is this a stupid move to do to an E30 ?

[kway]

Agreed. Forget the s5x for now but definitely do the manual swap. Mike Miller once told me, "God has a special place in heaven for guys who convert BMW automatics."

[evandael]

I would keep the m20 but definitely manual swap it

[McGyver]

If you've got the cash for either an s50 or s52, go for it! You'll have a lot more fun than with the m20 and it's a relatively easy and well documented swap. Or you could go m30b35 for a cheaper fun swap. I just wouldn't suggest m50, m52, or any m30 that isn't a b35 unless you're going to boost the car because:
-You'll add some power, but not really enough to be worth the work IMO
-the m20 is plenty reliable, so swapping one of those engines for reliability doesnt make much sense
-they've all been done enough that it isnt rare or crazy cool anymore

That said, go ahead and swap the tranny, who cares? you're only going to sell the car to an enthusiast, so the car will be worth more with a 5-speed. I doubt you picked up a garage queen e30 for $1500, you'll enjoy it more with a manual, so make the car "yours" and go for the swap!

[TurboJake]

Not a perfect car = not a perfect collectors item.

Do what you want. Just, for the love of god, don't hackslash it.

[word is bond]

Unless this thing is an "all original" museum piece, a manual swap would only increase its value. S52 probably would to. M20s are great, but not all that special.

[JinormusJ]

Tell them to stuff it.

No one wants an automatic e30; and if someone has one, I guarantee a manual transmission swap is part of their build. Like Barry said: e30s are a market control by the enthusiast, so doing a 5-speed swap will only add to the car's value. Having 3 swaps under my belt, I can attest to the fact people want a 5-speed standard car over a 4-speed auto

[reelizmpro]

There's nothing particularly special about an 88 325iS other than being an "iS" package which isn't rare. Enthusiasts tend to like manual transmissions for good reason and they are the ones who set the market on these cars so doing a 5 speed conversion is actually a good thing. S50 swap is a plus as well assuming the car isn't some pristine museum quality low miles car that deserves to be preserved.

[helalo]

i bought an e30 1988 325is black.....automatic . 1 owner car, 9/10 in and out.
i got it for 1500$ :) and i think this is the best deal i can get on such a clean E30.

i work for a private german repair facility and the guy i bought it from is a customer of ours for 18 years. the car leaks from the headgasket, is due for a timing belt, and the tech said the trans needs to be resealed, all of it.

i mentioned i plan to swap the transmission to a 5 speed and the tech and manager said that would be a stupid move to do to a classic car

so my headgasket leaks(maybe head needs to be reworked - i need to check the old invoices for the car we stored), my transmission needs a reseal, and its due for a timing belt.

they think its stupid to swap it...and now im not only thinking of swapping but also putting a e36 m3 engine in it. theres an M3 engine and transmission in our area for 2200$.

is it a bad move ? what engines and trans are best recommended for E30s for daily and spirited driving ?