Gearbox swap (5 to 6 sp) info

I dunno if someone already did this, i tried to search but didn't found anything useful..

maybe ther will be someone that will know this better that me..

the fact is this my gearbox is having problem with those spring for the leverage (i've 2cm of play in lateral movements),to change them i must drop down the entire gearbox and open it ($$$)..
i've a 2.8 engine but my car is a 323cic (with 3.23 diff)..
lots of fun but it seems that a gear is "missing"
i found a guy that has some 6sp g.boxes (from a 330ci,some from diesel models, plus an M3 e36 6sp)

they will be mine for cheap, cheaper than fixing mine and remain with a car that redline in 5th gear really too easily

the question is: which one do you suggest me to look for to keep more or less the same speed (more is welcome but not necessary) but distribuited on 6 sp?
i'm talking about ratio....


i already know that the driveshaft must be changed but that is the minor problem (clutch comes with the gearbox)

thanks mates

If you are going to put a 6 speed in it (from a 330) then you'll need a flywheel, clutch assembly, complete shifter, rear mount, driveshaft and maybe a different input flange for the diff (depends on what your car has in it). I suggest looking at http://realoem.com/bmw/ which will give you a good idea of what you need. As for ratios, here's a handy chart:
http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/GearRatios.htm

The link does not include gearboxes from diesels, there is good chance they have taller gears. 330 would be ideal (I know it fits as I just finished this swap). The ratios are pretty much the same as 5 speed and you get a .85 overdrive. This will drop your cruising RPMs in top gear so you could use shorter final drive (like 3.46).
I would stay away from e36 and M3 stuff.

Originally Posted by lab rat

The link does not include gearboxes from diesels, there is good chance they have taller gears. 330 would be ideal (I know it fits as I just finished this swap). The ratios are pretty much the same as 5 speed and you get a .85 overdrive. This will drop your cruising RPMs in top gear so you could use shorter final drive (like 3.46).
I would stay away from e36 and M3 stuff.

in fact diesel's might be the best ones (for ratios)

Diesel Gear Ratios:
1 - 5.080
2 - 2.804
3 - 1.783
4 - 1.260
5 - 1.000
6 - 0.835

Originally Posted by mrshelley

Diesel Gear Ratios:
1 - 5.080
2 - 2.804
3 - 1.783
4 - 1.260
5 - 1.000
6 - 0.835

ooohhh that's cool !!!

from which model these come from? (even if for what i saw on bokchois 330ci has the same ratios of mine + a 6th)...

from which model these come from?

Really?

Originally Posted by mrshelley

Really?

...really..,
dunno you,but in europe there are 4 diesel engine for 3 series and 5 for 5 series..