basically, Im in the market for a 325i/is/ix preferably....manual. But I havent come across something I like yet. Now my question is... how reliable would a transmission conversion be? and how much would it cost? I found a few automatics that were in good shape but I really dont want an a/t. Think its a good idea to do that swap? thanks for the input!
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well as long as it's done right it should be just as reliable as if it had come from the factory with a 5 speed. don't reuse worn out parts, use proper assembly techniques and it will be fine. plus much of the time automatic cars are in nicer shape too.. -
yea I figured .... why not buy an a/t e30 and just do the swap, being the a/t are less prone to abuse than m/t. now how much you think Im looking to spend, parts + labor. I might even consider doing the swap myself just to save that labor money. hahaComment
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The cost of this project will be determined by what you wind up paying for a used transmission, driveshaft, pressure plate, pedal box, etc, and what the new clutch master & slave, clutch, shifter bushings, trans mounts, center bearing, guibo, bolts, etc, cost. If you chase the parts down yourself it will be cheaper than buying a 5-speed conversion kit from someplace like Euro Depot ($1200), but possibly not a lot cheaper.
The task really isn't much more difficult than changing a clutch on a car that came with a manual transmission. If you have the job done it will probably be 6-8 labor hours at a shop.
This only applies to a i or is. An ix would be a different matter.The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
Jim Levie, Huntsville, ALComment
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the ix wouldn't be much different. you'd have to pull the front driveshaft, but that takes 15 minutes at the most. and with the ix, the auto and manual both use the same rear driveshaft (which is one peice, so no CSB to deal with either).Comment
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does anyone know of all the components needed for a swap cause im also looking into swapping my ix to 5spdComment
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if you wanna do it yourself and source the parts, it will run you minimum of ~$700, considering all the parts are new 'cept for tranny/driveshaft/pedals/brake fld. res.sigpicComment
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ix guys don't need a driveshaft, but you need to make sure your 5 speed comes with a 5-speed specific transfer case.Comment
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