ZF 6HP26 conversion in an E38

[carbonblack7]

Wondering if anyone here has done a 6 speed auto conversion to an E38? I have read about the manual conversions, but in my opinion, she should be an auto, plus my other steer is an E39 M5, so don't want both cars too similar. I have done a 4.6 alpina engine upgrade and it is chipped with paddleshift. If anyone here has information or a clue, would love your feedback, thank you in advance.

[pizzaman09]

Several years ago I remember reading this question posed on the e38 subforum. I think the consensus is that it would be a crazy difficult project as the 6 speed was never bolted to the M62 engine. The programing would likely be the difficult part. Also I don't know if that transmission would actually fit in an e38, it might but I doubt anyone had ever tried?

Is there a particular reason you do not like the 5 speed auto that is in it all ready?

Also do you have any details on your 4.6L conversion?

[BimmerBreaker]

It won't be worth the effort and it will be more of a gimmick than anything else. The difference from your current auto to that auto will be largely insignificant.

[carbonblack7]

Was thinking it would be nice to have another gear on highway cruising. Also with my 4.6 I was a little worried the box would not hold up. Got the 4.6 out of an X5. Engine fit the car pretty easy, used both the ECU from the X5 and the gearbox ECU. Am hunting an Alpina B10 gearbox ECU at the moment. All of the ancillaries bolted up fine and the engine was no problem. Let me know what else you might want to know pizzaman.

[gstarr303@gmail]

Hi did you end up going ahead with this?

[B10 BITURBO]

The easiest way,, is fitting a longer ratio,, DIFFERENTIAL

[pizzaman09]

Honestly, the much more common modification to e38 transmissions is a swap to the 6 speed manual found in the e39. The manual was offered on preface-lift e38s in Europe so the conversion isn't too difficult. Pedal boxes can be hard to come by but they are available for a price. Most people end up using one from an e39 anyway and then modifying the clutch linkage length.