GS6-37BZ Six Speed Swap Guide for E34 525's

[moroza]

I have no interest in competition over form or function - I'd rather cooperate/collaborate - and I've no doubt your hardware works as well as mine while looking a hell of a lot better (not to mention more marketable). But I take issue with the suggestion that esthetics are simply a matter of pride. That shifter was made in a freezing garage on a 2-figure budget (then driven for a few months and removed for the photo without cleaning), not on a Tormach or in the facilities of an engineering school with, IIRC the school you go to, an endowment that recently surpassed one billion dollars. Best believe if I had that kind of resources, my stuff would look different.

Back to the topic, I had to change my output seal, and can't find a conclusive torque spec for the 37BZ output flange nut. The E46 Bentley ignores the existence of any 6-speed models. Pelican Parts claims it's a 30mm; mine measures ~34.5mm, which a 1-3/8" socket fits well. Any ideas?

[Singing6]

I have no interest in competition over form or function - I'd rather cooperate/collaborate - and I've no doubt your hardware works as well as mine while looking a hell of a lot better (not to mention more marketable). But I take issue with the suggestion that esthetics are simply matter of pride. That shifter was made in a freezing garage on a 2-figure budget (then driven for a few months and removed for the photo without cleaning), not on a Tormach or in the facilities of an engineering school with, IIRC the school you go to, an endowment that recently surpassed one billion dollars. Best believe if I had that kind of resources, my stuff would look different.

Back to the topic, I had to change my output seal, and can't find a conclusive torque spec for the 37BZ output flange nut. The E46 Bentley ignores the existence of any 6-speed models. Pelican Parts claims it's a 30mm; mine measures ~34.5mm, which a 1-3/8" socket fits well. Any ideas?

Uh. Use the table for bolt diameter and grade? Does it even go that high? Maybe just send it? Also, the robotics club has to fund itself. I have more capabilities at home on the Tormach than they do. Bit i digress.


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[Sleepyhead97]

Can we all agree that you both have contributed to e34 knowledge? I am so grateful for you both! Can we get back to car stuff like the driveshaft measuring contest

[Singing6]

Lol, that problem has been solved. The next one is seeing if the 850csi shift support arm really does fit. Who is going to be the $108 test subject?

[Sleepyhead97]

I am researching the junkyard to see what they got for me. I 70% want to do this
Update
just got back from jy. No joy. Did get some bmw pliars screw driver and 2 bmw wrenches.

For some reason the majority of the bmw engines were just dangling unsupported.

Ill keep my eyes peeled for my needed parts. Looking to go zf over getrag. Thanks guys

[iceman2007]

I’m looking to swap gs6-37bz from e46 330i/330ci (2003-2006) into my 92 325is (m50 motor with non vanos) and leaky 170k getrag 250 that grinds in 1st and 2nd. Any chance you could help me in this project? I’m also in Bay Area.
thank you in advance!

[circuit.heart]

I’m looking to swap gs6-37bz from e46 330i/330ci (2003-2006) into my 92 325is (m50 motor with non vanos) and leaky 170k getrag 250 that grinds in 1st and 2nd. Any chance you could help me in this project? I’m also in Bay Area.
thank you in advance!

The E36 swap is the same stuff almost word for word, using a 4L30E automatic trans crossmember, and either Reboot Engineering or Zionsville Autosport for the transmission-to-rubbermounts adapter. I have some mechanic friends in the Bay Area who probably wouldn't say no to a side job, but you have to have everything prepared.

[Singing6]

Ok, big news:

Not only foes the 850CSI shifter arm fit, it pushes the ball joint of the shifter so high up that a bent shift selector rod is bo longer required. The google sheet has already been updated and I will update the original post later today, but now this swap does not require a single custom part! Everything can be bought off the shelf. (Will post photos later today)

[moroza]

Ehh... I don't consider the trans adapter brace "off the shelf". Off the shelf of a custom shop?

[circuit.heart]

Ehh... I don't consider the trans adapter brace "off the shelf". Off the shelf of a custom shop?

You can also just space down the trans crossmember 30mm using off-the-shelf steel spacers and longer bolts from McMaster, that's what I did initially lol.

[rokus97]

Hi! I've been following your thread since a couple of months now. Thank you for sharing! I have an E34 525i too and I already have the GS6-37bz gearbox. I was hoping to be able to see the google document that you mentioned, so I can see what else I will need to do the swap. Could you tell me where I can find this document? I'm sorry if this might be a bit of a dumb question; I'm new to this forum.

Thank you in advance!
Cheers,
Rokus