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Thread: Transmission swap/auto to 5 sp/ how much $

  1. #1
    Unregistered Guest

    Default Transmission swap/auto to 5 sp/ how much $

    i just got a 1990 535i and I was wondering how much money and time it would take to drop in a 5 speed transmission over the automatic.




    if you have anything for me e-mail me at:

    Volcomsnow2387@aol.com

    thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Albuquerque, NM
    Posts
    953

    Default Re: 5-spd swap

    I sunk close to $2.5k into my swap, minus resale of the used auto, diff, & misc. pieces such as burled console panel, TCU, etc. so the final cost will have run me right around $1500. I did the swap by myself in 3 days but could easily have done it in 2 if I hadn't f*cked off so much during the process. The trick is to pour over the ETK and surf the web to get ALL of the pieces lined up ahead of time. I overlooked a couple trivial items but was able to get them locally. I could have saved more money by ordering more shifter pieces thru BMA, etc. but ended up frequenting the local dealer's parts counter, but at least they give CCA'ers a 10% discount.

    Here's a summary of the swap:

    http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/page_41.htm

    By far the most tedious part was swapping out the pedal cluster, which can be done ahead of time on a Saturday & you can continue to drive with the automatic until all the rest of the parts come together. The rest of the job is simple nuts & bolts, not much more than doing a major clutch R&R were it already a 5-spd.

    Your '90 should already have a 3.91 diff which is certainly usable but perhaps the highest ratio you would want to run, a 3.64 or 3.73 would be better, but I like the 3.91 in my 7 and may keep it that way.

    Ballpark prices:

    Getrag 260/6, $500-750
    Driveshaft, $425
    Shift linkage, $100
    Pedal cluster, $75
    New clutch kit, $250
    Used e28 flywheel, $50-$75
    New Master & slave clutch cyls, $75
    Good used LSD diff, $350-450

    gale
    92 735im, 162k

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