Gearbox models

[davemullender]

I need a replacement gearbox for my E30 320i, standard gearbox.

Are the standard gearboxes on 323i the same? Can't seem to work it out from ETK as there's slightly varying part numbers everywhere (no change there then eh!)

Thanks in advance

Dave

[Templ8e30]

Hi Dave, the 320i uses either a Getrag 240 gearbox (all 1987 on models do) or a ZF S5-16 gearbox.

The 323i uses either a Getrag 245 or a 260 gearbox.

The 325i uses a Getrag 260 gearbox.

Basically you need a 320i box, if you fit one of the others you'll need the correct propshaft to match that box as they use different lengths.

I have a spare 1990 320i gearbox in good nick if you need one. PM me if you're interested.

Cheers,

Iain T

[A1BMW325iSport]

top info from Iain, thats exactly what i would have said

[davemullender]

Thanks Ian, that explained it a treat.

Can you confirm the difference between
"Getrag 240 gearbox (all 1987 on models do) or a ZF S5-16 gearbox"

I'm guessing one was a sport box? Is there any easy way to visually check them?

Dave

[Templ8e30]

Pretty sure the 320i never got a sports box. The only reliable way of distinguishing a Getrag from a ZF box is to look at the bellhousing, on the slave cylinder side there will be 'Getrag' cast onto it. Not sure where ZF marks are, never seen one.

If you want a sport box I beleive the 323i was available with a dogleg sport box but I think it was an option only item and I've heard stories of them not lasting as well as standard ones.

Alternatively you could get a 325i sport Getrag 260 along with the matched propshaft. Not certain what the markings should be for a sport box though.

What year is the car ?, If it's a facelift model you'll probably have the original 4.1 small case diff. It's worthwhile changing this for a 3.91 large case. My e30 had a small 4.1 and an upgrade to a 3.91 made a big difference to fuel economy, was quieter on motorways and didn't make much of dent in the acceleration.

Cheers,

Iain T

[davemullender]

Thanks for that again Ian.

This is my Milltek Sport BMW Racecar so its all got to be standard So, oddly I was trying to make sure that any replacement parts I add are the standard parts (which makes a change!).

The car for info is a 1988 facelift model

Dave