325xi Auto to 6 speed swap.

Finally found a good deal on a used 03+ 330xi 6 speed transmission. At the moment I'm gathering parts for the swap, I'll update this thread with developments as they happen.

Parts:
-2003+ 330xi 6 speed Transmission

-6 speed JB Racing LTW Flywheel

-330xi Clutch Kit (I picked up a NIB ZHP Clutch - It doesn't share the same part number as the 330xi but from my research they are virtually identical)
-330xi Clutch release fork, clip and bushing (I like to replace these when I do a clutch)
-325xi Rear Main Seal (again just some PM)
-330xi Complete shifter linkage assembly (I got this all from the dealer with a z4 3.0 shifter, as I don't like how tall xi shifts sit- might need some modification to fit properly)
-Pedals and Hydraulics (I picked all this up used locally off a 01 325i as it isn't XI specific)
-Also picked up a nice illuminated 6 speed m3 shift boot/knob combo

Now I just have to see if that 6 speed box bolts up to my early transfer case *fingers crossed*

^its been tried and it doesn't bolt up. I believe only one of the bolt holes is in a different location. I believe it's possible with minor modification. TC case is cast aluminum not steel btw.

Originally Posted by Kubica

^its been tried and it doesn't bolt up. I believe only one of the bolt holes is in a different location. I believe it's possible with minor modification. TC case is cast aluminum not steel btw.

Oh ok, do you know if the gear splines mesh/work?

Youre gonna LOVE it with 3.46 diffs. Your car is going to be a fkng rocket ship...

have you looked on realoem to see the difference?

Originally Posted by GotVANOS?

Youre gonna LOVE it with 3.46 diffs. Your car is going to be a fkng rocket ship...

have you looked on realoem to see the difference?

Yeah, I went 6 speed so that revs would be reasonable on the highway. 'box is supposed to show up tomorrow

got the pedals in

Originally Posted by redbull 325is

Oh ok, do you know if the gear splines mesh/work?

I believe so, but I'm not sure.

Originally Posted by GotVANOS?

Youre gonna LOVE it with 3.46 diffs. Your car is going to be a fkng rocket ship...

have you looked on realoem to see the difference?

+1. Did you do the 3.46 swap into an MT car? Such a great mod.

Subbed. I have a feeling I'll be doing this eventually.

I'm gonna be jelly of your 3.46s.

Keep posting pics! When youre done you MUST post a video of the acceleration.

Heck just make a DIY while youre at it. I dont believe there is a DIY for an **XI** auto to manual swap.

Originally Posted by GotVANOS?

Keep posting pics! When youre done you MUST post a video of the acceleration.

Heck just make a DIY while youre at it. I dont believe there is a DIY for an **XI** auto to manual swap.

I'll make note of the differences required to do the swap on the xi (driveline stuff) and post my findings here. I'm currently away from home so i probably won't get to it until mid jan.

Definitely want to see this DIY! Please keep us posted!

subd as well

could very interesting to see final result with comments and process pics

Got some progress done today..

Yanked out the transfer case:

The meeting (my pretty southern transfer case & and the dirty northern 6 speed box (probably says words like pop and whatever northerners say- lol))
The idea was my transfer case is early model and nobody was sure whether it would bolt up to the late model 6 speed box)


Ran into two issues:
1. had to remove this little guy from my transfer case:

2. My factory bolts where 1/2" too long (I'll see if I can get some shorter ones ordered up or find some decent tensil strength bolts with the same shoulder at my local bolt supply)

Other than that, everything looks great

Next step was to see if my z4 3.0 (shorter overall height and throw than OEM) shifter would fit.. and the answer is probably not. I'll try bending the selector arm a bit, but will maybe have to go to a z4 2.5 shifter ( i don't like how tall OE xi shifters are)

I'll make my final call when I get the linkage installed (depending on the angle that it sits in the car it may just fit


Which brought be to my next problem:

the bracket that the shifter bushing snaps into is completely MIA on my car:


I emailed the guy who sold me the pedals and he said I could come remove that bracket from his parts car.. whew- hopefully I can get it welded on without too much trouble.

after a good bit of searching I found the part on realoem.. hopefully there is one in the country:
http://www.ecstuning.com/ES68831/ 41128246251

oh and FWIW torque convertor bolts are a PITA to remove from XIs (or maybe it was just my headers).
Going to try and drop the auto out of the car tomorrow

I'm waiting for the road test review. That thing will scoot!

Progress:


auto weighs ~180 lbs

How much weight are you saving?

Originally Posted by Kubica

How much weight are you saving?

Shipping weight of the 6 speed was 109 lbs. packaging was probably 20 lbs. so 90 lbs + 30 lbs (oem clutch + jbracing f/w) = 120 lbs.. so count 50-60lbs savings.

That's cool. I like your choice of clutch and flywheel. I don't like a really grabby clutch with a really light flywheel on the street.