6 speed for E34

[pugnut87]

Just a quick brain pick. I did search a bit and didn't come up with my answers.
We have a 97 540i 6 speed parts car, if I were to find a really clean E34 540i with an automatic.
How much of the transmission stuff could I swap onto the E34?

[PorscheH6]

Only the trans.

[pugnut87]

Thats exactly what I figured. Thanks

[xlr8tin]

I'll take the trans off your hands if you aren't using it;-)

[E34GRRR]

Only the trans.

Hi guys. I got myself into a 95 540i auto w/ 137k. I bought it with the dreaded Trans Program error. I found an E39 6 speed. Is the transmission really the only part that can be installed in the E34???

- - - Updated - - -

If only the transmission is compatible do you know of any good resources for the rest of the parts?

[T444E]

You could swap the motor too.

Junkyard for the rest of the stuff. Good luck on the driveshaft though

[Shoomakan]

Just a quick brain pick. I did search a bit and didn't come up with my answers.

LOL you LIAR. This topic is probably one of the most beaten to death only ANY BMW forum.

[Danni540]

Why only the transmission? My car had E39 540i/6 flywheel, clutch and press with the 5 speed gearbox (p.o. promised it fit all snug, found out otherwise when I swapped for 6 speed)

I can't see why it's not possible to bolt the E39 flywheel and clutch to the E34. I know for a fact that the flywheel and clutch fit and the starter can turn the E39 flywheel. If the E39 gearbox is used as well and the E39 clutch slave cylinder. Then E34 pedals and gear shifter. Then either source an E34 6 speed drive shaft or have one custom made.

If I'm wrong, then inform me. I can't see why this wouldn't work, based on my experience working on my own car, which has been automatic, 5 speed and finally 6 speed (now with all OEM E34 parts)

[Layne]

Sure, the clutch would work but nobody uses a used clutch. Flywheel, maybe if it's in good shape. Most important is that the trans crossmember, shifter, driveshaft, and pedals from the e39 are useless. And if you find all those parts you'll probably also find another 6 speed trans. So having an E39 parts car is not much help.

[xlr8tin]

Sure, the clutch would work but nobody uses a used clutch. Flywheel, maybe if it's in good shape. Most important is that the trans crossmember, shifter, driveshaft, and pedals from the e39 are useless. And if you find all those parts you'll probably also find another 6 speed trans. So having an E39 parts car is not much help.

Why won't the shifter and pedals from an E39 work? I can see the cross member which are cheap to get anyhow.

[E34GRRR]

Ya. About the pedals and shifter? Why wouldnt they work?

[Layne]

Because they're for a different car

[xlr8tin]

But are they made different...mounting harware, software like wiring switches in the pedals, etc.

I'f I could find a E34 this question would be irrelevant, but I can't or at least those that have E34 manual they are parting out are not responding to me. Maybe it's me..lol

Either way, this swap is going down since I just bought a trans. So the next group of guys that want to tackle this can come to me. I'd be more than happy to help them. I'm not really sure why people get so pissed off for helping others specially when it's something that has been beat to death.

I'm not talking about you Layne, thanks for answering our questions.

[Matt Z]

I'm no expert but if you just look at the pedal assembly schematics on realoem you can see major differences between the e34 and e39.

e34: http://realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?mo...id=47410&hg=35

e39: http://realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?mo...id=47588&hg=35

[E34GRRR]

ALREADY PURCHASED ITEMS:
2003 E39 M5 6-Speed Transmission $600 – Ebay
UUC Stage 2 Segmented Kevlar Clutch Kit + Lightweight Flywheel B16-GSK $1,779.00
E34 540i/6 Driveshaft $700 @ Bavarian Autosport with $200 core rebate

:::www.PelicanParts.com:::
21-52-1-155-425-M33 Clutch Master Cylinder, 540i (1994-95) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $99.25
21-52-1-161-874-M4 Clutch Slave Cylinder, 540i (1993-95) - $88
21-52-1-159-350-M33 Clutch Hose from Clutch Master Cylinder to Slave Cylinder, 540i (1994-95) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $14
11-14-1-729-836-M17 Gasket for Rear Cylinder Block Cover, 540i (1994-95) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $5
11-14-1-710-247-BOE Crankshaft Seal (100 X 125 X 13) 100X125X13, 540i (1994-95) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $32.50
25-11-7-507-695-M9 (2) Shifter arm bushing (attaches to transmission), 540i (1994-95, from October 1994) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $11.50
23-70-1-092-201-BOE Genuine BMW Part: Cross Member, 540i (1994-95) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $32.00
23-70-1-141-614-M270 (2) Transmission Mount, 540i (1994-95) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $18.50
11-21-1-720-310-BOE Pilot Bearing (15 X 32 X 10) NOTE: This bearing comes in an aftermarket box $24.25
18-21-1-178-340-M25 (2) Exhaust Support Bracket Kit, Rear Muffler to Rubber Hanger, Upper & Lower Parts (2 Sets Needed Per Car), 540i (1994-95) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $17.50
26-12-1-226-657-M737 Center Support with Bearing Assembly for Driveshaft, 540i (1994-95) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $31.25
25-11-1-222-365-BOE Shift Arm, 540i (1994-95, from October 1994) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $28.25
25 11 1 222 651 6 supt Brkt, 530i (1993-95) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M60 Engine (E34), $55.25
(251-112-207-07-OEM)

Still need:
Pedal Cluster
Shifter and Linkage
MTL redline synth MTL

[Kilomph]

Holy crap, $1800 for flywheel clutch? I take it forced induction is in the future?

[E34GRRR]

Holy crap, $1800 for flywheel clutch? I take it forced induction is in the future?

Depending on how 2014 goes my plan is to have the ESS Supercharger bolted on by the end of Summer '14.

[K Fox]

Holy crap, $1800 for flywheel clutch? I take it forced induction is in the future?

Oh hell - that's the cheap option for the V8 cars. The �über clutch kit for the V8 cars from UUC is actually $2400, +$200 if you want the upgraded clutch disc.

Fox (like yow - some pricey bits, there don'chaknow)

[E34GRRR]

Hey guys.. I'm wrapping up this conversion.
E39 M5 6 Speed Manual
UUC Motorwerks Stage 2 Clutch Kit
UUC Lightweight Flywheel
BavAuto Short Shift Kit

I bought an E34 540i 6 Speed driveshaft but my mechanic says its acouple few inches short??? Is the E39 Driveshaft longer?? PLEASE HELP ASAP!!!

[Layne]

Hey guys.. I'm wrapping up this conversion. E39 M5 6 Speed Manual UUC Motorwerks Stage 2 Clutch Kit UUC Lightweight Flywheel BavAuto Short Shift Kit I bought an E34 540i 6 Speed driveshaft but my mechanic says its acouple few inches short??? Is the E39 Driveshaft longer?? PLEASE HELP ASAP!!!

You need to have a large case differential with the right flange on it to use a 540i driveshaft. Or hybridize a 540i driveshaft front section and 530i rear section.

[E34GRRR]

You need to have a large case differential with the right flange on it to use a 540i driveshaft. Or hybridize a 540i driveshaft front section and 530i rear section.

Thanks! What is a large case differential? I'm not familiar.

[alwayswanted535]

Thanks! What is a large case differential? I'm not familiar.

Check out this thread:
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthr...highlight=diff

[uscharalph]

Subscribed.

[Creaver]

This thread is almost 4years old....

[ross1]

This thread is almost 4years old....

So, what?
Still useful information here and in the other thread for those contemplating this swap.