E36 740il manual transmission swap

[Kw1269]

Have a 94 740il with v8. Im new to bwm and dont know what tranny have the same bellhousing patern as the engine but i would like to put a 5 or 6 speed in the car.
Theres a couple doner cars around, 1 being am 01 530i, the other being a 99 323i. Both have manual transmissions. Would either of these work? Thanks for any help.

[dworthy]

Welcome to the Forum!

A E-36 transmission will not fit on a V-8 motor, pretty much any 6-cylinder will have a different bolt pattern.

You can use one out of a E-34 5er, either the 530i (5-speed) or 540i 92-94 (5/6 speed), or find another one with the M-60 motor. AFAIK they never put a manual into an E-32 for the U.S. market, so finding the pedal box will be a bit of a challenge.

[moroza]

You could use a 94-95 530i 5-speed, but a much better and easier to find choice is a 6-speed from either an E34 (95 only, in the US) or E39 (97-03) 540i or M5. No 6-cylinder transmission will fit; both the other cars you list are sixes. You can use pedals from any E34 manual (same as E32, but good luck finding that), or modify your pedal bracket with a new OE clutch pedal (~$50-200 depending on a few things). Shifter linkage and crossmember should be E34 540i if you use the 6-speed. There is minimal wiring to modify, unlike with a later car. You will need your driveshaft lengthened ($100-400 depending on who does it and how much they like you). Search for E32 manual conversion for more details.