Auto to Manual Swap. Few Questions.

[SpecRaceM5]

I did a search and I think I have come up with a list of everything I need. I have a few questions though.

What does the rear mounting bracket for the manual tranny look like.

Just want to double check are the drive shaft for the sedan and coupe the same?

Someone mentioned a center support bearing. what is this?

I was looking on bav auto for parts and next to the pilot bearing they listed a pilot bearing cap and seal. Is this neccesary? what is its purpose?

I think that is it for now. There are a few parts I will be looking for but i'll post it in the wtb section when the time comes.

[nando]

man, everyone gives me crap about how hard it must be to swap a manual into a 325ix.. I think you 325i guys have it worse by far! I don't have to change anything on my car except add the slave/master cylinders, minor wiring, and pedals!

anyway, to answer your questions:

1) yes, coupe/sedan driveshafts are the same, but auto/5 speed are not (I assume you know this).

2) E30s use a 2 peice driveshaft, with a bearing in the center (center support bearing) to keep things smooth. you should get a new one when you swap driveshafts, since you have to remove it anyway. be sure to read up on proper CSB installation, it can be messed up if done wrong.

3) the pilot bearing is in the end of the crank; the shaft from the transmission is centered in it. It's a good idea to replace it if you have the tranny out of the way, although I'm not sure how often they go bad.

[SpecRaceM5]

Thanks for the help nando. As for the pilot bearing, I plan on replacing this, I was curious about the pilot bearing CAP AND SEAL. Any idea?

[nando]

I would just get all the parts related to it, they're cheap.