m30 tranny question

[hella 325]

does the m30 bolt directly to the getrag for an m20? if not is there a conversion plate you gan get? what tranny do most people use? thanks.

[Jonsku]

M20 tranny doesn't fit. Bolt holes have different pattern. You need a e30 m3 or original m30 transmission..

[george graves]

I used a 265 on my m30 swap. But you can also use a 260/5 (e21?) tranny.

The 265 is suspose to be stonger - keep in mind it is about 2" longer.

[hella 325]

keep in mind it is about 2" longer.

what effect does that have?

[ryan_george]

keep in mind it is about 2" longer.

what effect does that have?

Need a new driveshaft?

[george graves]

Yea - aks rs4pro about it.

[rs4pro3]

Ya with the standard m30 gearbox and 87 e30 325e driveshaft bolts right in, mine has been in for a month with no issues. If you go witht he 265 you'll then have to shorten the driveshaft so it depends on your budget.

[george graves]

I went for a full driveshaft rebuild. New oem u-joints, shortened and rebalanced.

I paid $150 for the DS (out of a e30 m3) and another 600 for the rebuild.

One of the great things about m30 swaps are that they can be done on the cheap (not to say I did)...so using the eta DS section really makes this a hot swap.

not for the timid though.

...

[hella 325]

koo so the m30, 260 tranny and 325e ds bolt right in?

[rs4pro3]

Yes only the 87 325e driveshaft, it's the only year with the larger flange

[george graves]

Ely, what tranny brace did you use?

I used the e30 m3 brace with e30 m3 tranny rubber mounts. Fit like a dream.

[88325isboy]

you can get the 1978 535is tranny then get the 633csi automatic driveshaft and that will bolt right up too. plus you will be using the big six driveshaft and we had no problems with that set up at all.
Bobby

[rs4pro3]

E30 5-speed crossmember and mounts, but I had to put some shims under the mounts to raise the rear of the Tranny. the 87 eta driveshaft has the Large flange identical to the m30. I'd heard about the 633 driveshaft and tried a manual one but no go so I guese it was the auto.

[88325isboy]

ya putting that big6 driveshaft in was really good and never broke any thing on the driveline, ya it had to be auto. or else it would have to be cut to size.
Bobby