light flywheel...

Am I doomed??

I have a bunch of transmissions laying around, think I will measure some. Is dual mass, deeper bellhousing large output dependant??

Another problem is I have seen people switch to the dogbone type shifter on a trans from an eta that has provisions for both shifters, gotta plug one of those plate shifter holes!

Thanks

al

[TobyB]

I have a tranny sitting in my garage.

I can't believe we let that one just... sit there...

hee

t

[Andy.B]

And now his sig makes sense…
I just thought he was a ball swinger all this time. Live and learn...

This is his last day of being sig famous. It will have been 3 months at midnight. In other news, the position will be open shortly!

[Ether-D]

And now his sig makes sense…
I just thought he was a ball swinger all this time. Live and learn...

[AwakenNoMore]

Well I learned something. Apparently my eta trans a long bellhousing, both shift carriers and a small output shaft. Looks like I'm buying a 323 bearing for my swap.

[LJ851]

Haha, your new sig.


I have a '83 trans in my '89 with a 323 flywheel but i cant remember what TO bearing i used. I do recall measuring a couple trans to decide which one to buy.

[Andy.B]

Damn, you just won't quit will you ?

Haha. Nope. But now that we have pictures of both, there is concrete proof that there is a 1/4 inch difference between the eta transmissions with a late style shift carrier, and an i transmission.

Shoot me a pm to claim your prize!

I would still love this thread to have a picture of the depth of an early eta with the stamped shift carrier provisions, to see if there is a split between early and late eta transmissions with the same part numbers.