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Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:07 pm
by GazrikBeno
Hi, I`m a new zone member. Is it poossible to fit a manual g/box into 325i touring auto and what parts I need. I bet this question has been asked before, just not sure how to find that particular topic. Please help.

Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:26 pm
by Dezzy
Not long since this was covered if i am right you need:
Gearbox
Pedal box
slave cylinder and piping
fly wheel
Clutch
manual prop
reverse light switch and wiring
manual center console. Corrected gaiter not console
Can be done but probs easier to buy a manul either to run or a mot failure as a donor
If i have missed anything someone will put me right
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:30 pm
by mash320i
pretty sure the consoles are the same
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:45 pm
by djk
Yeah, consoles are the same, just remove the auto shift surround and clip in a gaiter.
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:57 pm
by Dezzy
Oh my mistake guys gaiter not console.
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 9:37 pm
by Rickz
I spoke to SPADGE about doing this whos based in Milton Keynes and he quoted about 500 or so if i can remember, it can be done..
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 8:17 am
by Dezzy
You would defos get a mecanicly sound mot failure for less that £500. You need any 325 manual that is rotten. Get everything you need and if your handy with the spanners alot of spares. Probs be able to break rest of the car and would mean your could convert the car to manual and cost you nothing.
That would be the way i would do it.
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 8:24 am
by SUMPCRACKER
A manual 320 will do.
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 8:34 am
by Dezzy
Yeh 320 manual has better gearbox ratio good point
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 11:20 am
by Brianmoooore
There was someone on here last week wanting to change a manual 325 to an auto.
If he's anywhere near you, you should get together!
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 3:48 pm
by casper8r
Dezzy wrote:You would defos get a mecanicly sound mot failure for less that £500. You need any 325 manual that is rotten. Get everything you need and if your handy with the spanners alot of spares. Probs be able to break rest of the car and would mean your could convert the car to manual and cost you nothing.
That would be the way i would do it.
The reason OP was speaking to Spadge was probably a drive-in drive-out conversion, not everyone has enough space/time/skills/courage for a DIY conversion, parting the donor car and selling the bits.
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 7:57 pm
by Dezzy
Yeh yeh understand that i was saying what i would do and putting the idea out there thats all
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 6:34 am
by buzz6353
If you are further North try JBH on here
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 5:18 pm
by Kemlo
I have a switchable Auto box in my 325, I'd be interested in doing an exchange with someone - but as Casper8r says - I'm not convinced i've got the skills to do it myself - but I'd be a willing assistant...I can buy biscuits and make tea too...
Brianmoore - do you remember where/who it was?
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:59 pm
by Brianmoooore
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:09 pm
by Kemlo
Thank you - will remember that for future ref.
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:11 pm
by GazrikBeno
Kemlo wrote:Thank you - will remember that for future ref.
Thanks for all the replies. Not actually bought tourer yet. Its hard to find a good one. Hopefully viewing a silver one 117000 miles full history looks fab in the pictures £1995. Is that a little high price?
GazrikBeno
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:03 pm
by djk
It's strong money, not a bargain, but that may be what you have to pay for an unmolested, historied 325i Touring with low miles - I doubt you'll find one for sale with genuine sub-100k miles. If you do, buy it! It's never easy value a car without seeing it, but if this one's as good as it sounds, it could be fair value.
It all depends what you want - I reckon e30s are starting to attract 'classic' enthusiasts and it won't be long before the best cars are commanding bona fide classic money. There was a Touring on here last year for £3500 - I don't know if it sold for that or anywhere near it, but it did appear to be absolutely mint - the point is people are starting to at least ask for more and more. On the other hand, there are plenty of usable cars around for under a grand, and the odd underpriced bargain if you keep your eyes peeled.
I wouldn't buy an auto if you intend to convert it anyway - the very fact that it has been converted will inflate your insurance premiums, and there are plenty of sound manuals around.
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 2:17 pm
by baur320
Dezzy wrote:Not long since this was covered if i am right you need:
Gearbox
Pedal box
slave cylinder and piping
fly wheel
Clutch
manual prop
reverse light switch and wiring
manual center console. Corrected gaiter not console
I'm sure that Andyboy says in his bible that the TPS is different on a car with an auto too...
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 2:41 pm
by Brianmoooore
baur320 wrote:I'm sure that Andyboy says in his bible that the TPS is different on a car with an auto too...
Different on switchable autos, but still suitable for use with a manual conversion, as long as you use the engine look that fits it, as the plugs are different.
Re: Auto Gearbox Swap.
Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 8:37 pm
by GazrikBeno
I think i`m goind to hold out until a nice manual comes up. Having read all the different threads, it can be done, but it just seems a lot of work. I do have access to a workshop and a weekend sholud see it done with a mates help. But I really want to keep it as original as I can. Think I was so desperate to get a good one, they just all seemed to be autos. Again thanks for all the replies and advice.