ABS units & newer transmissions

[Caperix]

The e30 is my wife's car, so one of her requirements is an automatic transmission. I would like to swap in either a m54 or an n52 in to it. The auto transmissions paired to those engines are dependent on the dsc module for proper operation.
So I am researching abs upgrades compadable with newer transmission electronics. I figure the MK60 unit may be the easiest solution, late z3 axles could be used & it has been shown to work without the steering angle sensor & rotation rate sensor wired. So that would limit me to 5 speed autos with external modules. I would prefer to step up a generation to e90 transmissions. That would be 6 speed autos with internal modules, or my preference the 7 speed dct.
These cars use the dsc MK60e5 module with PT can communication. I have not been able to find anything about running this unit stand-alone other than there is a race only version of it.
Does anyone have any experience in swapping a newer dsc module into the e30 or making a newer transmission work without can/pt-can data. I know there are some standalone transmission controllers but none seem to be plug & play. Maybe I am wrong, but I feel an abs upgrade would be easier than making a full custom transmission map.

[Tofflemire]

The e30 is my wife's car, so one of her requirements is an automatic transmission. I would like to swap in either a m54 or an n52 in to it. The auto transmissions paired to those engines are dependent on the dsc module for proper operation.
So I am researching abs upgrades compadable with newer transmission electronics. I figure the MK60 unit may be the easiest solution, late z3 axles could be used & it has been shown to work without the steering angle sensor & rotation rate sensor wired. So that would limit me to 5 speed autos with external modules. I would prefer to step up a generation to e90 transmissions. That would be 6 speed autos with internal modules, or my preference the 7 speed dct.
These cars use the dsc MK60e5 module with PT can communication. I have not been able to find anything about running this unit stand-alone other than there is a race only version of it.
Does anyone have any experience in swapping a newer dsc module into the e30 or making a newer transmission work without can/pt-can data. I know there are some standalone transmission controllers but none seem to be plug & play. Maybe I am wrong, but I feel an abs upgrade would be easier than making a full custom transmission map.

Hey, have you managed to solve this problem? Some feedback would be very helpful!


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[Caperix]

I have not worked on swapping the abs yet. I am leaning towards a mk60e5 out of a e60 m5, but will probably wait until I am ready to swap engines & transmissions.

[Tofflemire]

I have not worked on swapping the abs yet. I am leaning towards a mk60e5 out of a e60 m5, but will probably wait until I am ready to swap engines & transmissions.

Sorry ahah I meant the transmission swap


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[Caperix]

There are some standalone controllers for the zf8 transmission that get good reviews. The zf8 is a very good auto, but still feels a little disconnected compared to the dct, the current aftermarket controllers for the dct require modifying the internal transmission module.
The zf8 auto would be the easy option & the aftermarket controllers may solve the abs issue. What engine are you putting in your car?

[Tofflemire]

There are some standalone controllers for the zf8 transmission that get good reviews. The zf8 is a very good auto, but still feels a little disconnected compared to the dct, the current aftermarket controllers for the dct require modifying the internal transmission module.
The zf8 auto would be the easy option & the aftermarket controllers may solve the abs issue. What engine are you putting in your car?

Thanks for the input!

So, I have an '89 316i M40B16 with a zf4hp22

I do a lot of highway driving so the 4-gear trans is really not helping.

I am looking to swap a M42B18 or maybe a M43B19

I can't switch to manual trans for insurance policy related stuff…. Also I like the auto…


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[ForcedFirebird]

The e30 ABS is already stand alone, it does not communicate with the ECU.

[Caperix]

The newer transmission modules look for wheel speed info from the abs/dsc module for proper operation with the factory module.
I think the m40 4 cylinders use the same transmission pattern as the m20/m5x 6 cylinders. A zf6 transmission from an early e60 should bolt up, I don't know if there are aftermarket controllers for it.

[Tofflemire]

The newer transmission modules look for wheel speed info from the abs/dsc module for proper operation with the factory module.
I think the m40 4 cylinders use the same transmission pattern as the m20/m5x 6 cylinders. A zf6 transmission from an early e60 should bolt up, I don't know if there are aftermarket controllers for it.

Going to check this out asap!! Thanks for the input


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[Tofflemire]

The newer transmission modules look for wheel speed info from the abs/dsc module for proper operation with the factory module.
I think the m40 4 cylinders use the same transmission pattern as the m20/m5x 6 cylinders. A zf6 transmission from an early e60 should bolt up, I don't know if there are aftermarket controllers for it.

The newer transmission modules look for wheel speed info from the abs/dsc module for proper operation with the factory module.
I think the m40 4 cylinders use the same transmission pattern as the m20/m5x 6 cylinders. A zf6 transmission from an early e60 should bolt up, I don't know if there are aftermarket controllers for it.

Going to check this out asap!! Thanks for the input


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[Caperix]

https://htg-tuning.com/gcu/

They say they support both the zf6 & zf8 speed autos.

[Tofflemire]

https://htg-tuning.com/gcu/
They say they support both the zf6 & zf8 speed autos.

I would like to add that I am a complete newbie.. is this controller mandatory? What would it do exactly in this situation?


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[Tofflemire]

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[Caperix]

The controller would be needed in a swap. The transmission will be looking for engine speed data via can, that your dme may not support & wheel speed data from the dcs module that your car will not have. The controller will let the transmission operate with the speed & rpm data your car has. You may not get torque reduction on gear shifts like the factory software, but it should drive & shift.
I have not used these myself but they have been around for various transmission sense electronic transmission control became common.