Sorry but Anither Tranny conversion thread

[0hMyGod]

I have sc'd 328 with step. and My next mod will be tranny swap (which will be before winter)
Would get 5 speed or 6 speeed? and Why?
All I know is 6 speed will cost a lot more since it's hard to find used, and I want to know if it's worth it.
and I'm planning to go further with my car.(when the technik kits come out :woot: )
Any input would be greatly appreciated. :bow:

Leo

[HighBoostin330]

I have sc'd 328 with step. and My next mod will be tranny swap (which will be before winter)
Would get 5 speed or 6 speeed? and Why?
All I know is 6 speed will cost a lot more since it's hard to find used, and I want to know if it's worth it.
and I'm planning to go further with my car.(when the technik kits come out :woot: )
Any input would be greatly appreciated. :bow:

Leo

Pick the 6speed so you have more torque output, but do not sacriface the top end of your car. The 6speeds have been out for a while, so they should be easier to find then in 2004. The 6speed is definitely worth it if your going to run a high differential because the 6th gear will lower your cruising RPM.

[bernstem]

The five speed is proven. The six speed is a bit more of an unknown, but probably just as strong (there was recently a thread on this very subject - I would search for it). Mike Benvo is running 330+RWHP with the six speed and no problems so far.

My recommendation is to go with the six speed. You will have a lower final gear ratio so you can use a higher ratio rear differential. I have a 5 speed and wish I had the 6 speed. If I ever need a new transmission - I would go with the 6 speed.

[crazy1323]

yes, but if he has lots of power the 5 and 6 speeds have the exact same gears just the 6 speed has an over drive gear. If he runs anything higher than a 3.38 he will just spin 1st all day long.

[0hMyGod]

Now that I am set my mind on 6-spee I heard that m3 tranny will fit? Can anyone confirm?

[meel330]

no, if anything you need the whole rear axle also + driveshaft + tranny..whole mess

[0hMyGod]

:( OH well... 330 6speed it is. :smokin:

[Mike Benvo]

:( OH well... 330 6speed it is. :smokin:
I have my complete 5 speed setup for sale. It has the same gearing pretty much as the six speed.

[Oshin02]

so the 6th speed is there just for an overdrive? everything else is the same?
yes, but if he has lots of power the 5 and 6 speeds have the exact same gears just the 6 speed has an over drive gear. If he runs anything higher than a 3.38 he will just spin 1st all day long.

[Mike Benvo]

so the 6th speed is there just for an overdrive? everything else is the same?
Almost correct.

The first and second gear ratios of the 6 speed are a tad bit more agressive.
For example, the 6 speed has a 4.31:1 1st gear ratio, whereas the 5 speed has a 4:21:1 ratio. Hardly anything you would notice. The only reason I changed from a 5 speed to a 6 speed is because I wanted to run a very agressive differential, and not be so close to redline all the time.

Still have a full 5 speed conversion for sale...

[Oshin02]

I have a ZHP in step and I was considerign converting. By any means, would you happen to know what my diff. ratio is? Also, how would the 5-speed manual setup be with my diff.? Thanks!
Almost correct.

The first and second gear ratios of the 6 speed are a tad bit more agressive.
For example, the 6 speed has a 4.31:1 1st gear ratio, whereas the 5 speed has a 4:21:1 ratio. Hardly anything you would notice. The only reason I changed from a 5 speed to a 6 speed is because I wanted to run a very agressive differential, and not be so close to redline all the time.

Still have a full 5 speed conversion for sale...

[supergripen]

I have my complete 5 speed setup for sale. It has the same gearing pretty much as the six speed.

hi Mike..fab car.i'm interested in doing a step to manual swap.been asking around in KL and no one seems to have a clue..at the very most they would say its a costly and time consuming job and that can't do it!!!:dunno:

what does the swap involve in terms of parts and also work to be done?? i heard the ECU and ABS needs to be changed as well..would the cost be worth it?

thanx..:)

[bmw_chuzo]

I have also a question. What about the PDC (parking distance control) and the tilt down passenger side mirror? :dunno:

[supergripen]

hi Mike..fab car.i'm interested in doing a step to manual swap.been asking around in KL and no one seems to have a clue..at the very most they would say its a costly and time consuming job and that can't do it!!!:dunno:

what does the swap involve in terms of parts and also work to be done?? i heard the ECU and ABS needs to be changed as well..would the cost be worth it?

thanx..:)

bump!!

[Stealthwagen]

I have sc'd 328 with step. and My next mod will be tranny swap (which will be before winter)
Would get 5 speed or 6 speeed? and Why?
All I know is 6 speed will cost a lot more since it's hard to find used, and I want to know if it's worth it.
and I'm planning to go further with my car.(when the technik kits come out :woot: )
Any input would be greatly appreciated. :bow:

Leo

I spent a lot of time looking for used 6-spd trannies with no luck. Finally checked with my local dealer on a RMFD unit. List $2765 Net $2350.25 after 15% BMWCCA discount (your mileage may vary). Add to that a $200 core charge and you have a 6-spd with 2-yr factory warranty for $2550.

A lot more than a used 5-spd, but I a good value IMHO.

Godd luck.

[Mike Benvo]

hi Mike..fab car.i'm interested in doing a step to manual swap.been asking around in KL and no one seems to have a clue..at the very most they would say its a costly and time consuming job and that can't do it!!!:dunno:

what does the swap involve in terms of parts and also work to be done?? i heard the ECU and ABS needs to be changed as well..would the cost be worth it?

thanx..:)

Thanks.

As far as the swap, it's not that difficult providing you have knowledge of the car. You would need the tranny itself, driveshaft, clutch, flywheel, all of the linkages and hydraulic systems, pedals, ssk, and the misc parts in between. I picked up my ZHP tranny for 1300 shipp, out of a car that had 7800 miles on it. The cost is worth it if you plan on keeping the car, and running a hige diff ratio. It made a huge difference in my car by allowing me to run that higher ratio, and by keeping the rev's down on the freeway with the use of 6th gear.

The ABS system should have nothing to do with the swap. The DME should be reprogrammed which can be done with a GT1, but I don't think it has to be. It should run without the reprogramming. You will have a light on your instrument cluster where the gear indicator is as well, because the manual and auto cars have different clusters.

[Mike Benvo]

I have also a question. What about the PDC (parking distance control) and the tilt down passenger side mirror? :dunno:

You lose that function, and you have to get the reverse lights wired up differently as well.

[Stealthwagen]

[QUOTE=Mike Benvo]Thanks.

.... I picked up my ZHP tranny for 1300 shipp, out of a car that had 7800 miles on it. .....

Mike, that's a great deal on the tranny. Did you find a private deal or do you work with a salvage yard? I can't seem to find any salvage outfits that carry much 2002 or newer inventory. Any pointers would be appreciated.

[supergripen]

Thanks.

As far as the swap, it's not that difficult providing you have knowledge of the car. You would need the tranny itself, driveshaft, clutch, flywheel, all of the linkages and hydraulic systems, pedals, ssk, and the misc parts in between. I picked up my ZHP tranny for 1300 shipp, out of a car that had 7800 miles on it. The cost is worth it if you plan on keeping the car, and running a hige diff ratio. It made a huge difference in my car by allowing me to run that higher ratio, and by keeping the rev's down on the freeway with the use of 6th gear.

The ABS system should have nothing to do with the swap. The DME should be reprogrammed which can be done with a GT1, but I don't think it has to be. It should run without the reprogramming. You will have a light on your instrument cluster where the gear indicator is as well, because the manual and auto cars have different clusters.

hey thanx Mike..i'm assuming that what u've said applies to my 328i as well right?? well,i'm not as ambitious..i'd be happy even with the 5speed manual.its very difficult to find a 6speed tranny here in KL..BMW Malaysia doesn't even offer a manual 330i here let alone the 6speed Sport.bummer!!yeah..i know.we're kinda short on the choices that we have here..

once again,thanx Mike:thumbup:

[HighBoostin330]

Thanks.

As far as the swap, it's not that difficult providing you have knowledge of the car. You would need the tranny itself, driveshaft, clutch, flywheel, all of the linkages and hydraulic systems, pedals, ssk, and the misc parts in between. I picked up my ZHP tranny for 1300 shipp, out of a car that had 7800 miles on it. The cost is worth it if you plan on keeping the car, and running a hige diff ratio. It made a huge difference in my car by allowing me to run that higher ratio, and by keeping the rev's down on the freeway with the use of 6th gear.

The ABS system should have nothing to do with the swap. The DME should be reprogrammed which can be done with a GT1, but I don't think it has to be. It should run without the reprogramming. You will have a light on your instrument cluster where the gear indicator is as well, because the manual and auto cars have different clusters.

I remember Zolti had to do some DME reprogramming to my car. What he did exactly I do not remember.

[bmw_chuzo]

You lose that function, and you have to get the reverse lights wired up differently as well.


Well maybe the tilt down mirror, but also de PDC ? :cry:

[Mike Benvo]

Well maybe the tilt down mirror, but also de PDC ? :cry:

I would assume you would lose that too. That can probably be reprogrammed though.

[bmw_chuzo]

I would assume you would lose that too. That can probably be reprogrammed though.

thanks mike.

I am also interested doing a swap, but getting the idea of loosing my pdc had made me sad :bawling:

btw.. you have a nice car..