Swapping a 260/6 into your m6

[e30luv318i]

Hi everyone I hope this is helpful to someone who was having similar problems finding info on using this transmission in an e24 m6 or e28 m5!

so as many of us know the 280 has its problems. Now if your looking to replace your transmission you have 2 options. One being using a 265 this is a great transmission! But this transmission is expensive and requires some shift selector updating. now your second option is the 260/6 this is found in later e28 535’s, I found mine from a local Craigslist add for $200 ! Some say the 260/6 is not strong enough to handle the 70 or so extra horsepower the s38 puts out... this is wrong though it may not be as strong as the 265 there are plenty of guys out there running m106’s in front of this transmission. That being said this transmission (260/6) is a great candidate for the m6/m5, now there are some things you are going to need to run this transmission. Everything selector and drive shaft wise from a 535/635 needs to be gathered.

-SELECTOR-

part numbers:

Cross member-
23711128517


Shifting arm-
25111220900

Selector rod-
25111220910


These selector pieces are what you need to run from the 635/535 they are the same part numbers for the 2 cars. The actual shifter lever (where shift knob mounts) can be used from your m6 or many other bmws as an upgrade

These are the updated selectors from the stamped metal style the 265 has. I purchased these pieces new from the dealer as my transmission did not have them.


-DRIVE SHAFT-

The biggest part you need now is the drive shaft from a 635/535 no your m6 one WILL NOT WORK! It’s way too short even extended all the way out

as you can see even with the m6 drive shaft extended all the way out it’s just not enough



-CLUTCH-

your m6 clutch can be left alone it clears with no problems! Along with that the clutch fork is the same.



Things to check:

-the pivot pin on the other side of the clutch fork are normally worn replace it !

-the 260/6 has fins on the bottom it looks exactly like the g280 and even has the same part number

-replace all your shifter bushings while your here!

[eric1ono]

This is helpful information. Thanks for sharing!

Eric

[e30luv318i]

No problem ! I know there is not much info on this as most people do the 265. Took her for a drive smooth as butter, and the best part is no more 3rd gear grinding when spiritly driving ! Haha

[sofiabghome]

No problem ! I know there is not much info on this as most people do the 265. Took her for a drive smooth as butter, and the best part is no more 3rd gear grinding when spiritly driving ! Haha

Hi,

I have been running this set up for years on my daily
driver E24M6 and my race car E24M6 S38 B36 powered
and takes a lot of abuse at the track.

Did you notice anything else which is win win when
you swap from 280 to 260....?

Regards,
Anri

[e30luv318i]

Your my hero to hear that you’ve been giving it some good runs with no problems ! So far I noticed 2nd is a lot better as before rolling stop in 2nd 5-10 mph range would bog, Feels much better now especially in city driving. My 280 would whine slightly where the 260 is silent! I have yet to do a highway run yet but it appears that 5th should be identical to the 280. So far to me it feels like a completely different car ! Smoother changing gears and no more 3rd gear grind ! What an annoyance that was! Looks like you have quite an experience with s38 powered cars! I wish I had known sooner someone had done this I was nervous ordering every part not knowing if it would fit lol!

[sofiabghome]

Your my hero to hear that you’ve been giving it some good runs with no problems ! So far I noticed 2nd is a lot better as before rolling stop in 2nd 5-10 mph range would bog, Feels much better now especially in city driving. My 280 would whine slightly where the 260 is silent! I have yet to do a highway run yet but it appears that 5th should be identical to the 280. So far to me it feels like a completely different car ! Smoother changing gears and no more 3rd gear grind ! What an annoyance that was! Looks like you have quite an experience with s38 powered cars! I wish I had known sooner someone had done this I was nervous ordering every part not knowing if it would fit lol!

Hi,

The ratios are shorter from 1st up to 3rd gear.

G260 1st 3.82, 2nd 2.20, 3rd 1.40 4th 1.00 5th .81
G280 1st 3.51 2nd 2.08 3rd 1.35 4th 1.00 5th .81

So now you have much easy take off the line
and 2nd gear will allow you to spool the engine
quicker, also 3rd gear will still give you a bit juice.

Also the rpm drop will be less when you up shift
from 1st to 2nd to 3d then rest is all the same
as on g280.

As of bonus did you notice it's lighter around
12-15pounds ? 77pound vs 95 if remember correctly.


Regards,
Anri

[e30luv318i]

This makes me very happy ! Hahaha that was the first thing I noiced! What a weight difference! How many miles do you think you have on your gearboxes ? I can’t wait to get some miles on mine but we are getting a nice spring snow storm

[sofiabghome]

This makes me very happy ! Hahaha that was the first thing I noiced! What a weight difference! How many miles do you think you have on your gearboxes ? I can’t wait to get some miles on mine but we are getting a nice spring snow storm

Hi,

Don't worry. The Abuse my G260 took at the
track is what your car will never ever see, I am
very serious.

On my daily M6 I put something like 60k miles
with the G260 since i sold my super healthy
G280 to a purist.

Enjoy your tranny.

Regards,
Anri.

[e30luv318i]

Haha ! Excellent response! Thank you sir !