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Thread: 1991 E31 850i Kaputt Transmission

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    1986 325i, 1991 850i, Z4

    1991 E31 850i Kaputt Transmission

    Hi there,

    Long story short, the automatic ZF4HP24 on my e31 is dead, and I do miss it a lot.

    I see 2 main options:

    1° Replacing the automatic with an other automatic:
    - I can buy a 4HP24 from a Jaguar XJ40. Can I fit it to my car ? If not, is there any other car that I can take it from ?

    2° Replacing the automatic with a manual:
    I've seen adaptator plates from e46 ( http://www.pmcmotorsport.com/gearbox...7-gearbox.html ) and even from VAG gearbox. Is that a possibility ?
    I've heard about manual swaps done with 420G but they are getting more and more expensive and rare to find these days (and I can't even find a 560G)


    Thanks for your answers

  2. #2
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    You would probably have more luck finding a 4HP24 from an E32 750i - there were a few of those made.....
    Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i


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  3. #3
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    1986 325i, 1991 850i, Z4
    Yeah that's what I think. Sadly they are about 3-4 times more expensive than the Jaguar ones
    Is there a particular model year that I should focus on ? I've heard that there was 2 different type of connector on these ? I think mine has 7 pins on it

    Logically the last ones made should be the ones, but maybe I'm wrong

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    E32 750 4HP24 have the gear shift shaft and lever on the opposite side than the E31, so you have to modify it. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=24_0757
    8-pin connectors and valve bodies were used till approx. end of 1988, then came the 7-pin version. Also the valve bodies are different (number of solenoids)
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  5. #5
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    There's more to it than that... there is a number plate on your transmission. The transmission control module is different for each "series", so you would have to find the same flavor of 4HP24 as what you had or you'd have to get the control module too. The jaguar ones are likely different gearing and completely different electronics, tempting but I would forget about those.

    Over here in the US, there are a few re-builders for the 4HP24 and ONE that actually re-manufactures them completely. The cost is just shy of $2,000.00 for one of those - and worth every penny.
    Me, I'd look for a place like that. You get a guarantee and a rock solid transmission - that works.
    '91 Dinan 860 Stage III (new 6L engine)
    '91 Dinan 850 TT stage III (brand new engine) 21st Century Tech meets 18th Century Dinan...
    '91 850i 6sp (mint) (sold)
    '90 Dinan 750iL TT stage III (Guido - The Beast)
    '94 850 CSi The Detroit Auto Show car (restored to factory perfect) (sold)
    '96 850Ci, The George Carlin car
    ''73 3.0 csi, '08 535i, '03 X5 4.6is
    ...and a few other non BMW cars

  6. #6
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    Unless you want to fly to LA! There are 2 at LKQ Pick a Part for 150 out the door on wrecked cars or you can have one that need a clutch pack replaced for $50 + shipping.

  7. #7
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    1992 850i, 2015 M5
    Quote Originally Posted by cartoonz View Post
    There's more to it than that... there is a number plate on your transmission. The transmission control module is different for each "series", so you would have to find the same flavor of 4HP24 as what you had or you'd have to get the control module too. The jaguar ones are likely different gearing and completely different electronics, tempting but I would forget about those.

    Over here in the US, there are a few re-builders for the 4HP24 and ONE that actually re-manufactures them completely. The cost is just shy of $2,000.00 for one of those - and worth every penny.
    Me, I'd look for a place like that. You get a guarantee and a rock solid transmission - that works.
    Do tell. Who are these re-builders and re-manufacturers?

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    91 Dinan860 & 91 850 6sp
    Quote Originally Posted by nrp22101 View Post
    Do tell. Who are these re-builders and re-manufacturers?

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
    These guys are the only ones in the country that actually remanufacture 4HP22's
    Precision European Inc.
    714-241-9657
    www.peius.com

    Cost is around $2k, buy it through a shop or it will cost you more. You don't have to have the shop put it in, but you can get a discount that way.
    I replaced the transmission in my Dinan TT 750iL Stage 3, and the thing is bulletproof now.

    There are several transmission shops scattered around the country that will attempt a "rebuild" of some kind. Will likely end up costing close to what PEIUS charges and will definitely not have all the latest versions of transmission parts... so, mileage may vary with the local places. PEIUS completely remanufactures them, and has been the "go to" source for BMW slushboxes for 35+yrs...
    '91 Dinan 860 Stage III (new 6L engine)
    '91 Dinan 850 TT stage III (brand new engine) 21st Century Tech meets 18th Century Dinan...
    '91 850i 6sp (mint) (sold)
    '90 Dinan 750iL TT stage III (Guido - The Beast)
    '94 850 CSi The Detroit Auto Show car (restored to factory perfect) (sold)
    '96 850Ci, The George Carlin car
    ''73 3.0 csi, '08 535i, '03 X5 4.6is
    ...and a few other non BMW cars

  9. #9
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    1986 325i, 1991 850i, Z4
    Thanks for all your answers,

    I think I'm gonna go for the E32 one. I can get my hands on a 1989 gearbox for about 500 euros, which seems fair.
    The only thing that concerns me is modifying the shift and lever to fit on my 850. It doesn't seem to be that tricky, just get the parts on the old gearbox and put them on the new one ?
    Solenoid wise, the 7 pins is the latest model that were put on the post 1988 E32 model as well as all M70 E31 and it had 4 solenoids. Am I wrong ?

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    11.5 MB for download, all the info you need http://parts-at.ru/wp-content/upload...Tech-Guide.pdf
    The Electronic Control system was first introduced in 1986 and was incorporated into the totaly hydraulic 4HP-22 unit produced by ZF. It combines the hydraulic control of forward and reverse gear engagement, with electronic control for automatic upshifts from 1st thru 4th and automatic downshifts from 4th thru 1st gears. Three different versions of valve bodies have been used on BMW vehicles, with minor differences between them
    The 1st version, designated Early "E-7", has 5 solenoids on the valve body, was introduced in 1986 and used up thru 1989. This version includes a solenoid for reverse lockout.
    The 2nd version, designated Late "E-7", has 5 solenoids on the valve body, was introduced in 1988 and used up thru Mid-1989. This version includes a solenoid for reverse lockout.
    The 3rd version, designated "E-9", has 4 solenoids on the valve body, was introduced in Mid-1989 and used up thru 1994. This version uses a shift solenoid for the reverse lockout function.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
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    Had a 1991 BMW 850

    Dead Trans

    Quote Originally Posted by shogun View Post
    The 3rd version, designated "E-9", has 4 solenoids on the valve body, was introduced in Mid-1989 and used up thru 1994. This version uses a shift solenoid for the reverse lockout function.
    Rebuilt the Valve Body per Shogun, same problems. Will be Pursuing this.

    There are a couple sellers in the US that have Transmissions from 750 from Japan with 50K miles, I have to see if they are the right ones.

  12. #12
    Join Date
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    1992 850i, 2015 M5
    Thoughts on whether Its better to used a bmw indy shop or a trans specialty shop to install a reman 4hp24?
    I got this repair coming due very soon.

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

  13. #13
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    Sep 2018
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    E34 M5, Alpina B10, 850i
    If you are looking for a good transmission, I might know one in the Netherlands (from a guy that's familiar with sending stuff all over the world and arranging transportation).
    He has around 6 E31's in parts on his property.
    Last edited by Ohnizz; 10-18-2018 at 05:03 PM.

  14. #14
    Join Date
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    1986 325i, 1991 850i, Z4
    Ohnizz That would be great !

  15. #15
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    E34 M5, Alpina B10, 850i
    Quote Originally Posted by Marc850 View Post
    Ohnizz That would be great !
    I replied to your PM, but dont see them in send messages. Let me know if you didnt get them..

  16. #16
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    E34 M5, Alpina B10, 850i
    From what I've heard; you've made a deal with this good old E31 fanatic. Good job and enjoy your new tranny

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