IX Manual Swap - Where to Find Parts / Other Options

[Steiner]

I recently acquired an IX with an automatic transmission. I'd really like to put a manual transmission in the car, but understand the 5 speed transmission for the IX is unique. Also, the automatic transfer case currently installed will need to be replaced with a transfer case for a manual transmission.

I'm having a hard time finding these parts. I figured this was as good of time as any to pick brains about the best places to look and/or see if there are other options/adapters that can be used (i.e. an adapter on a 5 speed out of a 325I).

Suggestions?

[Alpinerunner]

I recently acquired an IX with an automatic transmission. I'd really like to put a manual transmission in the car, but understand the 5 speed transmission for the IX is unique. Also, the automatic transfer case currently installed will need to be replaced with a transfer case for a manual transmission.

I'm having a hard time finding these parts. I figured this was as good of time as any to pick brains about the best places to look and/or see if there are other options/adapters that can be used (i.e. an adapter on a 5 speed out of a 325I).

Suggestions?

I think the easiest route is to buy a cheap 5-spd car that is either rusted out or being parted out. You can find a complete cars for what it would cost to buy what you need separately

[nando]

Unfortunately you need the ix transmission and transfercase. The good news is, there rest of the parts are pretty much the same. The only other difference is the shift console and lever are ix-specific.

[Steiner]

Another random - somewhat related thought - is it possible to rebuild an existing transfer case? I have a manual transfer case that likely needs to be rebuilt in my daily driver. Is there a vendor recommended for this kind of service?

[nando]

yeah it's not that bad of a DIY actually. I don't think there are any vendors here that will do that, maybe a transmission shop.

If you have a manual housing you can swap the front half of the case onto your auto transfercase. Internally they are the same.

[The Dark Side of Will]

OP will also need the input shaft for manual trans configuration, as well as a couple of needle bearings that stay with the auto transmission when it and the T-case are split.