E39 540 6spd into E46 330?

Does this tranny bolt up just like the ZHP/M3 6spd transmissions? If not, what is needed? I have access to fantastic deal on a 540i 6spd with shifter/linkage/driveshaft (no clutch/FW though).

It'd be great if the above parts will just bolt up to my M54 and M3 diff.

Both cars(m3 and 540) use Getrag S6S 420G transmisions, both cars have identical gear ration.

In fact all of these cars mentioned below use this tranny

* 1996-1999 BMW E36 M3 (Euro)
* 2001-2006 BMW E46 M3
* 1988-1995 BMW E34 540i and M5
* 1996-2004 BMW E39 540i and M5
* 1995–2001 BMW E38 7 Series
* 1989–1999 BMW E31 8 series
* 2000–2003 BMW E52 Z8


But bellhousing bolt patters is OBVIOUSLY different.

Just look at both the pic of a M62 bolt pattern and an 50 series pattern (m52,54,s52,54) and you can clearly see that the pattern is different.


BASICALLY ,remember this. The trans are interchangeable between their series bothers ONLY.

M60, M62, S62 are all interchangeable

M50,M52,M54,S50,S52, S54 all all interchangeable

And such. A V8 trans wont ever line up to a 6cyl .

Very informative response. Thank you.

can't you just swap the bellhousing from the tranny?

Originally Posted by Blocked Out

Both cars(m3 and 540) use Getrag S6S 420G transmisions, both cars have identical gear ration.

In fact all of these cars mentioned below use this tranny

* 1996-1999 BMW E36 M3 (Euro)
* 2001-2006 BMW E46 M3
* 1988-1995 BMW E34 540i and M5
* 1996-2004 BMW E39 540i and M5
* 1995–2001 BMW E38 7 Series
* 1989–1999 BMW E31 8 series
* 2000–2003 BMW E52 Z8


But bellhousing bolt patters is OBVIOUSLY different.

Just look at both the pic of a M62 bolt pattern and an 50 series pattern (m52,54,s52,54) and you can clearly see that the pattern is different.


BASICALLY ,remember this. The trans are interchangeable between their series bothers ONLY.

M60, M62, S62 are all interchangeable

M50,M52,M54,S50,S52, S54 all all interchangeable

And such. A V8 trans wont ever line up to a 6cyl .

Useful info I think to minimize hassle w/ tranny swaps...thanks

Originally Posted by SL Blak Soldier

can't you just swap the bellhousing from the tranny?

I would assume you can, but Im just guessing.

If you could, you would have to have 2 trans to begin with a (one from M3 and one from 540) and if you have both of them then why bother swapping anything when you can just stick the correct one in your car.

Even if its possible, noone on Earth would try it because it doesnt make any sense to do.

Originally Posted by Blocked Out

I would assume you can, but Im just guessing.

If you could, you would have to have 2 trans to begin with a (one from M3 and one from 540) and if you have both of them then why bother swapping anything when you can just stick the correct one in your car.

Even if its possible, noone on Earth would try it because it doesnt make any sense to do.

true.

hmmm maybe the 5spd bell housing has the same bolt pattern?

ps, because of the great info. add tags!

Originally Posted by SL Blak Soldier

true.

hmmm maybe the 5spd bell housing has the same bolt pattern?

ps, because of the great info. add tags!

Which tranny are you talking about? Which 5spd?

Originally Posted by SL Blak Soldier

true.

hmmm maybe the 5spd bell housing has the same bolt pattern?

ps, because of the great info. add tags!

Good luck fitting the 6-speed gears into a 5-speed housing (the 6-speed is almost twice as big)

Originally Posted by Blocked Out

Which tranny are you talking about? Which 5spd?

sorry, let me rephrase.

Separate the transmission from the bellhousing on the 6spd v8, and then do the same for the 5spd striaght6. then just swap the bell housing from the 5spd to the 6spd

Originally Posted by lab rat

Good luck fitting the 6-speed gears into a 5-speed housing (the 6-speed is almost twice as big)

well when you do 5spd to 6spd swaps you usually change the driveshaft as well.