Reply With Quotegale has done several manual swaps...to get the best economy the motor needs to be sub 2000 rpm at 60 mph...the more economical versions of the M30 have higher gearing than the 3.64 in my 535
Big, Big Time Poster
This is true... and having a shop do it would just be too expensive.
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3 Grand Master
gale has done several manual swaps...to get the best economy the motor needs to be sub 2000 rpm at 60 mph...the more economical versions of the M30 have higher gearing than the 3.64 in my 535
Gone but not forgotten
Grand Master
You could do the swap in a single weekend if you had all the parts lined up ahead of time... especially if you had a parts car. The manual swap and narrow lighter smaller size rims will make the biggest differences after a tune up.
You should pick up at least 1-2 mpg for the wheels, and probably 2-4mpg for the manual swap.
I did mine for about $1000 + $100-$150 in tools fluids etc.
90 minutes to swap the pedal box and do the electrical stuff inside the car, and about 5-6 hours to disassemble everything and about the same to reassemble, assuming garage floor and no help.
IF you have air, you cana knock out the swap in one day.
Garage floor? Heck no!
j/k
I have access to a lift and air tools.
I am going to plan a weekend to do it - it just won't be right away - have to source the parts still, and life is prettyright now.
Thanks for the encouragement - I have looked over your writeup at bf.c more than a few times for info on the swap.
Grand Master
If they made a 3.91 in that medium sized diff I'd go with that. I think the 3.73 might not get enough torque to the pavement for that to work well.
Funny I just picked up a 3.91 large case E34 LSD and am seriously wondering if it's going to be too deep.
Anyone want to trade a 3.73 large case LSD for my 3.91?
Cosmos Black/Black 1995 540iA M-Sport
BMW Individual Exclusive Edition, 1 of 65 total, 9/25/95 Build
Green Beret Special Ops
i went with the 3:64 and city mileage improved city but no gain/loss on the highway. I think 3000rpm is at 83MPH with the new setup. At first I freaked thinking more engine wear and bad mileage but I am comfortable with it now... 4K at 80 wouldnt scare me coz these engines are well balanced for higher rpms now low rpms like an idle is a different story.
95 E34 530I V2.37
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Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.
John F. Kennedy
another thought I am having - feedback appreciated:
If I do a 5 speed swap - I could use a Getrag 260 from an e30. It will bolt right up - a lot of the e30 guys use them when they put M50s in the e30.
AND - it has a true overdrive 5th gear.
Other than needing to figure out the driveshaft issue - should be as easy as using the ZF I would think.
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