86 "es" to 89 "i" tranny swap

[MikeE30325i]

will the tranny from an 86 325es bolt up to an 89 325i? i am looking into picking up an 89 325i, but it is auto, and i was gonna do a manual swap. if it is possible.

anything extra i would need for the swap?

thanks

[jlevie]

I believe that the 86 should have a Getrag 260, which will bolt up to the M20B25 in the 89. You don't need the timing reference sensors in the 86's bellhousing, but otherwise the transmission is compatible. The usual rules apply for all of the other bit n pieces needed.

[MikeE30325i]

I believe that the 86 should have a Getrag 260, which will bolt up to the M20B25 in the 89. You don't need the timing reference sensors in the 86's bellhousing, but otherwise the transmission is compatible. The usual rules apply for all of the other bit n pieces needed.

very nice. do i have to mod the dash or anything to add the clutch pedal?

[NC325iC]

theres threads on how to do the swap... search

[jlevie]

very nice. do i have to mod the dash or anything to add the clutch pedal?

Neither car has an airbag, so you can swap the pedal box over.

[DJB]

You should verify that the 1986 transmission has the ears for mounting the aluminum shift brace ("console"). The ears were added to the casting in late '85 or early '86 production, somewhat before the switch away from the sheet metal console. If you have the old style of case, the bracket for the Getrag 265 used on the e30 M3 may work to mount the aluminum brace.