5speed swap

[kjgraz]

Hello everyone , I have read/searched a bit about swapping the auto trans to a 5speed but i want some honest opinions. I have seen many threads saying "its super easy" i know it cant be that easy! I'm considering getting a 325xi auto. The auto trans doesn't really fly for me. I currently own a 325e auto sedan that i will be selling to a friend sometime this week. I really like the 325xi except for the whole auto thing!


Thanks, Kevin G

[TurboJake]

It's easy.
But good luck finding a manual trans for that 325IX.

[BrownBeanE30]

good luck dude its gonna be a pain but worth it

[325ix]

Be ready to pay, not only do you need the ix tranny but also the tcase and other parts. It may be worth it to wait for a manual ix.

[TwoJ's]

I've never done one, but I have purchased a complete "swap kit" and will be doing it once I find the time. There really isn't anything that is going to be too bad... it's more of a pain than truly difficult.

That being said, I recommend that you stay away from an automatic iX if you want a manual. To do the swap, you will need the parts from an iX, not a two wheel drive car. I am unsure which parts you'll need from an iX, but I assume it is just tranny and T-case, possibly the drive shaft also.

Disclaimer: I am basing this off of memory of what I have read and not actual experience, so you will need to verify -- it is possible that I am wrong.

[jeffnhiscars]

I did a 5spd swap in my 318i and was comparing notes with a guy who used to have an IX and as much as he wanted a 5spd, doing the swap on an IX was WAY too much trouble..his job...BMW parts guys.

FWIW