M3 MT on my E39 528?

[GriMpY]

I had a quick chat with Charles, owner of Bertha and he mentioned that he swapped out his auto tranny from his 528 with a M3 manual tranny. He told me the estimate cost would be around $3k installed.

I was wondering what parts would be needed to do this swap?

Also I have the steptronic transmission and after I do the swap, what would be a fair price to sell everything that I removed from the swap? Tranny has 78k miles.

[Rob Levinson]

The E36 M3/328, E39 528, and E46 328/330 (5-speed) use the same manual transmission. There is no difference.

This information applies to 5-speed swaps:

Basically, all you are doing is converting your 528 to MT, just as offered from BMW.

You would need:

- transmission
- clutch/flywheel components
- driveshaft
- pedal box
- MT center console
- shifter parts
- diff with ratio appropriate for the MT
- re-programming of the coding to let the car know it is now MT

All in all, it is a straightforward job. However, it might not make sense from a cost standpoint if you are buying all-new parts. New parts from the BMW dealer may run roughly $6K - $7K or more (the transmission itself will be around $4K). The alternative is to find a dismantler with a wrecked MT 528 and scavenge the parts you need.

Don't forget, you should also expect $1K-$3K in labor.

Before you start this project, do a quick reality check - determine your car's value and the price of MT 528s. It might be less expensive to sell your car and simply buy another car equipped as you want in the first place.

This information applies to 6-speed conversions using E46 M3 or 330 6-speed transmission:

Differences from the above list include:

- custom driveshaft
- aftermarket shifter parts (UUC can build the correct-height unit for this swap)
- correct flywheel (UUC can build this also)

Add another $1K-$2K to the previous cost estimate.

[GriMpY]

Thanks ROB!

[Kudo540]

Grimpy,

Having a step is very nice. Why don't you keep your tranny and search for a 4.10 differential from the 4 speed 528i auto, like from a 1997 or something. Having a lower gear diff will do wonders for your car. And best of all your RPM will be no higher than a stock 1997 528i auto, because you have the extra gear.

I'm getting 3.64 in my 540i very soon. I did this in my M3 and WOW what a difference. I would also recommend getting the Dinan tranny software and Revhigh motor software to raise your HP and rev limiter for your new diff.

Just a thought
Mario

[GriMpY]

Mario I miss having a clutch ;)

but how much would a used diff. run and would I need to reprogram anything?

Would it help get rid of the lag in the shift?

[Kudo540]

It would make your car quicker. You acceleration would impove a lot. The Dinan tranny software works wonders on step tranny's. You could probably find a used one for $500 or less, maybe at a junk yard. 528i autos are very common. Also you could add the paddle shifting to you car. If I were you I would do the diff. It will cost a lot less than a manual conversion and would be headache free. Along with a CAI, software, and tranny software you car will be night and day. It will mostly likely be faster than a manual stick.

[GriMpY]

hmmm sounds interesting... I'll look into this option as well.

[sde39]

Is there a place that shows what diffs came in whats year cars?

[Dwayne]

Is there a place that shows what diffs came in whats year cars?Holy old thread, Batman.

What's up with the recent flood of revived old threads? I can understand wanting closure on a subject, but this thread isn't that related to diffs.

[GriMpY]

yeah it is an old thread... I did end up with a mt e39 though. :)

[sde39]

Uhh so what about my question?