Getrag 420g parts interchangeability

[euroshark]

I've got an S6S 420g from an E46 M3. It seems that other than the bellhousing being different than the V8 version of the 420g, the tail housing is also a bit different. That housing should be easy enough to swap between the M3 and V8 versions, right? It looks as easy as removing the output flange and the bolts on the case. Has anyone done this? I'd like to keep the transmission as a spare if I can confirm that this would work.

[blackknight530i]

What differences are there in the tail section? I thought it was only the output flange that was different to mate with the smaller driveshaft on the M3. I have a spare S6S 420G from a 540i that I'm wanting to adapt to my 530i, but I need a bellhousing and output flange from a M3 to make it work. Which car are you wanting it as a spare for?

[auaq]

If I'm not mistaken I have read that aside from the bellhousing and the output flange there were a few more things to look out for. There are actually a few more differences here and there. I'll have to dig up the link I found out about it.

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Found this link but this one is going from M5 to a non-M E46.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...1046393&page=2

[blackknight530i]

If I'm not mistaken I have read that aside from the bellhousing and the output flange there were a few more things to look out for. There are actually a few more differences here and there. I'll have to dig up the link I found out about it.

Yeah, if you can find that, that'd be great. I know there was something about the input shaft being a bit shorter on one, but that it didn't affect whether it would work or not. It'd be really nice to not have to make a custom transmission mount for the e90 6-speed to fit like Stuck had to do. It still might be the better transmission though.

[euroshark]

The main reason I want to do this is because the transmission mounting tabs were broken in shipping. Looking at these two pictures side by side I see an additional sensor on the left side of the tail housing but otherwise they seem to be identical.

M3:


540i:

[auaq]

I hazard a guess but perhaps a reverse light switch?

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I also see a different slave cylinder although I think those can be swapped?

[TerraPhantm]

Few differences:

Bellhousing is different as you noted. But the input shaft is also a bit longer on the V8 transmissions - that will probably be an issue.

The extra sensor is the "gear recognition" sensor which is also used on the M5. You can ignore it on a 540.

The M3 also has a smaller output flange; it should be possible to install the V8 one.

[rf900rkw]

I have a few V8 420Gs, could use more 6cyl versions. Wanna trade?

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Also, the housing, while not terribly hard, is not simply unbolt. If you do it wrong, you'll have detent springs and interlocks a-flying.

[blackknight530i]

Also, the housing, while not terribly hard, is not simply unbolt. If you do it wrong, you'll have detent springs and interlocks a-flying.

Do you have any details on removing and reinstalling the rear cover? My spare 420g tail cover has a crack in it that I need to have welded up from the inside, but I've been too scared to remove it simply for this reason. I've heard many people warn of this, but afaik, I haven't seen anyone post the proper way to do it, especially not with pictures.

[rf900rkw]

No pics, sorry. The 5/6 linkage is the big fight. Best to remove the bellhousing first, then disassemble the 5/6 bellcrank from the front and leave the fork interlock rod with the rear case. Extreme care must be taken going back together to not have a roller come out of place on the floating bearings. They are proprietary... no easy replacements.

[euroshark]

I have a few V8 420Gs, could use more 6cyl versions. Wanna trade?

I'd be interested in doing something. Shoot me a PM if you're serious.

[Ilovemy525i]

Dragging this thread from the dead. Saw it might be possible to swap the output flanges- Has anyone actually swapped the output flange from the v8 6spd to the i6 6spd?
I’m collecting parts for my s54 e39 swap and would like to run a 540i driveshaft into the back of the i6 6spd.

[DRKIMBO]

im searching one getrag 420g