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Thread: Noob 733i Transy Swap

  1. #1
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    Noob 733i Transy Swap

    It has been determined that my '79 733i tranny needs to be rebuilt/replaced. While my mechanic said he could do it, he informed me that more than anything he needs parts. I plan on having this car forever as I inherited it from my beloved cousin. With that being said I've been thinking of getting some parts cars lined up to pull parts from over the coming years. Thus far I've found two potential candidates, an '82 745i and a '79 633CSi, both 4 speed manuals, which mine is. Supposedly the 745i has a 733 engine in it.

    So my question is, how do I determine if these engine/trannys are a match to mine? Is there a certain code somewhere on the engine block/tranny that will let me know if it is compatible with mine? Any input is much appreciated!

    Here is the info I found using the VIN Decoder ( http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi? )

    My 79 733i 79 633CSi 82 745i
    Chassis number 5776133
    Vehicle code 6734
    Series E23
    Model 733i
    Body type saloon
    Catalog model USA
    Production date 1979 / 07
    Engine M30
    Transmission Manual
    Steering Left
    Catalyzer YES
    Chassis number 5525244
    Vehicle code 5234
    Series E24
    Model 633CSi
    Body type coupe
    Catalog model USA
    Production date 1978 / 11
    Engine M30
    Transmission Manual
    Steering Left
    Catalyzer NONE
    Chassis number 7308434
    Vehicle code 6631
    Series E23
    Model 732i
    Body type saloon
    Catalog model ECE
    Production date 1982 / 06
    Engine M30
    Transmission Manual
    Steering Left
    Catalyzer NONE

  2. #2
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    Either of the transmissions should work. If you're doing a swap, I would recommend going with a 5 speed though.

    1989 635CSi Alpinewieß
    1989 325iC Alpineweiß II
    1985 745i Cosmosblau / Pacificblau cloth
    1995 525iT S50 / 5 speed Alpineweiß III
    1985 635i Cosmosblau
    1998.5 M3 Technoviolent
    1990 325iC
    1999 528i

  3. #3
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    I'm not sure what is up with that decoder, but a 82 745i does not have a 4spd manual in it. I'm also not sure why it says "732i" as the model, but my guess is because the engine is a 3.2L (With a turbo), thats why it comes up that way. A 82 745i came with a 3HP22 3spd.

    As ltflint said, if you are doing a manual swap it makes no sense to not do a 5spd swap. You can find a Getrag 260/5 all over the place for cheap.
    2000 BMW M5 Evolve Alpha-N Tune, Evolve Carbon Fiber CAI's, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Dinan Front STB, Dinan Rear Sway Bar
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    1985 BMW 745i 18" Style 37's, Team745i Chip, Getrag 265/6, Clutchmasters FX-300, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's ("Build" Thread")(SOLD)
    1986 BMW 735i Getrag 265/6 Swap, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's, Euro F/R Conversion, 3.46 L/S Diff (Scrapped)

    2016 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Stock
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    2003 Mercury Marauder JLT CAI, SCT Xcal4, Stainless Works LT's, SW 2.5" Catback
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  4. #4
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    Thanks for your input. Apparently the 745i has a 733i engine/tranny in it.

    I'm a sucker for original, so that's why I'm looking for the 4 speed. I should probably post a picture of my baby as well so you all don't think I'm some schmuck...

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by holdstarrunner View Post
    Thanks for your input. Apparently the 745i has a 733i engine/tranny in it.

    I'm a sucker for original, so that's why I'm looking for the 4 speed. I should probably post a picture of my baby as well so you all don't think I'm some schmuck...

    I'm not sure who would put a 733i motor in a 745i yet I've seen that at least one other time so I'm not surprised at how hacked up the euro cars get anymore.


    Its up to you if you want a 4spd, I mean its the same amount of work as putting a 5spd in and since the 4spd is not desirable at all, I'm sure you can get one very cheap.

    Post some pics for sure, always good to see new cars on the board.
    2000 BMW M5 Evolve Alpha-N Tune, Evolve Carbon Fiber CAI's, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Dinan Front STB, Dinan Rear Sway Bar
    2001 BMW 330i ​Dynavin N7 Pro

    1985 BMW 745i 18" Style 37's, Team745i Chip, Getrag 265/6, Clutchmasters FX-300, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's ("Build" Thread")(SOLD)
    1986 BMW 735i Getrag 265/6 Swap, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's, Euro F/R Conversion, 3.46 L/S Diff (Scrapped)

    2016 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Stock
    2004 Mercury Marauder
    Eaton M112, 3.4 Billetflow upper, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, 4.10's, Stainless Works LT's, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, FX-R projectors, Addco F/R swaybars
    2003 Mercury Marauder JLT CAI, SCT Xcal4, Stainless Works LT's, SW 2.5" Catback
    1996 Ford Bronco
    4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, MH1 projectors

  6. #6
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    e23 e36 e46
    If you can find a parts car for the drive shaft and pedals, I have a couple extra 5 speed trans pulled from e23's. That is, if your parts car has a 4 speed.

  7. #7
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    SicStang03, what are you looking to get for the 5 speed trans? Also, that tranny would fit fine to my M30 engine? The 633SCi guy wants $900 (body/interior are crap) and the 745i guy wants $1250 for just the car and $2500 for the car and a ton of 6-7 series OEM parts with engine and automatic trans. I'm torn on which way to go. Also, I can't seem to post a photo at this time?

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by holdstarrunner View Post
    Also, that tranny would fit fine to my M30 engine?

    Any Getrag 265/5, 265/6, 260/5, 260/6 or 280 will bolt to your M30. The 260/5 was the most common trans I think and while its not as strong as the 265/6, you're not going to break it in a 1979 anything.

    I bought a trans off of SicStang and can vouch for him.
    2000 BMW M5 Evolve Alpha-N Tune, Evolve Carbon Fiber CAI's, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Dinan Front STB, Dinan Rear Sway Bar
    2001 BMW 330i ​Dynavin N7 Pro

    1985 BMW 745i 18" Style 37's, Team745i Chip, Getrag 265/6, Clutchmasters FX-300, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's ("Build" Thread")(SOLD)
    1986 BMW 735i Getrag 265/6 Swap, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's, Euro F/R Conversion, 3.46 L/S Diff (Scrapped)

    2016 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Stock
    2004 Mercury Marauder
    Eaton M112, 3.4 Billetflow upper, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, 4.10's, Stainless Works LT's, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, FX-R projectors, Addco F/R swaybars
    2003 Mercury Marauder JLT CAI, SCT Xcal4, Stainless Works LT's, SW 2.5" Catback
    1996 Ford Bronco
    4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, MH1 projectors

  9. #9
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    Yeah, to be fair I do believe this is the 2nd or 3rd trans that has been put into my 733i. I'm only the 2nd owner as my Uncle bought it brand new in 79 and my Cousin drove it for a year or two before he passed. Are the 4 speeds known for being junk? Also the Getrag 5 speed won't mess with my engine rpms? I always felt that the 4 speed in my 733i was a bit sluggish and I was always felt like there should have been a 5th gear.

  10. #10
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    Yup, it will fit. The transmissions I have are 265/6. I would like $500 + shipping. I would recommend a parts car if you can find one though because you still need a driveshaft, pedals, flywheel, flywheel bolts, trans mount, hydraulics etc..

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by holdstarrunner View Post
    Yeah, to be fair I do believe this is the 2nd or 3rd trans that has been put into my 733i. I'm only the 2nd owner as my Uncle bought it brand new in 79 and my Cousin drove it for a year or two before he passed. Are the 4 speeds known for being junk? Also the Getrag 5 speed won't mess with my engine rpms? I always felt that the 4 speed in my 733i was a bit sluggish and I was always felt like there should have been a 5th gear.
    I don't know the ratios on the old 4spds but you might pick up some acceleration. Having an overdrive will be a huge plus. The 4spds are known for being undesirable because they are 4spds. I've seen people do 5spd swaps in E12's just to get rid of that old 4spd.


    Quote Originally Posted by SicStang03 View Post
    Yup, it will fit. The transmissions I have are 265/6. I would like $500 + shipping. I would recommend a parts car if you can find one though because you still need a driveshaft, pedals, flywheel, flywheel bolts, trans mount, hydraulics etc..

    I think his car already is a manual, shouldn't the pedals be the same? I think he'd need the trans mount and driveshaft at a minimum.
    2000 BMW M5 Evolve Alpha-N Tune, Evolve Carbon Fiber CAI's, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Dinan Front STB, Dinan Rear Sway Bar
    2001 BMW 330i ​Dynavin N7 Pro

    1985 BMW 745i 18" Style 37's, Team745i Chip, Getrag 265/6, Clutchmasters FX-300, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's ("Build" Thread")(SOLD)
    1986 BMW 735i Getrag 265/6 Swap, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's, Euro F/R Conversion, 3.46 L/S Diff (Scrapped)

    2016 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Stock
    2004 Mercury Marauder
    Eaton M112, 3.4 Billetflow upper, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, 4.10's, Stainless Works LT's, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, FX-R projectors, Addco F/R swaybars
    2003 Mercury Marauder JLT CAI, SCT Xcal4, Stainless Works LT's, SW 2.5" Catback
    1996 Ford Bronco
    4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, MH1 projectors

  12. #12
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    Oh, I missed that part. Yes, if your car is already manual, why would you look for a parts car? All the e23 specific transmissions had the same length driveshaft from what I have read. The output shaft is longer or shorter depending on the model.

    All you need is the transmission and trans mount. Might need the shifter plate too, depending on what your looks like right now. I have all of these items.


    Yes, the 4-speed transmissions are junk in all aspects. They are weak and provide no benefit for anything like acceleration and gas mileage.
    Last edited by SicStang03; 03-18-2015 at 10:20 PM.

  13. #13
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    Quick question. Are the clutch hydraulics upgradeable from other cars? I don't want to reuse the old master/slave cylinder from the parts car and would rather buy new parts but am not sure what to order. Can someone help out please?



  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by D Unit View Post
    Quick question. Are the clutch hydraulics upgradeable from other cars? I don't want to reuse the old master/slave cylinder from the parts car and would rather buy new parts but am not sure what to order. Can someone help out please?

    I haven't seen anything about an upgrade in regard to the master/slave cylinder. I just bought new replacements on rock auto, they are really cheap.
    2000 BMW M5 Evolve Alpha-N Tune, Evolve Carbon Fiber CAI's, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Dinan Front STB, Dinan Rear Sway Bar
    2001 BMW 330i ​Dynavin N7 Pro

    1985 BMW 745i 18" Style 37's, Team745i Chip, Getrag 265/6, Clutchmasters FX-300, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's ("Build" Thread")(SOLD)
    1986 BMW 735i Getrag 265/6 Swap, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's, Euro F/R Conversion, 3.46 L/S Diff (Scrapped)

    2016 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Stock
    2004 Mercury Marauder
    Eaton M112, 3.4 Billetflow upper, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, 4.10's, Stainless Works LT's, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, FX-R projectors, Addco F/R swaybars
    2003 Mercury Marauder JLT CAI, SCT Xcal4, Stainless Works LT's, SW 2.5" Catback
    1996 Ford Bronco
    4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, MH1 projectors

  15. #15
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    Glad to hear there's no upgrade because I just ordered replacement parts based on a 1985 735i...lol BTW, how much did you end up paying? I needed my stuff ASAP, so my mechanic ordered through his shop with 1 day turnaround - $40 for the slave and $100 for the master. I kinda got raped paying for the master but oh well...



  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by D Unit View Post
    Glad to hear there's no upgrade because I just ordered replacement parts based on a 1985 735i...lol BTW, how much did you end up paying? I needed my stuff ASAP, so my mechanic ordered through his shop with 1 day turnaround - $40 for the slave and $100 for the master. I kinda got raped paying for the master but oh well...

    I don't remember exactly (would have to check my emails) but it was somewhere around 30-45 dollars, thats what they go for on rockauto. I didn't get a BMW OE though, I THINK I got a bendix which is 45.
    2000 BMW M5 Evolve Alpha-N Tune, Evolve Carbon Fiber CAI's, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Dinan Front STB, Dinan Rear Sway Bar
    2001 BMW 330i ​Dynavin N7 Pro

    1985 BMW 745i 18" Style 37's, Team745i Chip, Getrag 265/6, Clutchmasters FX-300, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's ("Build" Thread")(SOLD)
    1986 BMW 735i Getrag 265/6 Swap, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's, Euro F/R Conversion, 3.46 L/S Diff (Scrapped)

    2016 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Stock
    2004 Mercury Marauder
    Eaton M112, 3.4 Billetflow upper, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, 4.10's, Stainless Works LT's, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, FX-R projectors, Addco F/R swaybars
    2003 Mercury Marauder JLT CAI, SCT Xcal4, Stainless Works LT's, SW 2.5" Catback
    1996 Ford Bronco
    4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, MH1 projectors

  17. #17
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    how can i tell or make my 1980 733i compatible to a 265/5 getrag tranny

  18. #18
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    I have everything you need except for the hydraulic lines and slave/clutch master- 265/6, drive shaft, pedals, clutch fluid reservoir-

    If you're hell bent on a 256/5 be ready to spend $$$$

    If interested, shoot me a PM

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