Hypothetical Question

[matthew-mayhem]

you definetly cant go wrong on an E30 they are great, depends how much time you are going to put in, like others say you can swap, but an e30 is still an e30 i would be happy with auto, but much prefer a manuel, wait until you find other car, or get this one! cant go wrong, oh and autos have usually less wear and cheaper to fix

[Funkmasta]

if youre lucky, this car could have a 4.10 LSD

[Digitalwave]

if youre lucky, this car could have a 4.10 LSD

It's too early of a model.

Having done the 5 speed swap, I wouldn't do it again... but have fun.

[rede30]

I say pull the motor when you do it. A little bit more time but you can clean stuff, and get maintence done. Its easier to do it this way, like i said, just more time. I would rather be moving forward longer than stopped for a shorter time.

[winstontj]

Having done the 5 speed swap, I wouldn't do it again... but have fun.

The auto to 5-spd swap is one of the worst... scratch that - it was the worst project I have ever undertaken. With that said it is also THE BEST and MOST REWARDING upgrade you can ever do to the car. The transmission is nothing - Pedal box is the bear IMO. There is TONS of help out there and it's really not that bad. If you have changed a few clutches you'll be fine doing the swap. I would agree that pulling the motor and trans at the same time would be ideal. Clean out & detail the engine bay, put a stroker in there & a 5-speed, LW flywheel & you'll be very happy. Don't let it discourage you... but take your time and budget and DOUBLE IT... then you'll be in the ballpark. People don't realize all the little extras that come up... fasteners, stuff breaks, you want to replace everything, you'll make mistakes, pedal box & wiring, etc.I've done it on a few e21's now... no e30's but it's probably the same job. Good luck!

[Tavern Gnome]

thanks guys. I was thinking about just going out and finding a cheap 5 speed parts car. Is there any other odd ball parts that the other won't have? Should I just try to find an 88 car for parts? Thanks,

Ryan

[Tavern Gnome]

Awesome Vert, what are the plans, well besides manual swap?

Well first off it needs to be slammed...like this weekend haha. I'm not for sure on my plans for the car yet. Lower it, 5sp, plastic bumpers, some cool wheels, then I'll probably just take care of any worn stuff and make it look perfect. Im excited!

[Super Sedan]

thanks guys. I was thinking about just going out and finding a cheap 5 speed parts car. Is there any other odd ball parts that the other won't have? Should I just try to find an 88 car for parts? Thanks,

Ryan

I finished my 5-speed swap a couple weeks ago. It was a bear and took forever, but I took a lot of breaks and nights off. It seemed like we kept making progress, but then found we were missing something or something needed to be replaced. Try to get access to a lift. In the end, I am very happy I did it.

The only real differences in swap parts from one E30 to another are that the ETA transmissions have two holes in the bellhousing for sensors that a B25 does not have. Also, sometime in 1986, BMW changed over from a sheet metal shift console to an aluminum unit. A lot of people recommend the aluminum, but I stayed with the sheet metal and it is working great for me.

[benDASHDASH]

Tavern Gnome - nice avatar

[Tavern Gnome]

Tavern Gnome - nice avatar

Thanks, let me know if you want a shirt.