Auto Gearbox Swap.

Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:07 pm

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.

Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:26 pm

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

Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:30 pm

pretty sure the consoles are the same

Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:45 pm

Yeah, consoles are the same, just remove the auto shift surround and clip in a gaiter.

Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:57 pm

Oh my mistake guys gaiter not console.

Wed Mar 04, 2009 9:37 pm

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..

Thu Mar 05, 2009 8:17 am

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.

Thu Mar 05, 2009 8:24 am

A manual 320 will do.

Thu Mar 05, 2009 8:34 am

Yeh 320 manual has better gearbox ratio good point

Thu Mar 05, 2009 11:20 am

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!

Thu Mar 05, 2009 3:48 pm

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.

Thu Mar 05, 2009 7:57 pm

Yeh yeh understand that i was saying what i would do and putting the idea out there thats all

Sun Mar 08, 2009 6:34 am

If you are further North try JBH on here

Sun Mar 08, 2009 5:18 pm

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?

Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:59 pm

Few seconds with the search function: http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... anual+auto

Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:09 pm

Thank you - will remember that for future ref.

Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:11 pm

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

Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:03 pm

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.

Sat Mar 14, 2009 2:17 pm

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...

Sat Mar 14, 2009 2:41 pm

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.

Mon Mar 16, 2009 8:37 pm

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.